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About Booking Guided Surf Fishing Trips, Fishing Lessons, Surf Fishing Tuition, Shark Fishing and Fun Beach Fishing Sessions in Southern California

American Sea Fishing runs guided Surf Fishing Trips - including Surf Fishing Lessons and fun family Beach Fishing sessions - in Southern California; Orange County, San Diego County, Long Beach, Seal Beach, Santa Monica, Manhattan, Malibu, Huntington Beach, Bolsa Chica, Newport Beach, Dana Point, San Pedro and Los Angeles County areas.
 

Click to Jump to Guided Surf Fishing Information and Session / Lesson Pricing


This page contains everything you need to know about booking a professionally guided Surf Fishing Trip with our company, which is licensed and bonded through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

 

We offer a variety of beach, shore or land-based sessions - including tuition in any aspect of surf fishing - targeting all of the commonly available and seasonal surf and shark species found in Southern California. The trips are hosted by Ben Hervey-Murray - an experienced SoCal guide and surf angler, and President of the USA Surf Fishing Team.

Commonly-caught species on our guided sessions include: Surf Perch (barred, walleye etc), Spotfin Croaker, Yellowfin Croaker, Leopard Sharks, Smoothhound Sharks & other surf shark species, Bat Rays, Butterfly Rays, Shovelnose Guitarfish, various Bass, California Halibut and California Corbina.
 

We can accommodate any level of experience and groups from singles to large parties, and we provide all tackle and bait, plus professional photography services to immortalize your experience. Check out our testimonials page here.

American Sea Fishing is proud to offer a 10% discount on any guided fishing session to: Serving Military, Veterans and their families; First Responders; Teachers; Single Parent Families and returning customers. Please mention this discount when booking.
 

Please see below for a list of the trips currently on offer and for information on how to book your guided shark or surf fishing trip in California

Lesson info start
SURF FISHING TASTER SESSIONS (2 hours)


Short all-inclusive taster sessions are great for anyone looking for starter surf fishing lessons or beach casting sessions in north Orange County or south Los Angeles County with a view to learning how to fish or surf fish.
 

  • Currently booking all-year-round dates for 2025-26

  • For one to four people fishing, spectators welcome

  • 2-hour session (more possible, please inquire)

  • This type of surf fishing session is ideal for: Families, couples, solo anglers, visitors, parents with kids who fish, locals, or anyone who wants to get a taste for basic fishing and the kinds of equipment used, along with practical tuition from a professional guide and angling coach

  • North Orange County and South LA County beaches

  • All bait and tackle (rods, reels etc) provided - just turn up and fish

  • Target species include: Surf Perch (barred & walleye), Yellowfin Croaker, Spotfin Croaker, Rays, Guitarfish, California halibut, small Leopard Sharks and California Corbina


Short Guided Surf Fishing Taster Session (2 hours) Prices:
 

  • North Orange County area (Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Bolsa Chica etc) - $149 for 1-2 people, $199 for 3, $249 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers or other locations)

  • South Los Angeles area (Long Beach, Seal Beach etc) - $199 for 1-2 people, $249 for 3, $299 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers or for other locations)
     

To book this Surf Fishing Trip email ben@americanseafishing.com or text 714-642-5770 or fill out the short form at the bottom of this page and we'll contact you direct

Short, fun guided Surf Fishing sessions for any age group

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FULL SURF FISHING LESSON, COACHING, TUITION SESSIONS (4 - 5 hours)
All-inclusive 2025 Surf Fishing Tuition program covers everything you need to catch fish from the beach in California with a professional CDFW-licensed guide in one session.
 
If you want to catch lots of fish from the beach by learning the skills, tactics and tackle needed to succeed in the surf from an experienced local guide, this is the session for you and your group.
 
Each private lesson is tailored to our clients skill level and needs - young or old, beginner or veteran - and we have a wide variety of venues and techniques to suit all ages and levels of mobility.
 
