Good morning, fellow anglers. Here’s your Los Angeles fishing report for Saturday, April 12, 2025. Whether you're ready to hit the SoCal coastline or the rich inshore waters, there’s plenty of action to get excited about today.
The weather is looking favorable, with morning temperatures hovering in the high 50s and clear skies expected throughout the day, reaching highs in the mid-70s. Sunrise was at 6:21 AM, and sunset is at 7:29 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to make the most of your time on the water. Winds are light at about five knots, which makes for ideal conditions for both inshore and surf fishing.
Today offers a mixed tidal schedule, with a low tide expected at approximately 8:45 AM and high tide rolling in around 3:30 PM. Fishing during the incoming tide, especially near structure or in sandy surf zones, could yield great results as it brings in baitfish and attracts predatory species.
Recent reports suggest that the surf is producing solid numbers of barred surf perch and corbina. Soft-shell sand crabs have been the best bait for these species, especially when fished on a size 6 or size 8 hook. Bloodworms and ghost shrimp are excellent alternatives if you can find them. Artificial baits like the Berkeley Gulp! Sand Worm in camo are also reliable and versatile for surf action.
For inshore waters, halibut has been the name of the game. Anglers are scoring good catches using long-casting twitch baits such as the Lucky Craft SW Flash Minnow 110 and the Savage Gear Glass Minnow. These lures mimic baitfish and work particularly well along the sandy bottoms near drop-offs. Fresh frozen sardines have also been productive when targeting halibut near ambush points.
In terms of hotspots, Dockweiler Beach is recommended for shore anglers targeting surf perch and corbina. For those venturing slightly offshore, the Santa Monica Bay remains a reliable spot for halibut and other game fish. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime windows for success.
Lastly, if you need to stock up on tackle or bait, Tackle Shack USA in Sylmar is a fantastic local shop. They carry everything from fresh live bait like bloodworms and lugworms to an extensive selection of artificial lures to suit your fishing style.
Let’s sum it up: light winds, favorable tides, and solid fish activity make today an excellent day to be out fishing around Los Angeles. Whether surfcasting for perch and corbina or trolling for halibut inshore, there’s plenty of opportunity to land some memorable catches. Tight lines and happy fishing!