Top-Rated Long Beach Fishing Charter | Aria Sportfishing

Reel in Bluefin Tuna off Long Beach

Ready for some serious offshore action? Our Long Beach fishing charter puts you right in the heart of Southern California's legendary bluefin tuna grounds. We're talking about the chance to battle one of the ocean's most prized gamefish, just a short run from the bustling LA coastline. Whether you're a seasoned angler or looking to check 'epic tuna fight' off your bucket list, this trip delivers the goods. Grab your crew, your sunscreen, and let's hit the Pacific!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet you bright and early at the Long Beach marina, where our fully-rigged sportfishing boat awaits. After a quick safety rundown, we'll cruise out past the breakwater and into the open ocean. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so we'll head straight for where the tuna have been biting. Once we find a promising spot, it's all hands on deck. We'll set up a spread of lures or live bait, depending on what's working that day. When a bluefin hits, trust me, you'll know it. These fish don't mess around - be ready for some serious drag-screaming action. Our experienced crew will be right there to coach you through the fight and help land that trophy fish.

Gearing Up for Bluefin

Bluefin tuna fishing is a whole different ballgame from your typical inshore trips. We're talking heavy-duty gear to handle these massive fish. We'll be using sturdy stand-up rods paired with two-speed reels loaded with hundreds of yards of heavy braided line. Depending on the day, we might be trolling with spreader bars and daisy chains, or maybe chunking and live-baiting if the fish are holding deep. Don't worry if some of this sounds like Greek to you - our crew will walk you through every step. Just be prepared for a workout. Fighting a bluefin is like trying to stop a freight train with a fishing rod!

Top Catches This Season

While we can't guarantee limits every trip (that's fishing for you), the bluefin action off Long Beach has been red hot lately. We've been seeing consistent catches in the 40-100 pound range, with some real monsters pushing 200+ pounds showing up for lucky anglers. It's not uncommon for everyone on the boat to hook up at least once during a full-day trip. And even if the tuna aren't cooperating, these waters are home to plenty of other hard-fighting species like yellowtail, dorado, and white seabass to keep your rods bent.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Bluefin Tuna: The star of the show and the reason most anglers book this trip. Pacific bluefin are absolute powerhouses, capable of growing over 1,000 pounds (though fish that size are rare in our waters). Even a "small" 50-pounder will give you the fight of your life. These fish are built for speed and endurance, with torpedo-shaped bodies and powerful tails that can propel them to highway speeds. When hooked, they often make blistering runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. Bluefin are most common in our area from late spring through fall, with peak season usually hitting in the summer months. The meat is prized for sashimi, so you'll be heading home with some world-class eats if you're successful.

Yellowtail: Often called "California yellowtail" or simply "yellows" by local anglers, these hard-fighting members of the jack family are a blast to catch. They typically range from 10-30 pounds in our area, though bigger specimens pushing 50+ pounds aren't unheard of. Yellowtail love to hang around kelp paddies and underwater structure, so we often target them if we spot likely habitat while searching for tuna. They hit lures and live bait with explosive strikes and put up a stubborn battle all the way to the boat. Their firm, white flesh is excellent for grilling or sashimi.

Dorado (Mahi-Mahi): When warm water pushes into our area, usually in late summer and fall, we sometimes encounter these beautiful, acrobatic fish. Also known as dolphinfish (though they're not related to dolphins), dorado are famous for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They have striking blue-green and gold coloration that seems to shift and shimmer in the sunlight. Most dorado we catch range from 5-20 pounds, though bigger bulls over 30 pounds show up occasionally. They're incredibly fun to catch on light tackle and make for great eating.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been running charters out of Long Beach for over a decade, and I can tell you there's nothing quite like bluefin fishing to get your heart racing. It's the anticipation as you watch that trolling spread, waiting for a rod to suddenly start screaming. It's the rush of adrenaline when you're locked in a tug-of-war with a fish that outweighs you by a hundred pounds. And man, is there anything sweeter than seeing that first flash of silver and blue as a hard-earned tuna finally comes to the surface? Whether you're a die-hard fisherman or just looking for an exciting day on the water with friends, this trip delivers memories that'll last a lifetime. Plus, you might just end up with some of the best sushi-grade tuna you've ever tasted!

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's make this happen! Our Long Beach bluefin charters fill up fast, especially during peak season. We've got room for up to four anglers, making this perfect for a group of friends or a family adventure. Remember to grab your California fishing license before the trip (we can't sail without 'em), and don't forget to pack some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up for the day. Sunscreen, a hat, and maybe some motion sickness meds are always a good idea too. We'll provide all the heavy-duty fishing gear you need to tackle these beasts. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call or hit that "Book Now" button. The bluefin are out there, and they're not going to catch themselves. Let's get you on the fish!