Fishing report for April 16th, 2025, straight from the California coast. This is Artificial Lure with an on-the-water update from the Pacific Ocean.

We kicked off the morning with a 6:23 am sunrise and can expect sunset around 7:33 pm. The early tide was moderate, peaking high at 8:15 am and dropping through mid-morning, which set up prime conditions for those targeting structure and drop-offs. Weather has been classic spring—foggy at dawn, clearing by late morning into bright skies, with light wind and a gentle swell that’s been kind for both kayak and surf fishers.

Fish activity saw a bump this week, especially for halibut, stripers, and calico bass. Several legal halibut came out of Santa Monica Bay and the beaches near Huntington, with more shorts mixed in than last week. Calico bass are showing strong numbers around the kelp beds off Palos Verdes and at Catalina, with many fish in the 2-4 pound range, and a couple of standout 6 pounders landed by swimbait enthusiasts.

The best action for halibut has been on swimbaits in natural baitfish patterns, like white, anchovy, or olive—rig them to stay tight to the bottom. If you prefer hardware, try a Lucky Craft Flash Minnow or Daiwa Salt Pro Minnow in blue sardine or surf smelt color. Folks drifting live bait also did well, especially with smelt or anchovy, either slow-trolled or on a two-hook trap rig, especially during the incoming tide throughout the late morning and early afternoon. For cut bait, fresh sardine strips are getting bit by halibut and the occasional leopard shark.

In the surf, corbina and perch are in the skinny water, taking sand crabs and lugworms, but a well-worked Gulp! Sandworm will also draw strikes if you’re fishing plastics.

Calico bass and some bonus white seabass were nabbed around the kelp by anglers slow-rolling big paddle-tail swimbaits in brown or red on lead-heads, and the MC Viejo series continues to be a top producer among the regulars. Fish Trap and Big Hammer brands are local favorites. When it clouds up or the sun is low, go with darker hues, and switch to silver or blue when the sun’s up.

Hot spots to try today:
- Santa Monica Bay edges, especially around the Venice jetties for halibut.
- Palos Verdes kelp lines and boiler rocks for calicos.
- South-facing beaches in Orange County, especially at first light, for perch and halibut.

With the warming trend and stable weather, expect fish to stay active through the weekend. Good luck out there and remember to match the hatch, keep those presentations near the bottom for flatties, and don’t be afraid to switch up lure colors with the changing light. Tight lines from Artificial Lure.

Good morning, anglers! Here’s your Pacific Ocean, California fishing report for Monday, April 14, 2025. The weather and conditions are shaping up nicely for some quality time at the water.

The tides today are favorable, with a high tide around 9:12 AM and a low tide at 3:45 PM, giving you a good window to work both slack and moving waters. The sunrise was at 6:22 AM, and the sunset will be at 7:35 PM, offering plenty of daylight for fishing. Expect clear skies with highs in the mid-60s, and a light breeze from the northwest at 5-10 mph, providing smooth casting conditions.

The spring bite is heating up, and fish activity is strong. California halibut continue to be a prime catch, as they’ve moved into shallower waters for spawning. Reports indicate some impressive catches of halibut in the 10-20 pound range near sandy beaches and harbor mouths. Striped bass are also being caught with regularity along the surf, and rockfish remain steady for those targeting deeper, rocky structures.

For California halibut, the best bait options are live sardines, anchovies, and small mackerel. Anglers using artificial lures have been successful with swimbaits in natural baitfish colors, jerkbaits such as the Lucky Craft CIF FM 110, and soft plastics rigged on underspin jigheads. A fluorocarbon leader of 20-30 pounds is recommended to keep your setup stealthy yet strong. Rockfish are being caught using jigs and cut squid, while stripers are striking on spoons and bucktail jigs near the surface.

Hotspots worth exploring today include the Malibu coastline, where a strong halibut bite has been reported, especially at Zuma Beach. Additionally, the San Diego Bay area is seeing good action on striped bass, and anglers are pulling in halibut around the jetty systems and marinas. For surf anglers, try the beaches near Santa Cruz or Huntington—perfect for halibut and striped bass right now.

Whether you’re fishing from shore, a kayak, or a boat, it’s a great day to hit the water. Pack your tackle, and good luck landing your next trophy! Tight lines!

Good morning, anglers! If you're planning to cast a line today, here's your Pacific Ocean fishing update for the waters off California as of Sunday, April 13, 2025.