On a 4 to 5 hour practical tuition session, we'll hit one of our favorite beaches and cover the best surf fishing rigs, baits, tackle, knots, species ID, how to find structure, how to cast, reading a beach, sand crab hunting, bait foraging, tides, swells, best times to fish, great apps to use, how to handle stingrays, and everything else you need to catch lots of fish from the beach, solo or with family.
The all-inclusive lesson price also includes:
 
  • Detailed, laminated A4 surf fishing playbook to keep
  • Ongoing tackle consultation service to help you source new tackle get rigged up correctly and planning successful future sessions around optimal conditions

How to book:
  • Currently booking all-year-round dates for 2025

  • For one to six people fishing, spectators welcome

  • Approximately 4-5 hour sessions (more possible, please ask)

  • This type of surf fishing session is ideal for: Families, couples, solo anglers, anyone looking to learn the basics of surf fishing - from an absolute beginner who's never held a rod before, to the serious angler who wants to get dialed into the local fisheries with a local guide - and reach a competent all-round skill level in a morning

  • Orange County, North San Diego and LA County beaches

  • All bait and tackle (rods, reels etc) provided - just turn up and fish

  • Target species include: Surf Perch (barred & walleye), Yellowfin Croaker, Spotfin Croaker, Rays, Shovelnose Guitarfish, California halibut, Leopard Sharks and California Corbina


Surf Fishing Lesson Prices

 

  • North Orange County area (Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Bolsa Chica, Seal Beach, Long Beach) - $300 for 1-2 people, $350 for 3, $400 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)

 

  • South Orange County area (Dana Point, San Clemente, Capistrano, Doheny) - $350 for 1-2 people, $400 for 3, $450 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)
     

  • South Los Angeles area (San Pedro, Torrance, Redondo, Manhattan, Dockweiler) - $350 for 1-2 people, $400 for 3, $450 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)
     

  • North Los Angeles area (Santa Monica, Will Rogers, Topanga, Malibu) -  $400 for 1-2 people, $450 for 3, $500 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)
     

  • North San Diego area (Carlsbad, Oceanside, Ponto, Encinitas etc) - $400 for 1-2 people, $450 for 3, $500 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)

 

To book a Surf Fishing Lesson, email ben@americanseafishing.com or text 714-642-5770 or fill out the short form at the bottom of this page and we'll contact you direct

Surf fishing lessons and full tuition for any age group. Ideal for families, beginners, couples, regular visitors, local anglers

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"GREAT time...so much to be learnt!" Jim F, CA
 

Click here for more Client Testimonials

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FUN GUIDED SURF FISHING SESSIONS (4 hours)

Have fun Surf Fishing solo or with family and friends on a stunning SoCal beach with a licensed and bonded CDFW guide targeting a mix of seasonal and edible surf species.

This is the one to book if vacation-style fishing is on the agenda and you want to hit the beach with your family or crew and have fun with all bait and tackle provided, along with the help of a professional guide!
 

  • Currently booking all-year-round dates for 2025-26

  • For one to six people fishing, spectators welcome

  • Approximately 4-hour sessions (more possible, please enquire)

  • This type of surf fishing session is ideal for: Families, couples, solo anglers, visitors, parents with kids who fish, locals or anyone who wants to have fun fishing on a SoCal beach catching a variety of species (many are often edible) with an expert guide and all bait and tackle included.

  • Orange County, North San Diego and LA County beaches

  • All bait and tackle (rods, reels etc) provided - just turn up and fish

  • Target species include: Surf Perch (barred & walleye), Yellowfin Croaker, Spotfin Croaker, Rays, Guitarfish, California halibut, Leopard Sharks and California Corbina


Guided Fun Surf Fishing Session Prices
 

  • North Orange County area (Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Bolsa Chica, Seal Beach, Long Beach) - $250 for 2-3 people, $300 for 3-4, $400 for 4-6 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)
     

  • South Orange County area (Dana Point, San Clemente, Capistrano, Doheny etc) - $300 for 1-2 people, $350 for 3, $400 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)
     

  • South Los Angeles area (San Pedro, Torrance, Redondo, Manhattan, Dockweiler etc) - $300 for 1-2 people, $350 for 3, $400 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)
     

