Definite differences — a somewhat unedited thread.
Date: October 10, 2001
To: PFIC Message Board
From: Lucy
Subject: NorCal vs. SoCal — WHAT GIVES????
From reading the posts on this board for several months, it seems to me that the fishing is much, MUCH better in southern California than it is in northern California. Does anybody know WHY that is? Is it the warmer water temperatures in southern California? Is there more pollution here than there? What's the deal, anyway? Maybe Steve-O has the right idea ... that is, MOVE?
Posted by baitfish
It is seasonal, you will see a lot of reports drop off towards winter. Just as you are getting into the dino's...Adam
Posted by bigdaddycat
I agree on the seasonal catch. I'm just jealous of the northerners for the dinos, strippers, and salmon. There are a few lakes down here with hybrid strips though. As far as pier fishing, I would probably rate them about equal. You guys "up there" seem to catch more fish from the piers, but we, in my opinion, have better quality e.g. Yellowtail (from some piers) seems like more bonita. Well maybe not better qualiy but bigger fish. I'm also jealous of the Halibut catch there. I admit I haven't tried during the winter but I haven't heard much about winter halibut down here. The best of both worlds, move to the center, lol, Ken
Posted by Mikey
I agree - it's seasonal. In summer, you can't beat Socal. I'm not sure about NorCal though. As far as variety of fish, I think we have more down here in Southern California. All I hear about from the North is Stripers, Salmon and Sturgeon — that's about it. Too bad none of ‘em fight as hard or are as exciting as bonito.
Posted by Shark Assassin
I believe it’s water temperature/temperature, along with the seasonal catch. I've been wanting to go up to Northern California for a while to fish for Sturgeon, Leopard Sharks (I'm jealous! Much bigger up there) some of the winter 'butts and of course, Salmon. I've also wanted to try some Brown Trout and Brook trout fishing. You guys have a lot better species of Freshwater fish to choose from. I love it down here, personally I think its skill/knowledge that produces the catch, which is impossible to gain too much knowledge about fishing. During the winter months down here I've seen some of the best shark/ray fishing I've ever had, it was about 48-50 degrees outside too with a bunch of wind. I guess you just gotta be there at the right time. I've gotta try sharkin'/ray fishing up there, it seems to me there is a lot more batrays up there than down here. (Still wanting to catch my first Batray..)
Posted by Mike. C
Ok I guess this is a topic we have to debate every year on this board. This year I'll throw my two cents in based on the trends I've seen on this board. SCREW YOU So. Cal! Come to SF! Everytime we get into this debate all I hear from So. Cal is Bonito this and Bonito that. But what the heck does a Bonito taste like? You gotta smoke it? Soak in some concoction over night? Forget it! We got Dungeoness crab, Salmon, Sturgeon, Striped Bass, Halibut....ever saw bonito, barracuda or mackerel on the menu at a five star? NOT! Yeah summer time kicks but in So. Cal, basically because we have nothing from pier or shore in No. Cal in the summer, but the rest of the year No. Cal rules. PLUS!!! If that doesn't prove my point try this...We have Ken Jones, Songslinger, two NFL teams with 8 superbowl trophies between them, Barry Bonds, and the Oakland A's just laid the wood to the Yankees. Me thinks No. Cal is the place to be. Oh by the way So. Cal..that "screw you" is with the best intentions.
Posted by nufo
Don’t forget we have the Delta which gives us year round sport on largemouth bass. It also gives us sport on catfish, crappie, blue gill, stripers, salmon, sturgeon, etc, etc,. We can fish from the beaches of Pacifica all the way into the bay and up into the rivers of the delta ALL IN THE SAME DAY! Just imagine how good our striper, salmon, and steelhead fishing would be if we didn’t lose large amounts of fry into the pumps pushing water down to Socal. Nor cal blows the doors off Socal any day of the year. But don’t take this as an insult cause I wouldn’t mind soaking my line down there with some of you Socal folks. Nufo
Posted by bigdaddycat
Nufo, I do think that most of the largemouth have come from Socal. It's great seeing that 7 out of 10 of the largest have been caught in California.
Posted by nufo
Most of the large mouth from SoCal? Since when? I know you guys have caught some big ones but I believe the fishing is way better up here for them. Plus we have been seeing some large fish the past few years coming from the Delta. I didn’t even mention the numerous lakes we have to fish in too. Nufo
Posted by bigdaddycat
Well....I believe we all consider lake Castaic socal, which is where at least three of the top ten world have come from. I don't know about the lakes, but I would probably guess you guys have more of them, most of ours have been man made. Let alone the huge cats that come out of Otay Reovoir (50-60# plus). I'm envious of your trout, there all DFG down here. But what does it really matter, California is great fishing period. If I'm wrong about the bass then I humbly submit, if I'm right then you've learned something. Lets stop talking about them and go get'em. Ken
Posted by hookedonfishing
SoCal vs. NorCal ratings, you make the call —
Here are the ratings {10 being best in continental USA} and the numbers include comparisons against the best East Coast spots {not Alaska or Hawaii}, YOU must decide which area is the overall winner. BTW, my personal view is that if you can separate the San Diego area out from the rest of SoCal, it is by far the best, no comparison.
