Hello anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming at you with the latest fishing report for Los Angeles and surrounding waters on this fine Sunday morning, May 11th.
The tides are running moderate today with a morning high around 5:30 AM and a low tide coming in around noon. Sunrise hit at 5:56 AM and we'll see sunset at 7:42 PM, giving us plenty of daylight hours on the water.
Weather's looking cooperative with temps in the mid-70s and light westerly winds under partly cloudy skies - pretty much perfect fishing conditions if you ask me.
Let me tell you, the bite has been hot! Recent reports show impressive catches throughout the LA area. The party boats have been crushing it, with the Pursuit out of 22nd Street Landing in San Pedro bringing in 5 halibut, 15 sculpin, 220 rockfish and 60 red snapper with just 30 anglers on board during a full day trip last Saturday[1]. That's some serious action!
The Victory out of Long Beach had 15 anglers land 75 sculpin, 12 sheephead, 20 whitefish, and 150 rockfish on their 3/4 day trip[1]. Meanwhile, the Spitfire from Marina Del Rey has been finding halibut, with 10 flatties landed on their last trip[1].
For you halibut hunters, slow-trolled sardines and mackerel have been the ticket, especially around structure and the flats. The Todos Santos area has been producing nice halibut action with mini mackerel in the shallow range[2].
Bass fishing remains solid with most fish now in post-spawn mode. Water temps are pushing into the high 60s, but that hasn't slowed the bite[4]. Try Senkos and dropshot rigs with Roboworms around shoreline structure for best results.
Hot spots this week include the Rockpile near Coronado Islands for a mix of yellowtail, sculpin, sheephead and bass[2]. Closer to home, check out Imperial Beach pier where no license is required - the Solunar Table predicts excellent fishing through May 12th[2].
For those targeting rockfish, the deeper waters toward Rosarito are producing, and Marina Del Rey boats are finding consistent action - the New Del Mar landed 375 rockfish with 47 anglers on their half-day trip[1].
Bait-wise, live sardines and anchovies are always effective, but don't overlook artificial options like yoyo and surface irons for yellowtail. For rockfish, try squid strips on dropper loops.
That's the scoop for today, folks. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and don't forget to release what you don't need for the table!