Guiding
Why choose us:
We’ve been catching California sheephead, halibut, calico bass, rockfish, cabezon, and white seabass from the surf for years. It’s been a joy figuring out how these fish behave, resulting in catches that push the boundaries of surf fishing. After a number of personal bests last year, we’re ready to take you to the beach and show you exactly how we do it. All skill levels are welcome!
We are strong proponents of catch and release, releasing every fish caught. We have the utmost respect for the ecosystem, simultaneously believing that surf fishing is the ultimate recreation while valuing the life of each fish. Our Values page contains in depth explanations on the benefits of catch and release.
When you book a session with us, you must first choose which fishing method you're interested in: bait & wait or lure. We cater to your experience level, guiding you step-by-step. Our primary goal, in addition to catching fish, is to leave you with a solid basis for targeting these fish on your own. We feel confident guiding anywhere from San Diego to Santa Barbara. All the gear you need is provided, as well as snacks and water. Let’s have some fun!
Why Bait & Wait:
With bait & wait, you catch California sheephead, calico bass, rockfish, and cabezon. Equipment is on the heavier side. Bait & wait is best suited to the fisherman that expects consistent action throughout a session. Once we take you to the spot, you’re more or less situated for the entire session. This form of fishing is more based on power than finesse, bringing fish in through heavy structure. Bite is good year round.
Why Lures:
With lure fishing, you catch two of the most prized fish in all of Southern California: halibut and white seabass. Calico bass also actively attack lures, especially in the heat of summer. This form of fishing is significantly more finesse than bait & wait. Gear is lighter. Lure fishing is best suited to the fisherman that wants to actively explore the beach, casting into pockets where halibut and white seabass corner bait. Bite is best in Summer and Fall.
Pricing:
Our rate for bait & wait is $500 for a 4-hour session (up to two people per session). It goes down to $250 in the unlikely event we don't catch any fish. Both my brother and I will be guiding you.
Our rate for lure fishing is $600 for a 4-hour session. I will show you exactly how I read the water, what presentations to use in which conditions, and finally how to land fish. By the end of the session, you will be armed with the skills to land trophy halibut and bass on your own. The rate goes down to $300 if we don't catch anything. The bite is less consistent than bait & wait.
Let us know what days you’re free, what you want to catch, and we’ll pick the best times to find the fish. It’s all about catering the experience to your needs, so feel free to send us any additional comments in the form below. We’ll get right back to you. Tight lines!
Client with sheephead from shore
Our Background
We are twin brothers with Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering. Our decision to guide came when we received interest after sharing our catches on Instagram. Feel free to browse our latest catches or reach out to us at calisurffishing@gmail.com if you have any questions at all.