The weather is looking cooperative with clear skies and temperatures ranging between the mid-50s and low-70s along the coast. Winds are mild, coming out of the northwest at around 8-12 knots. High tide is expected at 10:23 AM, with a low tide at 4:47 PM. Sunrise this morning was at 6:27 AM, and sunset will grace us at 7:29 PM, giving you plenty of daylight for your fishing adventures.

**Fishing Activity and Catches:**
Recent catches have been promising across various species. Anglers are reporting good numbers of California halibut close to shore, with live bait such as smelt, sardines, and squid yielding excellent results. Bonito have also been seen around piers and jetties, especially in southern California. These aggressive fighters are biting best on shiny metal lures like Krocodiles or casting jigs in mackerel or anchovy colors. Offshore, rockfish and striped bass continue to bite well, especially around rocky outcroppings and deeper waters.

For halibut, anglers have been using Carolina rigs baited with live smelt or sardines close to the sandy surf zones. Jerkbaits such as the Lucky Craft Flash Minnow in sardine pattern have also been proving lethal when worked slowly across the bottom. When targeting bonito, high-velocity retrieves with flashy lures such as P-Line Lazer Minnows or Shimano Coltsnipers in blue or silver have been highly effective.

**Hot Spots to Try:**
1. **Santa Monica Bay:** This area near the piers and harbors is producing solid halibut catches. Use live bait paired with a Stinger rig for the best chances.
2. **Newport Pier:** A classic hotspot for bonito. Cast a shiny metal jig far and retrieve quickly when you spot schools boiling on the surface.
3. **Monterey Bay:** This is a prime location for rockfish and an occasional chance to hook into a striped bass.

**Bait and Lure Tips:**
- **Live Bait:** Smelt, sardines, and squid are the top picks for halibut. Fresh mackerel chunks work wonders for leopard sharks.
- **Lures:** For surf fishing, versatile options include the Lucky Craft CIF FM 110, swimbaits like the Keitech Fat Swing Impact, and Krocodile spoons. For halibut and rockfish, soft plastics like grubs paired with a jighead are great choices, especially when spiced up with fish attractants like scent oil.

Today’s conditions are perfect for a trip to the water, so grab your gear and head out. Whether you're fishing from the shore, a pier, or a boat, there’s no shortage of action waiting for you. Tight lines!

Today, April 12, 2025, fishing along the Pacific Ocean coast of California promises excellent opportunities, especially for surf anglers and nearshore fishing enthusiasts. With sunrise at 6:26 AM and sunset at 7:30 PM, there’s ample daylight to enjoy the waters. Weather conditions are mild with temperatures averaging in the mid-60s°F and light winds, creating favorable conditions for fishing.

The tidal schedule plays an important role in today’s fishing strategy. Low tide is early this morning, providing an opportunity to fish the troughs and structure exposed by the receding water. The incoming tide later in the morning will bring predator fish closer to the shore, so timing is key to maximize your success.

**Recent catches and fish activity:** Anglers have reported good numbers of California halibut, striped bass, and leopard sharks in Southern and Central California waters. Nearshore fishing also brought in California yellowtail, particularly around rocky structures and kelp beds. Halibut are being caught consistently using live bait such as anchovies, surf smelt, and sardines, as well as artificial lures like jerkbaits and swimbaits. Leopard sharks are responding well to Carolina rigs baited with fresh mackerel or surf perch chunks. Meanwhile, surface jigging for yellowtail has been productive offshore, especially using “iron” jigs.

**Best lures and bait:**
- The Lucky Craft Flash Minnow and Rapala SXR-10 Slash Baits are top picks for halibut in the surf. These lures perform well when retrieved in a stop-and-go motion.
- Surf anglers targeting striped bass are finding success with soft plastics like Keitech Fat Swing Impact swimbaits or paddle tail lures matched to jig heads.
- For leopard sharks, using fresh mackerel with a wired surf sinker setup has yielded consistent bites.
- In deeper waters or around kelp beds, yellowtails are hitting light "surface iron" jigs and live baits like Pacific mackerel and squid.

**Hot spots:**
- Santa Monica Bay is a fantastic location for halibut and striped bass near sandy beaches as well as jetty systems.
- San Clemente and Catalina Island are hotspots for yellowtail, especially near kelp paddies or rocky outcrops.
- For those looking to target leopard sharks, open sandy beaches near Huntington Beach or even north towards Pismo Beach are excellent choices.

Lastly, confidence in your tackle and presentation is critical. Match your lure or bait to local prey species and ensure your setups are ready to handle some feisty fish. Happy fishing, and tight lines!

