Fishing Charters in California

Browse fishing charters in California that can help you catch halibut.

Sea Shift Sportfishing - Sea Shift Sportfishing
Sea Shift Sportfishing

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

freshwateroffshoreTunaStriped Bass
Bodega Bay, California
Pacific Fresh - Pacific Fresh
Pacific Fresh

Pacific Fresh

Santa Cruz, California

PacificFresh specializes in wild troll-caught pacific fresh seafood including King Salmon, California Halibut, Lingcod and Pacific Snapper.

freshwaterCalifornia HalibutSalmon
Santa Cruz, California
Prisoner Rock Charters - Prisoner Rock Charters
Prisoner Rock Charters

Prisoner Rock Charters

5(13)Top Rated

Prisoner Rock Charters for Trinidad, California Fishing Trips! Halibut, Rockfish, Lingcod, Greenling, Dungeness Crab, & more. Call (541) 749-0145

Dungeness CrabHalibutLingcod
Trinidad, California
Full Throttle Sportfishing - Full Throttle Sportfishing
Full Throttle Sportfishing

Full Throttle Sportfishing

5(2)Top Rated

Full Throttle Sportfishing is the #1 Fishing Charter service in Humboldt, located in Eureka, California. We catch salmon, rockfish, and halibut.

HalibutSalmonStriped Bass
Eureka, California
GATECRASHER FISHING ADVENTURES - GATECRASHER FISHING ADVENTURES
GATECRASHER FISHING ADVENTURES

GATECRASHER FISHING ADVENTURES

5(30)Top Rated

Come join www.gatecrasherfishing.com for an epic guided saltwater fishing experience for Salmon, Halibut, Striped Bass, Shark, Sturgeon, Ling Cod, Rock Cod, Crab.

CodHalibutSalmon
San Francisco, California
Bill's Sportfishing and Guide Service - Bill's Sportfishing and Guide Service
Bill's Sportfishing and Guide Service

Bill's Sportfishing and Guide Service

5(10)Top Rated

San Francisco Bay Charter Fishing and Ocean,Delta, Bay Area Charter Fishing Sacramento and American Rivers Halibut,Salmon,Sturgeon,Steelhead,Striper,

HalibutSalmonSteelhead
Richmond, California
Unforgettable Fishing Adventures - Unforgettable Fishing Adventures
Unforgettable Fishing Adventures

Unforgettable Fishing Adventures

5(19)Top Rated

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.

CodDungeness CrabHalibut
San Francisco, California
Seven Z's Sport and Fish LLC - Seven Z's Sport and Fish LLC
Seven Z's Sport and Fish LLC

Seven Z's Sport and Fish LLC

5(6)Top Rated

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!

CodHalibutSalmon
Bodega Bay, California
North Bay Fishing Charters - North Bay Fishing Charters
North Bay Fishing Charters

North Bay Fishing Charters

5(42)Top Rated

North Bay Fishing Charters specializes in Charter Fishing Bodega Bay and Tomales Bay for Salmon, Bluefin Tuna, Albacore Tuna, Rockfish, Crab, Halibut and more

Albacore TunaBluefin TunaHalibut
Bodega Bay, California
Reel Obsession Sportfishing - Reel Obsession Sportfishing
Reel Obsession Sportfishing

Reel Obsession Sportfishing

5Top Rated

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

CodHalibutLingcod
Richmond, California
Warrior Poet Sportfishing - Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Warrior Poet Sportfishing

Warrior Poet Sportfishing

4.8(20)Top Rated

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.

CodDungeness CrabHalibut
San Francisco, California
The CodFather Sportfishing - The CodFather Sportfishing
The CodFather Sportfishing

The CodFather Sportfishing

4.8(20)Top Rated

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.

CodHalibutSalmon
Alameda, California

Best Time to Catch Halibut

Halibut can be caught year-round in Santa Barbara. Right now in February, activity is low.

Book a Halibut Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Halibut

Halibut

saltwater

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.