  • North Los Angeles area (Santa Monica, Will Rogers, Topanga, Malibu etc) -  $350 for 1-2 people, $400 for 3, $450 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)
     

  • North San Diego area (Carlsbad, Oceanside, Ponto, Encinitas etc) - $350 for 1-2 people, $400 for 2, $450 for 3 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)
     

To book this Surf Fishing Trip email ben@americanseafishing.com or text 714-642-5770 or fill out the short form at the bottom of this page and we'll contact you direct

Fun guided Surf Fishing sessions for any age group. Ideal for families, couples, visitors, groups, solo anglers

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GUIDED SURF PERCH FISHING (3-4 hours)

Target the West Coast's most popular and tastiest surf species in Southern California with a specialist CDFW-licensed guide with all bait and tackle provided.
 

  • Currently booking all year round dates for 2024-2025

  • For one to four people fishing, spectators welcome

  • Approximately 3 to 4-hour sessions (more possible, please ask)

  • This type of surf fishing session is ideal for: Ideal for families, couples, anyone looking to learn how to catch lots of Surf Perch using light line surf fishing tactics on SoCal's sandy beaches

  • Orange County, North San Diego and LA County beaches

  • All bait and tackle (rods, reels etc) provided - just turn up and fish

  • Target species include: Any seasonal, local Surf Perch species - usually Barrred Surf Perch, Walleye Surf Perch, Shiner Surf Perch and similar related species
     

Surf Perch Fishing Session Prices
 

  • North Orange County area (Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Bolsa Chica, Seal Beach, Long Beach) - $250 for 1-2 people, $300 for 3, $350 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)

  • South Orange County area (Dana Point, San Clemente, Capistrano, Doheny) - $300 for 1-2 people, $350 for 3, $400 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)

  • South Los Angeles area (San Pedro, Torrance, Redondo, Manhattan, Dockweiler) - $300 for 1-2 people, $350 for 3, $400 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)

  • North Los Angeles area (Santa Monica, Will Rogers, Topanga, Malibu) -  $350 for 1-2 people, $400 for 3, $450 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)

  • North San Diego area (Carlsbad, Oceanside, Ponto, Encinitas etc) - $350 for 1-2 people, $400 for 3, $450 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)
     

To book a Surf Perch fishing trip, email ben@americanseafishing.com or text 714-642-5770 or fill out the short form at the bottom of this page and we'll contact you direct

A session specifically targeting Surf Perch using light line surf fishing tactics

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Click here for Client Testimonials

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CALIFORNIA CORBINA SURF FISHING SESSIONS (3-4 hours)


Target the West Coast's premier trophy game fish - big corbina - on light tackle in the SoCal surf with a specialist CDFW-licensed guide.
 

  • Currently booking May to November dates for 2025

  • For one to four people fishing, spectators welcome

  • Approximately 4-hour sessions (more possible, please ask)

  • This type of surf fishing session is ideal for: Ideal for families, couples, anyone wanting to catch the amazing California corbina (Menticirrhus undulatus) using light line surf fishing tactics on SoCal's famous shallow sandy beaches. Clients are also welcome to bring suitable fly fishing tackle, too

  • Orange County, North San Diego and LA County beaches

  • All bait and tackle (rods, reels etc) provided - just turn up and fish

  • Target species include: California Corbina, plus Spotfin Croaker and Surf Perch
     

Corbina Fishing Session Prices
 

  • North Orange County area (Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Bolsa Chica, Seal Beach, Long Beach) - $300 for 1-2 people, $350 for 3, $400 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)

  • South Orange County area (Dana Point, San Clemente, Capistrano, Doheny) - $350 for 1-2 people, $400 for 3, $450 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)

  • South Los Angeles area (San Pedro, Torrance, Redondo, Manhattan, Dockweiler) - $350 for 1-2 people, $400 for 3, $450 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)

  • North Los Angeles area (Santa Monica, Will Rogers, Topanga, Malibu) -  $380 for 1-2 people, $400 for 3, $450 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)