Today's fishing report for the Pacific Ocean along the California coast offers fantastic opportunities for anglers of all levels. With the sun rising at approximately 6:32 AM and setting around 7:31 PM, there’s plenty of daylight to get on the water. Tides are following a moderate low-to-high pattern today, with low tide around 6:00 AM and high tide peaking at about 12:20 PM, setting ideal conditions for fishing near both surf and structure.

The weather is cooperative, with mild temperatures in the range of 55–65°F. A light ocean breeze of 5–10 mph is expected, keeping conditions comfortable. The water temperature inshore is averaging around 58–61°F, which is favorable for species like halibut, striped bass, and leopard sharks.

**Recent catches:** Reports indicate consistent action for California halibut, with anglers pulling in respectable fish ranging from 18 to 30 inches. Striped bass activity has also been solid, especially during early morning hours around jetties and river mouths. Leopard sharks have been biting well along sandy beaches with deeper troughs.

**Best spots:**
1. **Huntington State Beach** – Ideal for halibut near the surf line. Use Lucky Craft jerkbaits in sardine or anchovy patterns.
2. **Dana Point Jetty** – Excellent for striped bass and halibut using live smelt or mackerel.
3. **Mission Beach, San Diego** – Known for leopard shark action using cut bait like mackerel or surf perch.

**Recommended lures and bait:** For artificial lures, Lucky Craft Flash Minnow and swimbaits like Keitech Fat Impact are top picks for halibut, as they mimic baitfish effectively with lifelike action. For natural bait, sardines, live smelt, and anchovies are producing results close to the surf zone. Cut mackerel and squid are excellent for leopard sharks.

**Tips for success:** Focus on fishing during tidal changes, particularly the low-to-high tide window, as fish activity increases with water movement. For halibut, keep your lures or bait close to the bottom, as these fish are ambush predators that prefer lying in the sand. For leopard sharks, a Carolina rig with a wired surf sinker will help keep your bait stable in the surf zone.

Overall, today promises an excellent day on the water with favorable weather and strong fish activity. Tight lines!

The fishing scene off California's Pacific Coast is buzzing this April 9, 2025, with plenty of action and opportunities for anglers. Here's a detailed report for today:

The weather today has been pleasant with calm seas and mild breezes, ideal for both offshore and surf fishing. Sunrise was at 6:34 AM, and sunset is projected around 7:39 PM, giving anglers ample hours to be out on the water. Tides have been cooperative for fishing, with low tide occurring mid-morning and high tide in the late afternoon, providing prime opportunities during the tidal changes.

Rockfish and lingcod are the headline catches this month as the April deepwater season is in full swing. Boats venturing offshore in calm conditions have reported quick limits of large Canary and Yellowtail rockfish, along with some impressive lingcod catches. The deepwater rockfishing has been particularly productive around areas like Monterey Bay and further north near Humboldt County. Using swimbaits or jigs in natural fish patterns like sardine or anchovy has proven successful for these species. Deepwater enthusiasts are advised to stay within the 50-fathom boundary to comply with regulations.

Closer to shore, surf fishing has been heating up for species like halibut and calico bass. Halibut have been biting well along sandy beaches and near harbor entrances. Best baits include live sardines, smelt, or anchovies, while lures like the Lucky Craft Flash Minnow and Rapala X-Rap in sardine patterns are excellent for enticing bites. Halibut anglers are reminded that maintaining contact with the bottom is key, as these fish are bottom-dwellers. For calico bass, local anglers have seen success around kelp beds near San Clemente and Catalina Island, using swimbaits in darker colors during the morning and switching to silver or blue tones under brighter light.

For those targeting sharks, leopard sharks are active along Central and Southern California beaches. Wired Carolina rigs with fresh-cut mackerel or bonito have been the go-to setup. Medium to heavy surf gear is recommended to handle the large sinkers needed to keep bait in place amidst strong currents.

Hot spots to consider:
1. **Monterey Bay** is seeing excellent rockfish and lingcod action, especially in deeper waters.
2. **Santa Monica Bay** and **Newport Beach** are producing solid results for halibut in the surf or near harbor entrances.

Whether fishing deep offshore or casting from sandy beaches, today’s conditions and fish activity make it a great day to be out on the water. Tight lines!

