Today, December 13, 2024, the fishing conditions in the Pacific Ocean off California are looking promising, despite some regulatory changes and tidal fluctuations.
### Tidal Report
The tide times for today are as follows: High tide at 00:44 AM with a height of 0.07 m (0.23 ft), low tide at 7:08 AM with a height of 0.0 m (0.0 ft), high tide again at 2:14 PM with a height of 0.1 m (0.33 ft), and low tide at 8:27 PM with a height of 0.03 m (0.1 ft). The best times to fish are during the running tides, especially when the water is moving from high to low or vice versa, as this tends to activate fish activity[4].
### Weather and Daylight
Sunrise is at 7:15 AM and sunset at 4:45 PM, providing a decent window for both morning and afternoon fishing trips.
### Fish Activity and Catches
Yesterday's fish counts from various spots in Southern California showed a good mix of species. At Morro Bay, anglers caught 95 Rockfish, 2 Red Rockfish, and 3 Bocaccio. In Oxnard, 2 Halibut were landed. At Marina Del Rey, the catch included 60 Sculpin, 5 Lingcod, and 35 Rockfish[5].
### Best Lures and Bait
For the species currently active in these waters, such as Rockfish, Lingcod, and Halibut, using live or frozen bait like anchovies, sardines, or squid is highly effective. Jigs and lures that mimic these baits, like metal jigs or plastic lures, can also work well.
### Hot Spots
- **Coronado Islands**: Known for abundant Yellowtail, Lingcod, and Rockfish, this spot is particularly good during the winter months.
- **San Clemente Island**: Another hotspot for Rockfish, Lingcod, and Yellowtail, with the added benefit of strong tidal currents that activate fish activity.
### Regulatory Notes
Keep in mind that the commercial Dungeness crab season has been delayed in some areas due to humpback whale entanglement risks, and recreational crabbing has specific guidelines to follow. Also, the white sturgeon sport fishing season is currently closed pending a status review[1].
Overall, today's conditions, with the running tides and the right bait, make for a promising day of fishing in California's Pacific waters.