Anglers fishing the nearshore waters of southern California will encounter numerous gamefish species seasonally and should be outfitted with the rods, reels, and tackle necessary to employ a variety techniques to maximize success. The time of year, water temperature, and ocean conditions will dictate which types of techniques will work at any given time.
In the spring and summer months, the experienced angler will be working the upper water column along the outside edge of the kelp forests where kelp bass, barracuda, and yellowtail will often be found actively feeding. Search the surface waters for signs of concentrated bait fish, diving birds, and gamefish breaking the water. When a good area is located, fish can be taken on live bait, surface irons (light metal jigs) such as the Tady 45's or Kicker 25's, and larger plastic swimbaits from Fishtrap or McSwimbaits fished on ¾ to 1 ½ oz. heads.
Anglers targeting yellowtail and white seabass this time of year may want to catch mackerel or live squid to use as bait before fishing. In the spring, squid can often be located on a fathometer near deep water areas and brought to the surface in the pre-dawn hours using simple 12v lights we sell. Later in the season, mackerel are caught using frozen chum and bait catcher rigs in the morning prior to fishing. A lively 8 to 12" mackerel trolled along the outside edge of the kelp line at 1 to 3 knots can be an excellent technique for targeting these larger gamefish.
During the winter months, a couple of other game plans come into play. The first is targeting California halibut inhabiting the sand flats along the coast. Drifting a sliding sinker rig with live bait in 40 to 120 feet of water can be a surprisingly effective technique for halibut, with fish in the 20 to 30 pound range commonly being landed. An alternative to fishing the flats at this time of year is to target rockfish on the rocky reefs outside the kelp forests in deeper water.
Be sure to stop by an get the latest fish report and tips on what's working before you head out on your next nearshore trip.