California · Southern California
ROCKFISH FISHING
IN LONG BEACH
Long Beach is an outstanding destination for rockfish fishing, with peak season in May, June, July and good catches in March, April, September. Book a charter and target rockfish with local experts.
About Rockfish Fishing in Long Beach
The Pacific rockfish complex includes over 70 species, from the prized vermilion and copper rockfish of California to the massive yelloweye of Alaska. Found around rocky reefs, pinnacles, and kelp beds at depths from 50 to 1,000 feet, rockfish are the backbone of West Coast bottom fishing and provide excellent table fare.
Pacific Rockfish encompass over 70 species in the genus Sebastes, making them the most diverse group of sportfish on the West Coast. Popular species include Vermilion Rockfish (red snapper), Copper Rockfish, Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish, Canary Rockfish, and the massive Yelloweye Rockfish of Alaska. Colors range from bright vermilion-red to jet black to mottled copper-brown, depending on species and depth. Found from shallow kelp beds to depths exceeding 1,000 feet, rockfish are the backbone of Pacific coast bottom fishing. Many species are extremely long-lived — yelloweye rockfish can live over 120 years.
Scientific name: Sebastes spp.
Rockfish Seasonal Calendar — Long Beach
Month-by-month availability for rockfish in Long Beach, CA.
How to Catch Rockfish in Long Beach
Techniques & Bait
Dropping bait (squid strips, anchovy, shrimp) or metal jigs (Diamond Jigs, Crippled Herring, flutter jigs) to rocky structure in 60-300 feet is the standard technique. Shrimp fly rigs — multiple baited hooks on a dropper rig above a heavy sinker — allow multiple fish per drop. Soft plastic swimbaits on heavy jigheads (2-6 oz) bounced along the bottom are effective. For shallow species (Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish), casting swimbaits and metal jigs into kelp bed edges works well. Sabiki rigs near structure can produce fast limits.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-heavy conventional rod (5'6"-7 ft), level-wind reel, 30-65 lb braided line, 30-40 lb fluorocarbon leader, 4-16 oz weights depending on depth. Long dropper leaders with multiple hooks (shrimp fly rigs) are standard on party boats. Sensitive rod tips help detect bites at depth.
Best Bottom Fishing Fishing Spots in Long Beach
Top spots where local captains target rockfish and other bottom fishing species.
Long Beach Harbor
Long Beach Harbor is one of the largest port complexes in the world, and its breakwater-protected waters hold spotted bay bass, sand bass, halibut, and shortfin corvina around the extensive dock and riprap structure. The warm, sheltered harbor waters produce year-round fishing for structure-oriented species.
Belmont Pier
Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier extends into the calm waters behind the Long Beach Breakwater, offering free pier-fishing for surfperch, mackerel, bonito, and halibut. The pier's pilings create structure that holds baitfish, and the breakwater's protection ensures fishable conditions most days.
Alamitos Bay
Alamitos Bay in southeast Long Beach provides sheltered inshore fishing around docks, jetties, and sandy channels where spotted bay bass, sand bass, and halibut hold year-round. The bay's warm, calm waters make it ideal for kayak fishing and light-tackle angling.
Los Angeles River Mouth
The Los Angeles River empties into Long Beach Harbor through a concrete channel that transitions to a tidal estuary at its mouth, attracting halibut, striped mullet, and spotted bay bass. The river's outflow creates a nutrient plume that draws baitfish and predators during seasonal runs.
Other Species in Long Beach
More fish you can target while visiting Long Beach.
Yellowtail
White Seabass
Lingcod
Yellowfin Tuna
Pacific Bluefin Tuna
Mahi Mahi
Albacore Tuna
Striped Marlin
Rockfish Fishing in Long Beach — FAQ
The peak months for Rockfish fishing in Long Beach are May, June, July, August. During these months, Rockfish are most active and abundant in the Long Beach area.
Rockfish fishing charters in Long Beach are typically bottom fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Dropping bait (squid strips, anchovy, shrimp) or metal jigs (Diamond Jigs, Crippled Herring, flutter jigs) to rocky structure in 60-300 feet is the standard technique. Shrimp fly rigs — multiple baited hooks on a dropper rig above a heavy sinker — allow multiple fish per drop. Soft plastic swimbaits on heavy jigheads (2-6 oz) bounced along the bottom are effective. For shallow species (Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish), casting swimbaits and metal jigs into kelp bed edges works well. Sabiki rigs near structure can produce fast limits.
No — when you book a charter in Long Beach, your captain provides all required California fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Rockfish regulations in California include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Rockfish in Long Beach, you may also catch Yellowtail, White Seabass, Lingcod, Yellowfin Tuna, Pacific Bluefin Tuna. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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