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 Sunset Beach. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Halibut
Halibut are a prized catch in the waters off Sunset Beach, California, and targeting them requires patience and a good understanding of their habits. These flatfish are ambush predators, often lying in wait on sandy or muddy bottoms near structure. The best time to fish for Halibut is during the spring and summer months when they migrate closer to shore to feed and spawn. Drifting with live bait, such as smelt or anchovies, is a highly effective technique. Focus your efforts in areas with strong tidal currents, as these currents often concentrate baitfish. A key tip is to use a slow, deliberate presentation and be prepared to set the hook firmly when you feel a bite. The Halibut population here can vary from year to year, so it is helpful to check recent local fishing reports to find out where the hotspots are. Public launch ramps in Huntington Harbour and Alamitos Bay provide access.
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's the best bait to use for halibut in Sunset Beach?
Halibut in Sunset Beach respond well to live bait like anchovies, smelt, or small mackerel. Artificial lures such as swimbaits and bucktail jigs can also be effective, especially when tipped with scent.
Is there a size restriction for halibut I catch near Sunset Beach?
Yes, California regulations require that halibut must be at least 22 inches in total length to be kept. Any halibut smaller than that must be released unharmed.
How many halibut can I keep per day in Sunset Beach?
The current bag limit for halibut in California is 3 fish per day. Make sure to stop fishing for halibut once you reach that limit.
Do I need a fishing license to target halibut in Sunset Beach?
Yes, a valid California sport fishing license is required to fish for halibut in Sunset Beach and throughout California's saltwater areas.
More Halibut Fishing in California
Other Species to Fish in Sunset Beach
Ready to Catch Halibut in Sunset Beach?
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