A California vacation would be incomplete without a few deep-sea fishing trips. If you are following in the footsteps of your fishing buddies, there are at least three facts they forgot to tell you. What should you know about Southern California deep-sea charters before setting foot on deck?
Deep-Sea Fishing Trips Follow Peak Seasons
As noted by Sportfish San Diego, deep-sea charters usually target fish species by following a calendar denoting seasonal peaks. For example, if you have your heart set on yellowfin tuna, schedule your California vacation between the months of July and October. Conversely, if big eye tuna is your game, then August and September are the months that charter boat operators predict greatest success.
Deep-sea Fishing in Southern California Is Regulated
The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) provides up-to-date information on open, closed, and partially closed fisheries. Check the listing frequently, as ocean conditions or dips in the fish populations may lead to early fishery closures. Moreover, fishing for some species from shore is governed by rules that greatly differentiate from regulations applying to deep-sea charters. Case in point are rockfish, which may be caught by divers and shore anglers year-round, but may only be caught by boat anglers between March 1 and December 31. The changing rules, bag limits, tackle restrictions, and depth constraints are the reasons why tourists going on deep-sea fishing trips prefer to use the services of deep-sea charters.
Not All Deep-sea Charters Operate and Cost the Same
– Newport Landing (309 Palm St. #A in Balboa, CA 92661; 949-675-0550) will charge you extra if the cost of marine diesel goes above the $4 per gallon mark. Rod rentals start at $12.50, and a half-day deep-sea fishing charter costs $41.50 for anyone 13 and older; the cost is $34 for anyone 12 and under.
– Davey’s Locker (400 Main St. in Newport Beach, CA 92661; 949-673-1434) offers an adult package price for half-day charters, which includes not only the $46.50 ticket price, but also a rod rental, one-day fishing license, and tackle. The company charges extra for onboard fish cleaning.
– Marina del Rey Sportfishing (Dock 52 Fiji Way in Marina del Rey, CA 90292; 310-822-3625) specializes in twilight charters. These deep-sea fishing trips last from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and cost $39 for each adult. In this case, adult pricing also applies to youngsters 12 and older. Those under the age of 12 pay $25.
– Dana Wharf (34675 Golden Lantern in Dana Point, CA 92629; 949-496-5794) offers a special deal for Tuesday anglers: 50 percent off ticket prices. Good on half-day and three-quarter-day trips, this year-round promotion makes it affordable to go deep-sea fishing if $44 or $59 respectively for an adult ticket is a bit steep. Youngsters over the age of 14 pay the adult ticket cost.