Today, April 4, 2025, brings favorable fishing conditions along the California coast of the Pacific Ocean. Overall, anglers can expect moderate spring conditions with improving opportunities, though some challenges remain. Here's the full breakdown:

Weather-wise, the day started with calm skies and temperatures in the mid-60s during the morning, warming up to the low 70s in the afternoon. Winds were light but could pick up slightly by the evening. Sunrise occurred at 6:40 AM, with sunset expected at 7:30 PM, providing ample daylight for enthusiasts to hit the waters.

For tidal conditions, the tides today were moderate, with high tide peaking mid-morning and a low tide in the early afternoon. These changes favor both surf and offshore fishing, particularly for species like halibut and surfperch, which are active during tidal shifts.

Fishing activity has been promising. Reports indicate that several good catches of California halibut were made near Humboldt Bay and around rocky coastal areas like San Clemente and Santa Barbara. Lingcod and rockfish have also been productive since the rockfish season opened on April 1. Coastal areas, particularly near kelp beds and rocky outcroppings, are seeing frequent action with species like calico bass and yellowtail, with some yellowtail weighing in between 15 and 30 pounds.

As for bait and lures, halibut have been most responsive to sardine-colored swimbaits and jerkbaits like the Lucky Craft FM 110. A Carolina rig with live bait, such as anchovies, smelt, or grunion, is also doing particularly well. For surf fishing, anglers targeting surfperch are finding success with soft plastics like the Berkley Gulp! sandworms in a camo color or small curlytail grubs in natural shades like root beer. Larger surfperch are being drawn to 110-size diving crankbaits on central and northern beaches.

Hot spots for fishing today include Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz, where anglers have reported success with sea bass in about 75 feet of water. Additionally, areas around Cerralvo Island continue to offer excellent yellowtail action. For surf fishing, try the stretches of beach near Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, where barred surfperch are biting steadily.

In summary, with warming waters and clear weather, now is a great time to try your luck along the California coast. Take advantage of the ideal conditions and head for these hotspots with the recommended baits and lures to maximize your chances of landing a memorable catch. Tight lines!

Fishing Report for April 4, 2025 – Pacific Ocean, California

Good morning anglers! If you’re heading out to the Pacific Ocean along the California coastline today, you’re in for some classic spring fishing conditions. Here’s what’s happening in our waters.

TIDES AND WEATHER: Today’s tides show a moderate high tide this morning and a low tide mid-afternoon. These tide shifts can create great opportunities for bottom-feeders like halibut. The weather is sunny and pleasant with temperatures between the mid-60s and low 70s. Winds are mild, making it an excellent day for both shore and boat fishing. Sunrise was at 6:38 AM and sunset will be around 7:24 PM, giving plenty of daylight for a full day of fishing.

FISH ACTIVITY AND RECENT CATCHES: The spring season is treating us well, with yellowtail, rockfish, and California halibut making steady appearances. Yellowtail weighing between 15-30 pounds have been caught near rocky areas around the Channel Islands. Pargo liso are also moving into the shallows, providing a challenge for those looking to hook one of these strong fighters. Offshore, bonito schools have been spotted near piers and rocky structures, and the bite has been solid for calico bass around kelp beds near Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands.

Yesterday’s fishing reports indicated some great halibut catches along sandy beaches near Santa Monica Bay and Dana Point. Anglers also reported good numbers of rockfish near Pleasure Point and Davenport, with a few nice sea bass caught in deeper waters around 75 feet.

BEST BAIT AND LURES:
- For halibut, live baits such as sardines, anchovy, and smelt are performing well. If you prefer artificials, try Lucky Craft Flash Minnows or sardine-colored jerkbaits worked slow and steady along the bottom.
- For yellowtail and bonito, metallic jigs such as Shimano Coltsnipers in silver or blue patterns are working wonders. These fish are responding well to motion, so keep your retrieves fast and erratic.
- Calico bass are loving swimbaits in darker colors during morning hours, switching to silvers and blues later in the day. Look for kelp beds with moderate current for the best action.

HOT SPOTS:
- **Catalina Island**: Known for calico bass and occasional yellowtail around the kelp beds.
- **Dana Point to San Onofre**: Productive for halibut and surfperch along sandy beaches.
- **Santa Monica Bay**: A prime location for halibut and spotted bass, as well as those targeting bonito near piers.

Whether you’re fishing from the shore, a pier, or a boat, today promises plenty of action. Remember to check the regulations for bag and size limits, as well as seasonal closures. Tight lines and happy fishing!

Good morning, anglers! This is Artificial Lure with your Pacific Ocean fishing report for Friday, April 4, 2025, focused on the California coastline. Let’s dive straight into the conditions and catch updates to help you plan your day on the water.

