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 Santa Barbara. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Halibut
Santa Barbara is a prime location for Halibut fishing, offering anglers the chance to target these flatfish in relatively shallow waters. The key to success is understanding their preference for sandy or muddy bottoms near structure. Focus your efforts in areas like sandy beaches near harbors, or the edges of kelp forests. Drifting with live bait, such as smelt or anchovies, is a highly effective technique. Bouncing a leadhead jig along the bottom can also produce results. The best time to target Halibut is during the spring and summer months when they move into shallower waters to spawn. A local tip: try fishing near the Santa Barbara Harbor breakwater, where Halibut often congregate. Also, be patient and persistent, as Halibut can be masters of camouflage and difficult to detect. The Halibut in this area are known for their good size, making them a rewarding target for anglers of all skill levels.
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 bag limit for Halibut in California?
The bag limit for Halibut in California is 3 fish per day.
What size Halibut can I keep when fishing near Santa Barbara?
You can keep Halibut that are 22 inches in total length or greater.
Do I need a license to fish for Halibut in Santa Barbara?
Yes, you need a valid California sport fishing license to fish for Halibut in Santa Barbara.
Is there a specific time of year that's best for Halibut fishing in Santa Barbara?
While Halibut fishing is open year-round, the best time to target them in Santa Barbara is typically during the spring and summer months.
More Halibut Fishing in California
Other Species to Fish in Santa Barbara
Ready to Catch Halibut in Santa Barbara?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.




