Small Boat, Big Ocean: Chasing Catalina’s Gamefish with RedRum Fishing Charter
A nimble 24-footer, cold Pacific currents, and the island that wrote the book on West Coast sportfishing.
Dawn pulls over Avalon like a curtain, and the harbor wakes without hurry. Gulls sketch lazy circles over the Green Pleasure Pier while the water—steady and sure—tugs at cleats and slips around the pilings. Out beyond the moorings, kelp beds sway in the tide, their bronze fronds bowing as if granting passage. You meet your captain at the end of the pier’s “End Float,” where RedRum, a 24-foot sport fisher with walk-around gunnels and a generous cockpit, waits with the low thrum of readiness. The Pacific is already daring you to step aboard.
Trail Wisdom
Sort Your License Early
Purchase a one-day California fishing license online before you board to avoid delays at the pier.
Wear Non-Slip Deck Shoes
Closed-toe, non-marking soles help you stay planted when the deck gets wet or the boat rocks.
Plan Your Seasickness Strategy
If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication as directed before departure; ginger chews and seabands can help.
Keep Hooks Organized
Listen to crew instructions when passing rods around the bow; tidy tackle prevents tangles and keeps everyone safe.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A quick snorkel at Lovers Cove after your trip (protected waters with vivid garibaldi)
- •Walk the jetty toward Pebbly Beach for golden-hour views of Avalon Bay
Wildlife
Common dolphin, Bald eagle
Conservation Note
Catalina’s surrounding waters include marine protected areas—know boundaries, honor size and bag limits, and practice careful catch-and-release when required.
Avalon’s Tuna Club, founded in 1898, is the world’s oldest big-game fishing club and helped codify ethical angling standards.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Light crowds, Active kelp-line bass
Challenges: Windy afternoons, Cooler water
Expect variable weather, breezy afternoons, and increasing fish activity as water warms and bait returns.
summer
Best for: Peak variety (yellowtail, bonito, barracuda), Calm morning seas
Challenges: Midday heat, Busier harbor
Early starts pay off with glassy conditions and surface action; plan shade, hydration, and patience for busy weekends.
fall
Best for: Warm water holdover, Golden-hour light
Challenges: Occasional Santa Ana winds, Shorter days
A sweet spot for consistent fishing and fewer boats; watch forecasts for offshore winds and shifting temps.
winter
Best for: Quiet harbor, Targeting structure species
Challenges: Cool temps, Bumpier seas
Bundle up and pick calm-weather windows; you’ll trade crowds for solitude and focused fishing around structure.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Polarized SunglassesEssential
Cuts surface glare to spot boils, kelp stringers, and incoming fish color.
Non-Slip Deck ShoesEssential
Keeps your footing secure when the deck is wet or the boat rocks.
Light Windbreaker or Spray Jacket
Morning runs can be breezy; a thin shell blocks wind and spray without overheating.
Sun Hoodie or UPF Long SleeveEssential
All-day sun on reflective water makes high-coverage clothing a comfort and safety upgrade.
Common Questions
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Anglers 16+ need a valid California fishing license; a one-day license can be purchased online before your trip.
What species can we target?
Depending on season and conditions, common targets include calico bass, yellowtail, bonito, barracuda, whitefish, and sheepshead; the captain will advise based on current bite and regulations.
Is this charter beginner-friendly?
Yes. The crew provides instruction on casting, baiting, and fighting fish—great for first-timers and families.
What’s included with the charter?
Captain/guide, quality rods and reels, bait, ice, soda/water, and harbor tax are included; the captain will fillet your catch.
Where do we meet?
At the very end of Avalon’s Green Pleasure Pier (End Float). Arrive a few minutes early to check in and stow your gear.
What happens if the weather turns?
The captain will make a safety call; if conditions are unsafe, trips are typically rescheduled or refunded per operator policy.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses for spotting fish and reading the water; non-slip deck shoes for safe footing; a light windbreaker to cut morning spray and breeze; motion-sickness remedy (if needed) taken before departure.
Did You Know
Founded in 1898, Avalon’s Tuna Club is the oldest big-game fishing club in the world and helped establish early sportfishing rules and ethics.
Quick Travel Tips
Book your Catalina Express ferry to Avalon well in advance, especially on summer weekends; buy your one-day California fishing license online before arrival; pack light in a small soft bag—space is limited on deck; bring cash or a card for post-trip food and any gratuities on the pier.
Local Flavor
Post-fishing, refuel along the waterfront. The Lobster Trap is a local favorite for casual seafood and cold beer, while Bluewater Avalon serves island-fresh dishes with harbor views. For a laid-back beach vibe, Descanso Beach Club pours solid cocktails steps from the surf. Ask ahead if any restaurant can prepare your fresh catch.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airports: Long Beach (LGB) and Los Angeles (LAX). Access via Catalina Express ferry to Avalon, then a 5-minute walk to the Green Pleasure Pier. Cell service is generally reliable in the harbor but spotty offshore. No permits needed beyond a valid California fishing license for anglers 16+.
Sustainability Note
Catalina’s nearshore ecosystems are sensitive. Use barbless or circle hooks when requested, wet hands before handling released fish, and skip single-use plastics—your deck becomes the wind’s trash can at sea.
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