Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share today's fishing report for the Los Angeles area as of February 12, 2025.
First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, we have a low tide at 3:36 PM with a height of -0.89 ft, and a high tide at 8:42 AM with a height of 6.1 ft. The evening high tide is at 9:58 PM, coming in at 4.39 ft. These tides can significantly impact fish activity, especially around the piers and coastal areas[2].
The weather has been quite pleasant, with clear skies and mild temperatures, making it an ideal day to hit the water. Sunrise was at 6:39 AM, and sunset is expected at 5:34 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to catch some fish.
Now, let's dive into the fish activity. Around the Southern California piers, the fishing has been mixed but promising. At the Oceanside Pier, anglers have been catching good numbers of perch, both barred and walleye, along with some croaker. The larger spotfin croaker have been less common lately, but the smaller yellowfin croaker are still biting. Lugworms are the go-to bait for these croaker, and you can pick some up at local spots like Pappy’s Liquor on N Cleveland Ave[1].
Over at the Balboa Pier, the fishing has been slow, but there are signs of improvement. Anglers using fresh mussels have managed to catch a few surfperch. The pier is also seeing a lot of baitfish, including sardines and smelt, which is a good indicator that the fishing could pick up soon[1].
For those targeting lobsters, the season is open until March 19, and the recent rain hasn't deterred lobster enthusiasts. You can use up to two hoop nets from public piers, and you'll need a CDFW Spiny Lobster Report Card and a California sport fishing license. The minimum size limit is 3 and ¼ inches carapace length[1].
If you're looking for hot spots, I highly recommend the Oceanside Pier and the Goleta Pier. At Oceanside, the combination of perch and croaker makes for a fun and productive day. At Goleta, you can catch kelp bass, rockfish, and even some angel sharks and bat rays. The pipe reef parallel to the Goleta Pier is particularly good for bass fishing[1].
In terms of bait and lures, live bait like lugworms and fresh mussels are performing well. For those using artificial lures, small jigs and spoons that mimic the baitfish in the area can be very effective. If you're after lobsters, hoop nets are the way to go.
Before you head out, make sure to check your gear and pick up any necessary supplies. Tackle Shack USA in Sylmar is a great place to get everything you need, from live bait to top-brand fishing gear. Their knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right equipment for your fishing trip[3].
So, grab your rods, and let's make the most of this beautiful day in Los Angeles. Tight lines, everyone