Fishing in the LA area

[Reel Newbie]

I’m headed down to la this Thursday, and was looking to see if anyone has caught anything or know what’s biting. Right now loooking at Santa Monica for night fishing, but could go to most piers. Also might be looking at the half day boats. Any reports?

 

[Ken Jones]

I'm hoping to have the monthly report done by tomorrow.

 

[EgoNonBaptizo]

Santa Monica is a sketchy environment at best, as are many of the LA piers at night. I would head to a more northerly pier like Malibu or head down to OC and fish the piers there. As for fishing, there's been a decent, but sporadic mackerel bite. Right now the larger sharks are just starting to move in, with quite a few leos coming in, however there hasn't been any word on the thresher fishery. In OC, croaker fishing is beginning to pick up, specifically at Huntington. I haven't been out in a while, so this may or may not be reflective of conditions there. Half day boats are catching lots of smaller grade rockfish and whitefish, but not a lot of sculpin. If the shore fishery from Catalina is anything indicative of conditions there, boats there will likely be catching a lot of sheephead and whitefish.

 

[Mahigeer]

Stay off of sand at night in Santa Monica. Pier should be safe with a police department on the pier.

Instead of half day, make a full day trip to Catalina. Lots of action, but mostly small. You can visit the town if never been there.

 

[EgoNonBaptizo]

Adding to the above response: Taking the Catalina Express to Avalon is a good option. Since it's the off season, there should be more tickets available, and there will be more space to fish with less tourists. Also although most of the fish will be smallish, there's a good fishery for the larger sheephead and calico off the Mole (like 4lbs+).