  • North San Diego area (Carlsbad, Oceanside, Ponto, Encinitas etc) - $380 for 1-2 people, $400 for 3, $450 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)
     

To book a Corbina fishing trip, email ben@americanseafishing.com or text 714-642-5770 or fill out the short form at the bottom of this page and we'll contact you direct

A session specifically targeting California corbina using light line surf fishing tactics

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"I had a BLAST fishing with and learning from Ben!" Stephen W, NE

Click here for more Client Testimonials

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Looking for more information on Surf Fishing Trips, Fishing Lessons and Fishing Tuition in California? Please take a moment to fill out the form below and a representative will contact you directly

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Tips on Booking Guided Surf Fishing Trips in California

FAQs about guided surf fishing trips in California

What should I bring on a guided surf fishing trip with American Sea Fishing?
 

  • A valid California fishing license with saltwater validation stamp from: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Online-Sales

  • Suntan lotion, sunglasses (polarized), peaked hat

  • Buff-style neck protector for sun protection and warmth in the evening, a hoodie is a good idea too Plus: Suitable clothing for spending the day in the sun and possibly getting wet (we recommend a long-sleeved, UV-resistant, rash vest-style top, board shorts due to their quick-drying properties, leggings to keep the sun off your legs and a warm jacket for evening sessions) and bveach towel and/or change of clothes if you want to get in the water with the fish 

  • If fishing into the evening, please also be aware that temperatures at night can be quite low by comparison, so please bring a warm / windproof jacket, hoodie and pants to change into 

  • A good quality head-torch / head-lamp with fresh batteries or fully charged for afternoon-into-evening sessions

  • Drinks and food to keep you well fuelled for the day (please be aware that alcohol is prohibited on most beaches)

  • Camera or smartphone

  • Fishing licence: please ensure you are properly licensed before your trip. The CDFW license page has all the information you need and enables you to book a fishing license for any duration or location. You will need the ocean enhancement stamp to fish in saltwater. 

 

What equipment is provided on a guided surf fishing trip with American Sea Fishing?​​

  • All fishing equipment (rods, reels, rigs etc)

  • All bait​

Can I bring my own fishing tackle?

Yes, please bring any tackle you’d like to use and we’ll accommodate where possible. This is a great idea on tutorial sessions. However, we provide everything for fishing, so you don’t need to bring tackle.

Can my family / friends come too?

Yes, non-anglers are welcome but please ensure you bring enough chairs etc for everyone if extra spectators are coming. Almost all of our venues are suitable for young children and have parking nearby. We are happy to accommodate any requests regarding venue access and parking, please enquire.

Will there be bathrooms where we fish?

Yes, we choose beaches and venues where there are good quality public bathrooms available nearby.

Where will we be fishing?

Our guide will select a venue the day before the session, or sometimes on the day, somewhere as convenient as possible for the client. We will always contact the client in advance regarding venue choice and give them as much notice as possible. 

Will I have to do much physical work?

Our guide/s will carry and transport all the equipment needed. Beyond this, you can do as little or as much as you like. We are flexible and happy to accommodate any special physical requirements - please speak to our guides in advance regarding this.

What are the booking terms?
A deposit is required to secure bookings - this is non-refundable and forms part of the overall fee for the booking (so not a separate charge) The main reason for this charge is to cover our expenses in the run up to a session - we have to catch fresh bait, prepare tackle, build fresh rigs, scout locations etc. This is time-consuming but vital for a successful trip. 

 

The full balance of the deposit is due 24 hours before the booking takes place, unless otherwise arranged with American Sea Fishing’s representative. 

If for any reason you wish to cancel a booking, please do so with more than 48 hours notice so we can re-book your trip at a later date using the same deposit. For any trips canceled with less than 48 hours notice, we reserve the right to hold up to 100% of the total fee. By booking with American Sea Fishing, you are agreeing to these terms and conditions.  

 

Call, text or WhatsApp +1 (714) 642-5770 for bookings and more info

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