MARINA DEL REY FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Moonlit Lobster Hunt off Marina del Rey with Captain Mancini
A late‑evening, hands‑on fishing excursion from Marina del Rey targeting Pacific lobsters and crabs — this guide clarifies what to expect, where you go, and what you can bring home.
Moonlit Lobster Hunt off Marina del Rey with Captain Mancini.
Sail into the night with Captain Mancini aboard the Unsinkable IIII, dropping traps in select spots of Santa Monica Bay to catch Pacific lobsters, Dungeness crabs and soft‑shell crabs under the stars. The trip is a relaxed, small‑boat experience that teaches you how to bait and set traps and lets participants keep whatever they catch.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Moonlit sailing after sunset
The venture leaves Marina del Rey right after sunset for a calm, late‑evening sail, gliding under stars and moonlight across Santa Monica Bay.
Targeted lobster and crab spots
On a small, intimate boat, the captain visits exclusive lobster grounds in Santa Monica Bay where participants learn to bait and drop traps to catch Pacific lobsters, Dungeness crabs and soft‑shell crabs.
Hands‑on, take‑home experience
This is a practical, hands‑on excursion: you help set traps and can take home whatever you catch, making the outing both instructional and rewarding.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
It’s a small‑boat, late‑night fishing trip: you board in Marina del Rey, run out into Santa Monica Bay just after sunset, and spend the evening learning to bait and drop traps while gliding across calm water beneath moon and stars. The tempo is relaxed but instructive — part night sail, part hands‑on crustacean fishing — with the practical reward of taking home your catch.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Operates seasonally; the listing shows October–March and a trip duration of 8 hours.
Bring clothing suitable for a night on the water and whatever you need to transport any catch home — the listing emphasizes that participants take home their catch.
Operated by Old Plank Sailing Adventures aboard Captain Mancini’s small boat, the Unsinkable IIII.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What species are targeted on this trip?
The outing targets Pacific lobsters, Dungeness crabs and soft‑shell crabs.
When does the trip operate?
This experience is seasonal (October–March); the trip duration is listed as 8 hours.
Where do we depart from?
Departures are from Marina del Rey aboard the small boat Unsinkable IIII.
Do participants help set traps?
Yes — the trip is hands‑on: you learn to bait and drop traps and help haul them.
Can I take home what I catch?
Yes — participants take home whatever they catch during the trip.