Mornings in Oxnard, California start early when you're chasing the big ones. Boats pull out of the harbor before sunrise, rods lined up, coffee in hand, and the Channel Islands just starting to glow on the horizon. Around here, deep-sea fishing isn't just a bucket list thing, it's a local favorite and one of the best ways to shake up your beach vacation.
Oxnard is one of SoCal’s top spots for deep-sea fishing. With easy access to the islands, calm summer waters, and friendly charter crews, deep-sea fishing in Oxnard is an experience you don’t want to miss.
In this guide, we'll walk you through what's biting and when, what to bring, where the boats go, and who we trust to get you out there.
What You Can Catch When Deep-Sea Fishing in Oxnard
One of the best parts of booking a deep-sea trip out of Oxnard is that there's always something biting. What fish species you'll catch depends on the time of year, but odds are good you'll come back with a full cooler and a few bragging rights.
Rockfish, halibut, lingcod, yellowtail, and white seabass are the most common fish species year-round. But each season brings with it some unique catch opportunities.
Spring and summer bring more action with barracuda, sand bass, and calico bass, especially when the water's warm and clear around the islands.
Fall and winter keep things interesting with solid bottom fishing, with rockfish and lingcod being the stars.
And from October through March, it's lobster season. Some boats run special hoop net trips just for it, usually at night (yes, it's exactly as cool as it sounds).
Heads up: Always check current size and bag limits with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The crew will usually help with the details, but it's good to know what's what.
Where To Fish From Oxnard, California
Most trips leave from Channel Islands Harbor, just minutes from our rentals. Once you're on the boat, your captain will head wherever the fish are biting, but there are a few favorite zones that you'll likely visit.
- Anacapa & Santa Cruz Islands: These rocky islands provide ideal habitats for a wide range of fish, especially bass, lingcod, and white seabass.
- Coastal trips: Boats may stay closer to the shore, covering waters from Ventura to Malibu.
- Santa Barbara runs: Some full-day or chartered trips may head north for deeper waters and less-fished territory.
Island trips tend to be more adventurous with a mix of species, while coastal runs are a good bet if you want a smoother ride and plenty of action close to shore.
Ready to See Whales? Explore our top picks for whale watching tours in the Oxnard area.
What a Day on the Water Is Like
Most deep-sea trips start early, with boats departing between 5 and 7 AM, depending on the duration. You'll meet your crew at the dock, board with your gear, and settle in for the ride out to the fishing grounds.
Trip lengths vary:
- Half-day trips: Around 5–6 hours
- Full-day trips: Typically 10–12 hours
Weather-wise, it's all about the layers. Mornings are chilly and damp. By afternoon, you'll be peeling that hoodie off under the sun. Toss in some SPF and you should be set for the day!
What to Bring & What It Costs
A little prep goes a long way when you're spending hours out at sea. Here's what you'll want to bring and what to expect regarding price ranges.
What to Pack:
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Layers (mornings are chilly!)
- Water, snacks, or lunch (some boats have snack bars or galleys)
- A fishing license for anyone 16 or older (you can usually buy one on-site or on the boat)
Need gear?
No problem! Rod, reel, and tackle rentals are available on most charters, and they'll set you up with exactly what you need for the day's target species.
Costs (approximate):
- Group trips: $100–$840 per person, depending on the trip length, charter company, and target species.
- Private charters: Start around $1,200 for a half-day and can go up to $5,000+ for premium, full-day trips with custom routes
Most group trips require a minimum number of passengers, so check with your chosen charter beforehand.
Pro tip: Factor in a tip for the crew (10–20% is standard), and keep an eye out for fuel surcharges or minimum passenger requirements on group trips.
Recommended Deep-Sea Fishing Charters from Oxnard
Channel Islands Sportfishing
Located in Channel Islands Harbor, Channel Islands Sportfishing (CISCOS) offers a diverse fleet of independently owned boats, including the Aloha Spirit, Mirage, and Ranger 85. They provide a range of trips from half-day to multi-day excursions, targeting species like rockfish, lingcod, and yellowtail. With experienced crews and a well-stocked tackle shop on-site, CISCOS is a go-to for both novice and seasoned anglers.
Hook's Landing
Great for families and beginners, Hook's Landing has a casual, friendly atmosphere and offers group and private charters. It's a solid pick for shorter outings or introducing the kids to deep-sea fishing.
Cobra Sportfishing
Looking for something a little more dialed-in? Cobra Sportfishing has limited-load trips with a focus on quality over quantity. Their smaller group sizes mean more space at the rail and more one-on-one time with the crew. These charters are great for intermediate anglers or anyone who wants a more personalized day at sea.
Many of these charters also offer lobster trips, twilight runs, and combo adventures depending on the time of year.
Can You Keep What You Catch?
As long as your catch meets California's legal size and bag limits, you're good to go! Most charters will help you clean and bag your fish before you head back to shore (just don't forget to tip the crew for their help).
Ready to Reel One In?
Oxnard's not just about sunsets and sandy toes. It's also one of the best spots in SoCal to cast a line and come home with fresh-caught dinner. From rockfish runs to lobster season, this coast is packed with fishing adventures.
When you're ready to come ashore, we've got the perfect home base. Our ChicBeach Vacation rentals are just minutes from the harbor, pet-friendly, and fully set up for your post-fishing chill.
Book your stay with Chic Beach Vacations and turn your fishing trip into a full-on beach getaway.
