Dana Point Harbor Fishing Pier, 9/2 - Sycamore Cove Beach, 9/3

[TheFrood]

Fished the harbor pier for most of the afternoon. Not much action, but TONS of little smelt. Throw a piece of slow-sinking bait into the water and
they would swarm it like piranha in a frenzy. One young fisherman snagged and lost his rig so I set him up with a simple Carolina rig so he could keep fishing. Was also 3 first time anglers that showed up with almost zero fishing knowledge... They had acquired 3 random, 2nd hand mismatched rods (that were mostly functional), some hooks, and a packet of discounted shrimp and were going to learn how to fish. They asked what they should do so I was able to host an impromptu beginner fishing seminar. Not much catching (other than the occasional smelt), and I seemed unable to keep the giant gastropods off of my line. Some googling makes me think they were California Horned Snails, but they were HUGE. The smaller one had a shell the size of my hand and I'm guessing weighed in at around 1 lb. They were simply devouring my shrimp that I was using as bait.

Around sunset some larger fish started to jump, perhaps chasing the smelt? Couldn't tell what they were. Juvenile WSB? Do croaker or corvina jump out of the water?

The next day was shore fishing which wasn't a great idea. The waves were massive and were slamming down right on the shore. Didn't stay long. No bites of course.

 

[Ken Jones]

Thanks for the report.

 

[HookedUp!]

Fished the harbor pier for most of the afternoon. Not much action, but TONS of little smelt. Throw a piece of slow-sinking bait into the water and
they would swarm it like piranha in a frenzy. One young fisherman snagged and lost his rig so I set him up with a simple Carolina rig so he could keep fishing. Was also 3 first time anglers that showed up with almost zero fishing knowledge... They had acquired 3 random, 2nd hand mismatched rods (that were mostly functional), some hooks, and a packet of discounted shrimp and were going to learn how to fish. They asked what they should do so I was able to host an impromptu beginner fishing seminar. Not much catching (other than the occasional smelt), and I seemed unable to keep the giant gastropods off of my line. Some googling makes me think they were California Horned Snails, but they were HUGE. The smaller one had a shell the size of my hand and I'm guessing weighed in at around 1 lb. They were simply devouring my shrimp that I was using as bait.

Around sunset some larger fish started to jump, perhaps chasing the smelt? Couldn't tell what they were. Juvenile WSB? Do croaker or corvina jump out of the water?

The next day was shore fishing which wasn't a great idea. The waves were massive and were slamming down right on the shore. Didn't stay long. No bites of course.

I've never caught the snails before, but I have seen people catch them as bycatch in hoop nets while targeting lobster. Some people keep them, while others release them. Once the lobster season starts, the giant snails will probably be gone.
As for the fish jumping, they were probably Striped Mullet. I've seen them running around the harbor, and they jump frequently.
Smelt are a fun "first-time" fish. They're almost like saltwater Bluegill and a great way to get new anglers started.

 

[TheFrood]

I've never caught the snails before, but I have seen people catch them as bycatch in hoop nets while targeting lobster. Some people keep them, while others release them. Once the lobster season starts, the giant snails will probably be gone.
As for the fish jumping, they were probably Striped Mullet. I've seen them running around the harbor, and they jump frequently.
Smelt are a fun "first-time" fish. They're almost like saltwater Bluegill and a great way to get new anglers started.

How do you target them (mullet I mean)? There were some seriously hefty fish jumping. Are they good eating?

 

[Ken Jones]

Always check the site for pier/fish info:

https://www.pierfishing.com/striped-mullet/

 

[HookedUp!]

How do you target them (mullet I mean)? There were some seriously hefty fish jumping. Are they good eating?

Besides outright snagging or netting them, I'm honestly not sure. I have seen Striped Mullet sold in fish markets, so they are most likely good eating. The only time I have ever seen anyone catch a Striped Mullet was actually at the Dana Point Pier on the boat dock almost four years ago, but the angler only caught the Mullet because they were tangled in his Sabiki Rig.