Orange Country Fishing

The coastline of Orange County, California is packed with great fishing spots—from long piers and jetties to scenic beaches and welcoming harbors. Towns like Seal Beach, Newport Beach, Balboa, and Dana Point each bring their own charm, offering not just good fishing, but a laid-back, coastal vibe that makes them feel like home. Whether you’re boarding a boat or strolling the wharf for shopping and dining, these seaside communities make it easy to relax and cast a line.

Accessibility is a big plus here. Most parks, beaches, and piers in Orange County are designed to be wheelchair-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy the views, the ocean air, and the thrill of catching fish—no matter their mobility.

Just a short drive down Highway 50 from Orange City is Newport Beach, one of the top names in California coastal life. It’s buzzing with activity, especially at Newport Harbor, which many consider one of the best small-boat harbors in the world. Newport Landing is the main launch point for fishing charters, ranging from quick half-day trips to overnight deep-sea excursions.

Day trips from Newport often fish the Huntington Flats, Horseshoe Kelp, Catalina Island, and the stretch from Long Beach down to Oceanside. Longer and overnight trips reach as far as San Clemente Island and the Outer Banks. Open-party trips are also popular and perfect for families or groups who want a more social fishing experience. These charters cruise the coastal waters around Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna, and Dana Point.

Head south to Dana Point, and you’ll find another gem of the coast. This smaller fishing and surfing town has a casual, friendly vibe that draws people in. Dana Wharf, located at Dana Point Harbor, is full of cozy patios, cafes, snack stands, and boutique shops. Embarcadero Marina rents boats, while Mariners Alley and Mariners Village cater to both casual tourists and upscale visitors with everything from local art to delicatessens.

Dana Wharf is more than just a landmark—it’s a hotspot for charter fishing. Charters range from easygoing five-hour half-day trips to nine-hour three-quarter-day runs, all the way to overnight adventures under the stars. The season for overnight trips starts in late February and runs as long as the warm weather holds.

Half-day charters from Dana Point stick close to the shoreline and target seasonal fish like Halibut, Barracuda, Yellowtail, White Sea Bass, Sand Bass, Calico Bass, Bonito, and Tuna. Longer trips cover those same waters and push farther offshore. Newport Beach day charters also target Bass, Halibut, Barracuda, and occasionally hook into Yellowtail or White Sea Bass. Open-party and overnight trips venture into deeper water, chasing after Yellowtail, Calico Bass, more White Sea Bass, Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna, Albacore, and various types of Rockfish.

If you’re staying on land, you’ve still got great options. Corona Del Mar State Beach offers easy shoreline access and a good shot at Halibut moving through the Newport Harbor Channel. Along the Balboa Peninsula, public piers stretch into productive shallow waters. Anglers catch Pacific Mackerel, White Croaker, Queenfish, Surf and Sea Perch, Sculpin, Halibut, Bonito, and even small Sharks if you’re casting out far enough.

Many charter captains in Orange County also double as whale watchers, offering combo trips where you can fish and spot Gray, Humpback, or Blue Whales. Even if you never leave the shore, the sight of a dolphin pod or a whale breaching offshore is enough to make any fishing trip unforgettable.

And of course, nothing compares to the moment when your line goes tight and a fish starts pulling. Whether you’re on a boat or a pier, Orange County’s coast brings the action—and the views—to make every outing something special.