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Guide to Southern California Beach Fishing
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Getting Started
A few simple practices and gear choices can greatly enhance your enjoyment of Southern California's year-round fishing for surfperches, croakers, California corbina, and California halibut, among others.
When to Go Fishing
You are more likely to catch fish:
- In the early morning or an hour before dusk
- On an incoming high tide. The rising water level dislodges small invertebrates in sand bars, stimulating fish to feed.
- During mild to moderate surf
Peak months for some favorite species in Southern California
Peak Months | September-May | June-September | July-September | July-September | June-October |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Species | Surfperch | Yellowfin Croaker | Spotfin Croaker | California Corbina | California Halibut |
Rod and Reel Tips
- For heavy bait fishing or "plugging," try a 10- to 12-ft rod rated for 2- to 8-oz casting, with spinning or conventional reels. The reel should be capable of holding 150 to 200 yds of 20- to 30-lb test line.
- For fly-fishing, try a 9- to 11-ft rod, rated for a 6- to 8-weight line, with matching reel. Use a sinktip or shooting head lines. Stripping baskets help manage line in the surf.
- For light bait fishing or when using Carolina rigged grubs, try a 7- to 9-ft rod, with either a spinning or bait casting reel. Use 6- to 12-lb test line that can comfortably cast a - to 1-oz egg sinker, depending on surf conditions.
Equipment Checklist
- Waders, hat, polarized sunglasses, sunblock. Besides protecting your eyes, polarized sunglasses will help you see fish in the shore break and run up. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device if wading.
- Pack for fish, tackle, tape measure, and needle-nose pliers for removing hooks.
Additional Resources
- Beach Angler Survey Results for 2007-2008, Monterey Bay Area (PDF)
- Fish Consumption Advisories from the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
- Fish Contamination Education Collaborative (Southern California)
- Health
- Map of Where to Fish
- FAQ for Anglers
- Helpful Links
- Educational Materials (in multiple languages)
- Recreational Fishing Regulations
- Report Lost Fishing Gear