Surf Fishing Lessons, Fishing Tuition and Coaching in Southern California
Learn how to go Surf Fishing in California with a professional guide in 2026!
Are you looking for Surf Fishing lessons so you can target species like Surf Perch (barred, redtail, shiner, walleye etc), California Corbina, Yellowfin Croaker, Spotfin Croaker, California Halibut and Bass from the beach?
You've come to the right place – we are SoCal's longest-established surf fishing guiding and tuition service, specializing in one thing: Helping you experience great fishing every time you hit the beach.
Maybe you're unsure about about some aspects of surf fishing such as structure, tides, swells, riffles, nervous water, gullies, bars, troughs, lips, rigging light line combos, baits, knots and tackle?
Or, your family wants to learn about catching sand crabs and fishing with them in the summer, and what the best baits are for winter?
Our 2026 season Surf Fishing Tuition program covers everything you need to know and learn about Surf Fishing in California with a professional CDFW-licensed guide, all in one session.
Each 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 practical tuition session, we'll hit one of our favorite beaches and cover the best surf fishing rigs, baits, tackle, species ID, how to find structure, how to cast, reading a beach, sand crab hunting, tides, swells, best times to fish, great apps to use, how to handle stingrays, and everything else you need to catch lots of species for fish tacos from the beach, solo or with family.
The session price also includes a detailed, laminated surf fishing playbook and tackle consultation service to help you get rigged up correctly after the session.
Our surf fishing lessons are a fun, one-stop-shop for anyone looking to catch fish from the beach – you'll learn everything you need to know about becoming a successful surf angler from a professional local guide with many years of experience in coaching all age groups and skill levels.
Info and How to Book Surf Fishing Lessons
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Currently booking all-year-round dates for 2026-27
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For one to six people fishing, spectators welcome
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Approximately 4–hour sessions (more possible, please ask)
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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 good all-round skill level in a morning
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Orange County, North San Diego and LA County beaches
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All bait and tackle (rods, reels, equipment etc) provided - just turn up with a valid CDFW license and fish
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Target species include: Surf Perch (barred & walleye), Yellowfin Croaker, Spotfin Croaker, Shovelnose Guitarfish, California halibut, various Bass, Leopard Sharks and California Corbina
Full Surf Fishing Lesson Prices (4 hours) from $299
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North Orange County area (Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Bolsa Chica, Seal Beach, Long Beach) - $299 for 1-2 people, $349 for 3, $399 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)
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South Orange County area fishing lessons (Dana Point, San Clemente, Capistrano, Doheny) - $329 for 1-2 people, $399 for 3, $449 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)
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South Los Angeles area fishing lessons (San Pedro, Torrance, Redondo, Manhattan) - $329 for 1-2 people, $349 for 3, $399 for 4-6+ (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)
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North Los Angeles area fishing lessons (Santa Monica, Will Rogers, Topanga, Malibu) - $349 for 1-2 people, $399 for 3, $449 for 4 (please inquire for pricing for more anglers)
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San Diego area fishing lessons (Carlsbad, Oceanside, Ponto, Encinitas etc) - $349 for 1-2 people, $399 for 3, $449 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 – Frequently Asked Questions and More Info
What are American Sea Fishing's surf fishing lessons and tuitions?
American Sea Fishing's surf fishing sessions are one-on-one or small-group (families, couples, friends etc) guided lessons held on Southern California beaches. Each session is a standalone experience focused on teaching you how to surf fish effectively from the beach, with hands-on instruction tailored to your skill level, goals, and local conditions on the day. These sessions are ideal if you want to learn surf fishing properly in a single outing.
Who are these surf fishing lessons for?
Surf fishing sessions are suitable for complete beginners, intermediate anglers wanting to improve, families, visitors to California, and experienced anglers looking to refine specific skills. Sessions can also be adapted for different learning styles, including anglers with ADHD, autism, or shorter attention spans, ensuring instruction is clear, practical, and easy to follow.
Do I need any previous surf fishing experience?
No experience is required. Many people book a session specifically to learn how to surf fish for the first time. Instruction starts with the basics and progresses naturally based on your comfort level, goals and interests.
Is fishing gear and bait included in the session?
Yes. All essential fishing gear is provided, including rods, reels, tackle, bait, and terminal rigs. If you already own surf fishing equipment, you’re welcome to bring it along and learn how to set it up and use it correctly.
What will I learn in a single surf fishing session?
Each session is customized, but commonly covers how to read beach structure, sandbars, and troughs, understanding tides, swell, and surf conditions, choosing the right rigs, bait, and lures, casting techniques for beach fishing, how to locate and target fish from the shore, and species-specific strategies for Southern California surf fishing. You’ll leave with practical skills you can apply immediately when fishing on your own.
How long is a full surf fishing lesson?
Sessions typically lasts about four hours, allowing enough time to learn techniques, apply them on the water, and build confidence. Session length and focus can be adjusted depending on conditions and your learning goals.
Where do your surf fishing lessons take place?
Sessions are held on beaches across Southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County. Locations may include Huntington Beach, Bolsa Chica, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Long Beach, Malibu, Santa Monica, Dana Point, Carlsbad, Oceanside, and surrounding areas. The exact beach is chosen based on conditions, tides, and target species to maximize learning and success.
Are the surf fishing sessions private?
Yes. Sessions are private or small-group only, ensuring personalized instruction. They’re suitable for solo anglers, friends, families, or couples who want a focused learning experience.
What fish species can I learn to target during a surf fishing session?
Surf fishing sessions focus on teaching techniques to target common and sought-after Southern California surf species. Depending on season and conditions, this may include surf perch, California halibut, corbina, and bass species such as barred sand bass, spotted bay bass, and calico bass. Instruction emphasizes understanding when and where these species feed and how to adjust tackle, bait, and lure presentation accordingly.
Do I need a California fishing license?
Yes. A California fishing license is required for anglers aged 16 and over. We can advise you on where and how to purchase one before your session.
Can a surf fishing session be tailored to specific goals?
Absolutely. Sessions can focus on learning surf fishing from scratch, targeting surf perch, California halibut, corbina, or bass, improving consistency and confidence, artificial lures versus bait fishing, sight fishing techniques, competition or advanced tactics, or developing skills you can use independently after the session.
How do I book a surf fishing session in California?
To book a surf fishing session, contact us via phone, email, or the website contact form below to discuss availability, location, and goals for your session.