Marina del Rey Sportfishing ChartersIn the past 20 years the fish landings have averaged about 9,000 pounds annually with 39,000 pounds in the peak year of 1944. The chief species have been lobster, albacore, barracuda, and swordfish. In 1951 the leading species were albacore and lobster. Two or three skiff fishermen operate a few lobster traps out of Laguna and a couple of small boats fish for abalone one or two days a week during the season. There is very little sport fishing at Laguna.
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Heads up: Spirit Sportfishing is relaunching as a fishing charter concierge — we're not booking trips yet. Join the Plan a Trip waitlist or call (310) 622-2830 and we'll match you with a vetted partner boat and captain when trips resume.
Marina del Rey is the Westside's home port — the largest man-made small-craft harbor in the country, and the easiest on-ramp to ocean fishing in Los Angeles. Boats are minutes from open water, the bay fishes calm more days than not, and the half-day fleet here is built for beginners, families, and anyone who wants a lot of fishing without a long boat ride.
Santa Monica Bay fishing
The bay's artificial reefs, kelp edges, and sandy flats hold calico bass, sand bass, halibut, barracuda, and bonito year-round, with rockfish on the deeper spots. Summer can bring yellowtail and white seabass into the bay — those are the days the fish counts light up.
Best trips for first-timers
A half-day trip is the classic Marina del Rey intro: 5–6 hours, calm water, constant action on bass and bottom fish, and you're back for lunch. Bringing kids? Read our packing checklist (the kids' section matters), then the beginner's guide so everyone boards confident.
When you're ready to go, Plan a Trip — tell us your date and group size, and we'll match you with the right Marina del Rey boat and captain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marina del Rey good for beginner anglers?
It's one of the best beginner ports in LA — short rides to calm bay fishing, plenty of half-day trips, and easy parking. If anyone in your group is new or prone to seasickness, start here.
What fish are caught in Santa Monica Bay?
Calico bass, sand bass, halibut, barracuda, bonito, rockfish, and the occasional white seabass or yellowtail when they push into the bay.
How far do the boats go?
Half-day boats typically fish within a few miles of the harbor — the bay's artificial reefs, the Venice breakwater, and the Santa Monica Canyon edge. Longer trips can reach Palos Verdes or Catalina.
How do I book through Spirit Sportfishing?
We're relaunching as a concierge and aren't booking yet. Join the Plan a Trip waitlist or call (310) 622-2830 and we'll match you with a vetted partner boat in Marina del Rey when trips resume.
Ready to get on the water? Plan your trip — we match you with the best boat and captain for it.
