fishing locations in southern california

Question
Hi! I'm looking to get my friend a 3/4day pass for fishing trip on a boat in southen California. Unfortunately, I know hardly anything about the subject. I tried to do some research and found a few places: Dana Wharf Sportfishing (Dana Point), Newport Landing (Newport Beach), Long Beach Sportfishing (Long Beach), and 22nd Street Landing (San Pedro).

Would you recommend any of these or do you have other suggestions? What makes one place better than the other? What are things I should look at before deciding on a place? Is it good season to fish in any of these areas right now?

If you're not familiar with the area I apologize. Regardless thank you so much for even taking the time to read this!!

Best-
elise

Answer
<tried to do some research and found a few places: Dana Wharf Sportfishing (Dana Point), Newport Landing (Newport Beach), Long Beach Sportfishing (Long Beach), and 22nd Street Landing (San Pedro).>

I have not fished So Cal, but the areas are known to me and all have good fishing depending on the season.

<Would you recommend any of these or do you have other suggestions?>
I would recommend each of them, and Cabo San Lucas. I like to use www.elbudster.com El Budster. An Excellent boat with an excellent crew if you can get down there.

<What makes one place better than the other?>
What makes a place stand out is what you want?...
Are you looking for Billfish? Roosterfish? Mahi Mahi? What makes a place and a trip is the fun and what YOU or your friend is looking for. I would start by contacting some of the boats and their captains. Find out what is biting when YOU want to fish and see if that is what you want. A good crew, friendly and a Captain that is patient with first time or inexperienced fishermen is GREAT Captain in my mind. Chemistry with the crew is something too. IF you live in the area go down to the docks and meet the crews and talk to them. Go to the local eateries and listen to the fishermen who have come back from trips. The good Captains will be talked about the BAD ones will be screamed about.

<What are things I should look at before deciding on a place?>
What you want to fish for, the cost if that is an issue, tpe of fishing that you want to do..?? Trolling, Casting, Fly  Fishing, Spinning, Stand Up, Sit Down in a Fighting Chair, Heavy equipment or Light equipment.. all can be questions.. My suggestion is to find a good captain and try what HE suggests for the time period and for what is biting.

<Is it good season to fish in any of these areas right now?>
Almost every season is good for SOMETHING... ask the Captain what is biting and take his suggestions to have fun. IF You want to target a species then say so, otherwise just go fishing and have fun. Are you fishing for trophies? For Food? For fun? These need to be expressed to the Captain and let him know what you want to have fun. If smaller fish are ok the say so.. if you want big fish say so and ask for an HONEST assessment from the Captain as to the prospects at this time. Some seasons ARE better than others, but almost any time of the year something is "Running" or Biting... almost any place you go. That is the way of nature. If all fish spawned at the same time and all fish had the same schedule in the ocean there would be a hell of a traffic jam in a LOT of places.

Let me know if I can be of more help.
A good location to find good charters in Southern California is my Website.. Fishing Guides Home Page..
www.FGHP.com

Jim Dicken