Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share the latest fishing report for today, February 9, 2025, in and around Los Angeles.
First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, we're looking at a high tide at 6:40 AM with a height of 6.11 feet, followed by a low tide at 2:02 PM with a height of -1.18 feet, and then another high tide at 8:39 PM with a height of 3.96 feet. These tidal changes can significantly impact fish activity, so keep an eye on them[2][5].
The weather has been quite pleasant lately, with clear skies and mild temperatures, making it ideal for a day out on the water. Sunrise is at 6:42 AM, and sunset is at 5:32 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to catch some fish.
Now, let's dive into the fish activity. Around Southern California, particularly in the Los Angeles area, we've seen a mix of species biting recently. At the Imperial Beach Pier, there have been reports of smelt, perch, and even a few halibut. However, the fishing has been slow due to the recent winds and scarce bait. Barred surfperch and croaker are also showing up, but it's nothing to write home about just yet[1].
Over at the Balboa Pier, the fishing has been slow as well, but there's been some action on surfperch using fresh mussels as bait. There's also been a sighting of a lot of baitfish around the pier, which is a good sign for upcoming fishing[1].
If you're looking for some lobster action, the season is now open until March 19. You can use up to two hoop nets from public piers, and the minimum size limit is 3 and ¼ inches carapace length. Recreational bag and possession limits are seven lobsters per person[1].
For those targeting bass, the Goleta Pier is a good spot. Kelp bass and rockfish are common here, especially if you cast out to the pipe reef. There have also been reports of angel sharks, thornbacks, and bat rays, but the overall fishing has been fair due to fewer anglers lately[1].
### Hot Spots
1. **Goleta Pier**: This pier is reliable for kelp bass and rockfish. Cast out to the pipe reef for the best results.
2. **Balboa Pier**: While the fishing is slow, it's a good spot for surfperch using fresh mussels. Keep an eye out for baitfish, which could indicate better fishing soon.
### Best Lures and Bait
For surfperch, fresh mussels are your best bet. If you're after bass, live or frozen bait like anchovies or sardines can work well. For those looking to catch lobsters, hoop nets are the way to go.
If you're using artificial lures, small jigs and spoons can be effective for bass and other species. At Tackle Shack USA in Los Angeles, you can find a wide selection of live bait, including worms, lugworms, and nightcrawlers, as well as artificial lures and other tackle[3].
In summary, while the fishing has been a bit slow in some areas, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch some great fish around Los Angeles. Keep an eye on the tides, use the right bait, and you might just land yourself a nice catch. Happy fishing