The weather today looks cooperative, with calm north winds of 5-10 knots and manageable northwest waves around 4 feet at 8-second intervals. Sunrise was at 6:41 AM, and sunset will grace the horizon at 7:28 PM. With moderate tides, the fishing conditions are prime for various techniques across California's coastline.

As of April 1, the deep-water rockfish and lingcod fishery reopened statewide, allowing anglers to target these species offshore in waters deeper than 300 feet. Nearshore fisheries remain off-limits in these areas, but make sure to check the specific regulations for your locality to stay compliant. Additionally, remember that the ocean salmon fishery is closed through May 15, so salmon fishing should be avoided.

The bite has been promising for several species along the coast. Anglers have reported excellent catches of California halibut, rockfish, and lingcod. Halibut are moving into shallower waters as spawning season gets underway, providing fantastic opportunities near sandy beaches and harbor mouths. Lingcod and rockfish are being found offshore using jigs and live bait. Leopard sharks are another popular target in sandy-bottomed areas, with fresh mackerel as the recommended bait.

For best results, try these proven setups:
- **Halibut fishing:** Drifting live baits such as sardines, smelt, or squid on a trap rig with a 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader works wonders. For artificial lures, swimbaits and suspending jerkbaits are excellent choices. Remember to maintain contact with the bottom, as halibut are bottom feeders.
- **Rockfish and lingcod:** Use metal jigs and bucktail jigs tipped with squid or scented soft plastics. Focus on rocky structures offshore for the best results.
- **Leopard shark fishing:** Employ a Carolina rig with fresh mackerel chunks or surf perch cut bait. Heavy wire leaders and circle hooks are essential when targeting these strong fighters.

Two hotspots to consider today are the waters near Channel Islands, where rockfish and lingcod are abundant, and Santa Monica Bay, which is producing quality-sized California halibut and leopard sharks. For surf anglers, beaches like Malibu and Huntington are great for catching surfperch and halibut with jerkbaits or soft plastics.

With manageable weather conditions and steady fish activity, now’s the time to head out and make the most of the day. Tight lines, and may your nets overflow!

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Pacific Ocean fishing report for April 2, 2025, focusing on the California coastline. Get ready for some great action as spring is heating up the local waters, and the bites are following suit!

Today’s **sunrise** was at 6:38 AM, and **sunset** will be at 7:16 PM, giving you plenty of daylight for a full fishing session. The **tides** are cooperating too, with a morning **high tide** of 4.5 feet around 8:45 AM and an afternoon **low tide** of 0.5 feet at 3:52 PM—ideal for targeting certain species during those shifting currents.

**Weather-wise**, it's shaping up to be a prime fishing day with partly cloudy skies, a high temperature around 67°F, and light winds from the west at 6-9 mph. Ocean conditions are calm with 2-3 foot swells, which is perfect for both inshore and boat fishing.

The **fish activity** has been lively. Halibut activity is heating up as they move into shallower waters for springtime spawning. Recent catches have ranged from 12 to 25 pounds, particularly strong off Huntington Beach and Monterey Bay. Lingcod and rockfish are also providing steady action for bottom-fishing enthusiasts, with many boats reporting limits on quality catches. For the surface angler, yellowtail have been popping around the Catalina and San Clemente Islands. Surf casters, too, are getting in on the action with barred surfperch and corbina active along Southern California beaches.

As for **lures and bait**, for halibut, slow-trolling white bucktail jigs tipped with squid strips or working swimbaits in sardine or anchovy patterns near the bottom is the ticket. Lingcod and rockfish are biting well on cut squid or shrimp and jigs like the 6-ounce diamond jig. Yellowtail are responding to surface iron jigs like the Tady 45 in blue and white or yo-yo jigs, and live sardines are also very effective for these strong fighters. Surf anglers should consider Carolina-rigged grubs in motor oil or root beer colors.

Looking for **hot spots**? Try Monterey Bay’s canyon edges for halibut or the reefs off San Diego for lingcod and rockfish. For those targeting yellowtail, the Horseshoe Kelp area is producing outstanding results. Surf fishing at Torrey Pines State Beach has been hot as well, particularly for perch and corbina.

Reminder, rockfish season is now open, and regulations remain in place for other species, so ensure you’re compliant with local rules.

That’s it for this morning’s report, anglers. Tight lines, stay safe, and enjoy the bounty the Pacific Ocean has to offer! See you on the water.