02 Aug 2025 4 min read Travel Adventures

Ventura Deep Sea Fishing

Join me on a deep-sea fishing adventure off the coast of Ventura. From dolphins at the bow and a whale sighting to landing halibut near the Channel Islands, this trip had it all — plus the gear I’ll never fish without again. Full trip tips, gear recommendations, and travel tools inside.

The Island Spirit out of Ventura Harbor.

There’s something about the open water that keeps pulling me back. The kind of day where you board a boat before sunrise, breathe in the salt air, and let the mainland fade behind you. That’s exactly how my latest adventure started aboard the Island Spirit, heading out from Ventura Harbor for a full day of deep-sea fishing near California’s Channel Islands.

The cold hit fast, especially with the boat cutting through the waves. If you’re planning a trip like this, bring layers — a good windbreaker, sun shirt, and a hat are essential. I was grateful for my non-slip shoes, too. Decks get slick, especially when the fishing starts.

Wildlife Encounters Before the First Cast

Before we reached the fishing grounds, the ocean delivered something special — a pod of dolphins riding the bow waves right in front of the boat. I captured incredible footage of them, leaning over the rail with my phone safely tethered by a lanyard. Watching them glide through the water so close was easily the highlight of the day.

Pro tip: I had my phone secured with a lanyard attached to a waterproof phone case, so I could film without worrying about dropping it. If you want truly epic footage, consider a waterproof action camera. Several people had them strapped on, and they didn’t miss a shot.

Dolphins surfing in front of the bow of the boat - a picture cannot convey how awesome this moment was, they move so fast, twisting and rolling on their sides then surfacing for a breath. This happened on numerous occasions as the dolphins seemed to stop their journey and have a bit of fun surfing the bow wave.

Later, as we cruised home, a whale surfaced off the port side. And just off the Channel Islands, I spotted a stunning natural sea arch — another unexpected, awe-inspiring moment that reminded me why I love being out on the water.

Nature's own masterpiece - the sea arch at Anacapa Island part of the Channel Islands @seaarch #channelislands

Fishing the Depths: What We Caught

First drop, we targeted rockfish and lingcod in deep water. With a 6-ounce sinker and a fish on the line, the weight adds up quickly. Some of the more seasoned anglers brought along electric fishing reels, which made hauling up from the depths much easier — a smart choice if you plan on deep water fishing.

Later, we moved closer to the Channel Islands in search of Pacific halibut. These fish prefer sandy bottoms, and the captain put us right on them. Three halibut, about 10 pounds each, were landed.

On the ride back, we passed near a massive offshore oil platform. Towering out of the sea, it was an eerie, fascinating sight — like something from a sci-fi movie. Just another unexpected highlight in a day full of highlights.

Gear I’ll Never Fish Without Again

After a full day on the water, here’s what I used — and what I wish I had — to make the trip smoother, safer, and way more comfortable. If you’re planning your own Channel Islands fishing trip, this gear will serve you well:

Phone Lanyard + Waterproof Case
Floating Phone Lanyard
Waterproof Phone Pouch
Action Camera (Hands-free filming on the bow)
Action Camera Option
Electric Fishing Reel Option
Electric Fishing Reel
Multi-Tool for Fishing (Pliers, cutters, hook remover)
Fishing Multi-Tool
Belt Towel (For clean hands, not dirty shirts)
Fishing Towel with Clip
Rod Bucket (Relieves rod pressure)
Rod Bucket Belt
Deck Boots for Fishing
Non-Slip Deck Boots
Sun Shirt + Windbreaker + Hat
Sun Shirt
Lightweight Windbreaker
Wide-Brim Hat
Polarized Sunglasses + Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Polarized Sunglasses
Reef-Friendly Sunscreen
Hand Wipes (Bait and fish cleanup)
Travel Hand Wipes

Practical Tips for the Trip

Parking: Free parking is available in the lot next door to Ventura Sport Fishing.
Cash: Bring small bills for tipping the crew and for fish cleaning services dockside.
Food: Snacks and hot food available on board, but I always pack extras.
Gear Rental: Available if you’re traveling light.

Final Thoughts

Fishing days like this are about more than just the catch. It’s the dolphins at the bow, the natural sea arch rising out of the ocean, and the rugged beauty of the Channel Islands. It’s about being out there, fully in the moment.

Would I go again? Absolutely. And next time, I’ll be fully geared up — with that electric reel front and center.

Ready to Plan Your Own Adventure?

We’ve made it easy by rounding up the same trusted tools we use to book flights, stays, insurance, and activities. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Ecuador or relaxing in a cabin, these resources have you covered.

Plan Your Trip with Our Trusted Travel Tools

Compare Flights
→ Kiwi.com
→ Trip.com

Book Budget Stays
→ Hostelworld
→ Agoda

Protect Your Trip
→ Klook (Travel Insurance & eSIM)

Find Rentals
→ Economybookings

Explore Activities
→ Viator
→ GetYourGuide
→ Go City

Arrange Transfers
→ Welcome Pickups

Plan Your Route
→ Tripadvisor

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