Fishing Charters in California
Browse fishing charters in California that can help you catch halibut.
Sea Shift Sportfishing
Bodega Bay, California
Bodega Bay Sportfishing Center - Sea Shift , Fort Bragg and SF. Specializing in Salmon, Halibut, Crab, Tuna Rockfish and Lingcod. Fishing Reports Available
Pacific Fresh
Santa Cruz, California
PacificFresh specializes in wild troll-caught pacific fresh seafood including King Salmon, California Halibut, Lingcod and Pacific Snapper.
Prisoner Rock Charters
Prisoner Rock Charters for Trinidad, California Fishing Trips! Halibut, Rockfish, Lingcod, Greenling, Dungeness Crab, & more. Call (541) 749-0145
Full Throttle Sportfishing
Full Throttle Sportfishing is the #1 Fishing Charter service in Humboldt, located in Eureka, California. We catch salmon, rockfish, and halibut.
GATECRASHER FISHING ADVENTURES
Come join www.gatecrasherfishing.com for an epic guided saltwater fishing experience for Salmon, Halibut, Striped Bass, Shark, Sturgeon, Ling Cod, Rock Cod, Crab.
Bill's Sportfishing and Guide Service
San Francisco Bay Charter Fishing and Ocean,Delta, Bay Area Charter Fishing Sacramento and American Rivers Halibut,Salmon,Sturgeon,Steelhead,Striper,
Unforgettable Fishing Adventures
Unforgettable Fishing in the San Francisco Bay and Outside the Golden Gate. Fishing for King Salmon, Halibut, Striped Bass, Dungeness crab, Ling Cod, Rockfish and Sharks. Experience a world class Fishery with views of the Iconic Golden Gate Bridge and located in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, California.
Seven Z's Sport and Fish LLC
Experience unforgettable fishing and scenic cruises in Bodega Bay. Our family-owned charter service offers rock cod, halibut, king salmon fishing, and whale watching along the stunning Sonoma and Marin coastline. Join us for an adventure on the water today!
North Bay Fishing Charters
North Bay Fishing Charters specializes in Charter Fishing Bodega Bay and Tomales Bay for Salmon, Bluefin Tuna, Albacore Tuna, Rockfish, Crab, Halibut and more
Reel Obsession Sportfishing
Northen California fishing charter, salmon, halibut, rock cod, lingcod, sturgeon, tuna. Specializing in custom fishing charters from half moon bay to the oregon border. Reel Obsession Sportfishing
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Come out on the Warrior Poet for full and half day fishing charters on the San Francisco Bay and beyond the Golden Gate, departing from Fisherman's Wharf. Fishing Charters for rock fish, sturgeon, stripers, salmon, shark, Dungeness crab, tuna, ling cod, halibut on the San Francisco Bay and beyond the Golden Gate.
The CodFather Sportfishing
The CodFather offers offshore rock cod trips, salmon trolling, San Francisco bay Halibut, and Striper trips. Along with special occasions such as birthdays, proposals, and private bookings for events such as Fleet Week and the 4th of July. All gear and bait are provided for up to six guests.
Best Time to Catch Halibut
Halibut can be caught year-round in Carpinteria. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Halibut
Targeting halibut off Carpinteria, California, demands understanding the local ecosystem. This area, where the Santa Ynez Mountains meet the Pacific, sees seasonal upwelling that drives baitfish concentrations. Halibut follow this forage. Focus your efforts in the spring and early summer when the water warms and halibut move closer to shore to spawn. Look for sandy bottom structure near kelp forests or rocky reefs; these are prime ambush points. A slow-trolled live bait, like a smelt or sardine, is hard to beat. Alternatively, a well-presented swimbait can also produce. A key local tip: pay close attention to the currents around Rincon Point. These currents can concentrate bait and, in turn, halibut. Also, be aware that water clarity can change quickly, so have a variety of lure colors to adapt to the conditions. Remember to check depth finders to find the ledges where Halibut like to ambush.
How to Catch Halibut
Halibut Fishing Regulations in California
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
3 per day
Size Limit
22-inch minimum total length
License Required
Sport fishing license
Specific area closures may apply; check current regulations before fishing. Gear restrictions may apply in certain areas.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the California state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in California
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bait to use for halibut fishing near Carpinteria?
Halibut are known to take a variety of baits, but live anchovies, sardines, or smelt are popular choices. Artificial lures like swimbaits and bucktail jigs can also be effective.
Is there a closed season for halibut fishing near Carpinteria?
No, the season for halibut is open year-round in California, so you can target them any time of year.
What's the minimum size halibut I can keep in California?
The minimum size limit for California halibut is 22 inches total length. Any halibut smaller than this must be released.
How many halibut can I keep per day when fishing near Carpinteria?
The daily bag limit for California halibut is 3 fish per person.
Do I need a fishing license to fish for halibut near Carpinteria?
Yes, you'll need a valid California sport fishing license to legally fish for halibut.
More Halibut Fishing in California
Other Species to Fish in Carpinteria
Ready to Catch Halibut in Carpinteria?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.