San Pedro 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.
|
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.
If Catalina Island is on your list, San Pedro is where you start. The port's landings — led by 22nd Street Landing — run the shortest mainland crossing to the island, which means more lines in the water and less time riding. It's also a working harbor with half-day boats fishing the local bass and halibut grounds for anglers who want to stay close.
Catalina trips from San Pedro
The island run is the headline here: yellowtail on the front side kelp, calico bass tight to the boiler rocks, white seabass when conditions line up, and bonito blitzes in season. Full-day and overnight trips give you the whole island; 3/4-day boats fish the front side and the closer island structure.
Local half-day fishing
Not everyone needs the island. Half-day boats work the LA Harbor breakwater, the Palos Verdes coast, and Horseshoe Kelp for calico and sand bass, halibut, barracuda, and rockfish — a great first charter or a quick after-work session in summer.
Before you go, skim our packing checklist, learn how to read fish counts like a local, and see 2026 charter pricing. When you're ready, tell us about your trip and we'll match you with the right San Pedro boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is San Pedro popular for fishing charters?
San Pedro's 22nd Street Landing and the LA Harbor marinas are the closest mainland departure points to Catalina Island — the shortest crossing in Southern California. That means more fishing time and less travel on island trips.
What will we catch from San Pedro?
Catalina runs target yellowtail, calico bass, white seabass, and bonito. Local half-day trips fish the harbor and Palos Verdes for bass, halibut, and barracuda.
How long is the boat ride to Catalina from San Pedro?
Roughly 45–75 minutes depending on the boat and sea conditions — shorter than from most other mainland ports, which is why San Pedro dominates the island-trip market.
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 out of San Pedro when trips resume.
Ready to get on the water? Plan your trip — we match you with the best boat and captain for it.
