Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share today's fishing report for February 9, 2025, focusing on the Pacific Ocean around California.
First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, we've got a low tide at 3:17 AM and another at 4:13 PM, with high tides at 9:51 AM and 9:34 PM. These tidal shifts can significantly impact fish activity, so timing your casts around these periods could be crucial.
Weather-wise, it's looking like a typical February day in California – mild temperatures with a slight breeze. Sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 5:35 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to get out there and catch some fish.
Now, let's dive into the fish activity. In the San Francisco Bay area, perch are abundant and can be caught throughout the bay, especially near the entrance. Striped bass, although many have moved inland, can still be found using cut bait like anchovies, grass shrimp, or pile worms. Jacksmelt are also active, with both large solitary fish and smaller ones making appearances. Keep an ear out for any buzz about herring, as their arrival can get crowded quickly.
Out in the Pacific, the recreational fishery for white seabass is open year-round, but be mindful of the size and bag limits. California sheephead fishing is open to divers and shore-based anglers, and it will open to boat-based anglers starting March 1. If you're after rock crabs, remember that Dungeness crabs cannot be kept from inside the bay; you need to be outside the Golden Gate for those. However, rock crabs are fair game, with a daily bag limit of 35 and a minimum size limit of 4 inches.
For those targeting bonito, which are known for their fierce fight, artificial lures are the way to go. Use hard body lures in bright gold and silver colors or fish patterns like anchovy and mackerel. Lures such as P-Line Lazer Minnows, Buzz Bomb, Yo-Zuri Crystal Minno, and Shimano Coltsniper in various colors have proven effective.
If you're looking to catch some California halibut, live baits like sardines, small mackerel, anchovy, surf smelt, and live squid are your best bet. A small live smelt is particularly effective for surf fishing. For a more artificial approach, use small jerkbaits, swimbaits, jigs, or spoons that imitate small baitfish.
Hot spots for today include the Fort Point Pier and Fort Baker Pier in the San Francisco Bay area, where you might catch sanddab, especially during rainy periods. For bonito and other ocean species, Southern California piers like those in Los Angeles and San Diego counties are always worth a visit. Specifically, the Imperial Beach Pier and Oceanside Harbor Pier have shown some activity, with reports of smelt, perch, and occasional rockfish.
In Southern California, lobster season is now open, so if you're into night fishing, this could be a great opportunity to catch some spiny lobsters. Remember to follow the recreational bag and possession limits, and ensure you have the necessary licenses and gear.
Today looks promising with the right tides and weather conditions. Make sure to check the local regulations, use the right lures and bait, and hit those hot spots for a successful day of fishing. Tight lines, everyone