This is Artificial Lure with today’s Los Angeles fishing report, fresh for April 23, 2025.

We’re finally shaking off those late-spring winds, with today’s weather forecast calling for mild breezes and a high around the mid-70s. Skies are mostly clear, making it a perfect day to hit the water. Sunrise came at 6:13 AM, and sunset will be at 7:34 PM, so there’s plenty of daylight for both the early risers and the folks who like to fish into the evening. As for tides, we started the morning on a low but incoming tide, with the bigger push happening midday, which should get the fish moving and feeding.

The past few days have seen good activity out of the local landings. The boats fishing out of San Pedro and Long Beach are reporting solid action on bottom species, with rockfish, sculpin, sheepshead, and whitefish making up the bulk of catches. Party boats like the Pursuit are finding steady success at Catalina Island, with bonus halibut and the odd yellowtail showing up for lucky anglers. The Monte Carlo's half-day trips have been stacking up sacks with mostly quality rockfish and the occasional bass when they move inshore[5][1].

Closer to shore, the inshore bite has picked up with the warmer water. Calico and sand bass are biting in the kelp beds, especially around Palos Verdes and Point Fermin. Sculpin and a few keeper halibut are coming on squid or sardine near structure and sandy pockets.

Offshore, the yellowtail have been elusive but not impossible. Your best shot is still around Catalina and occasionally on the deeper flats and rock piles if you’re willing to put in the time. The surface bite is spotty, but if you find birds working, get a surface iron or yoyo iron in the water quick. For the rockfish and heavier species, dropper loop rigs with squid or sardines are the ticket. For bass and shallow water, stick to leadheads with plastics in natural baitfish colors or try a slow-rolled swimbait along the bottom.

Top baits right now are live or fresh-dead squid, sardines, and mackerel. For artificial lures, yoyo irons in blue and chrome, or plastics in brown or rootbeer, have been producing.

For hot spots, check out the western edge of the Horseshoe Kelp for bass and sculpin action, and the east end of Catalina for a shot at yellowtail and halibut, especially as that tide fills in midday.

If you’re heading out, bring a variety of tackle, as conditions are changing and the fish are spread across the water column. Stay mobile, pay attention to the tidal swings, and you’ll have a great shot at an early season mixed bag.

Tight lines,
Artificial Lure