First number is SoCal, second number is NorCal
Largemouth bass 5/9
Rainbow trout 3/7
Steelhead 0/6
Misc. freshwater fish 4/7
King salmon 1/10
Striped bass 1/7
Sturgeon 0/7
California Halibut 10/8
White Seabass 10/6
Albacore 10/9
Yellowtail 10/1
Bluefin tuna 7/1
Yellowfin tuna 6/0
Bigeye tuna 4/0
Dorado 4/1
Marlin/swordfish 5/0
Bonito 4/1
Barracuda 7/1
Rockfish/Lingcod ??? who can tell with the latest legal BS!!
Inshore sharks & rays 4/7
Offshore sharks 7/2
Misc. inshore fish 6/2
Misc. surf fish 5/3
Posted by aafrench
NorCal kicks butt in Striped bass, Sturgeon, Salmon, 7 Gill.
SoCal kicks butt in White Seabass, Albacore,Yellowtail, Bluefin tuna, Yellowfin tuna, Bigeye tuna, Dorado, Marlin/swordfish, Bonito, Barracuda, Mako sharks, Calico Bass, Sand Bass, Spotted Bay Bass, Sheephead, Sand Dab, Corbina, Shovelnose Sharks, Thresher Sharks, Smooth hound sharks, Croakers, Mackerel etc. etc. etc.
Halibut are about even, freshwater I don’t really care about
Why is it more NorCal people plan trips to fish in SoCal, then SoCal going to NorCal??? It's the fish! (Saltwater)
The choice is CLEAR! SoCal kicks butt
Andrew
Posted by nufo
Well which is better from the shore? We can catch almost every species from the bank or pier. Can you say the same down there. If so I give you props.
Posted by baitfish
We can catch just about every fish from a pier, minus Tuna, Dorado and Makos. Yellowtail can be caught from a pier, but it is rare. The majority of catch, in no particular order from say Santa Barbara to San Diego from a pier or shore, would be..
Bony Fish:
Calico Bass
Sand Bass
White Croaker
Barred Perch
Walleye Perch
Rubberlip Perch
Corbina
Yellowfin Croaker
Barracuda
Needlefish
Halibut
Lizardfish
Blue Perch
Opaleye
Senoritas
Herring (Queenfish)
Bonito
Bonefish
Spotted Bay Bass
Sharks and Rays:
Shovelnose
Bat Rays
Thornbacks
Leopards
Smoothhounds
Spiny Dogfish
Swell Sharks
Threshers
I probably forgot a few... But you can't beat our variety...
Posted by castlebravo
I think the northern California surf perch are much larger.
Posted by Mikey
aafrench...You couldn't be more right. Down here we actually have "sport" fish. Freakin' Salmon and Sturgeon ooowweee! They don't fight for crap. Sure a 100lb fish is gonna out up a tussle (sturgeon), but I'll take a 20 lb Yellowtail over it any day of the year. Also the variety is better down here. All you hear about is sturgeon, striped bass and Salmon up there, gets a little old after a while. Mike
Posted by ORB
Hey, stop trying to antagonize everyone, it really doesn't help. Seems to me that both areas have their up and down sides as far as fishing is concerned, but both have a lot to offer in different ways. If your going to point out the good points of SoCal, fine, just dont belittle the value of the fishing in NorCal. Chill!
Posted by Ken Jones
AS A GENERAL RULE (and I am talking specifically about pier fishing) anglers on southern California piers catch a greater number of fish than anglers at Bay Area piers, This is due in large part to the greater number of schooling species encountered (several different members of the croaker family, several different species of bass, several different perch and perch-like species). In addition there are the pelagics—mackerel and bonito in particular—that are far more common in southern California. As for halibut, they are more of a year round species at southern California piers. In the north, especially in San Francisco Bay, the prize species are more seasonal, moving down from the inland rivers into the bay and oceanfront waters on a fairly predictable schedule. As a consequence sturgeon fishing can be great in different parts of the bay at different times of the year as can striper fishing and to a degree salmon fishing. Halibut and some of the oceanic species tend to move into the bay primarily during late spring through the fall. AS ANOTHER GENERAL RULE, anglers at Bay Area piers have a greater opportunity to catch large fish but I suspect the actual numbers are fairly low.
My fish per hour figures are higher at southern California piers (exaggerated due to high mackerel and small fish counts) while my averages for some of the more quality fish are higher in the bay. However, having fished from all of the state's piers, I feel there are quality experiences to be had in all of the areas. Yes, a bay pier offers a different environment and different species than an oceanfront pier but both harbor fish and can provide good action at the right time.
Posted by Shark Assassin
First off, I would like to say a few words, BOO!
SoCal has by far, larger amounts of fish {Although some may be smaller} (Good Post Ken) and tastier fish to choose from. I'm not saying there's more eatin' fish at piers, but check out the boats. We got Yellowtail, Yellowfin, Sand Bass, Calico Bass, Bay Bass, Mako Sharks, Marlin, Swordfish, Dorado and WSB. We have much larger amounts of everything up here, although I hate to admit the Bonito fisheries has went down, along with the Calico Bass, and Swordfish/Marlin. Most of these fishing can be done year long, with the exception of the Tuna, Swordfishes and Dorado.
However, it also seems to me up in NoCal has larger fish (Such as Ken posted) but in smaller amounts which can be good for the Catch&Release angler. I do know that Striped Bass fight hard, along with Sturgeon (Which I do plan to fish for sometime) but you can't compare the hardest fighting fishes in NoCal with Swordfish, Marlin or Makos.
**Shark Assassin**
Posted by baitfish
Or Threshers! read WON, two biguns nailed on kayaks! I would have to say, that Socal has a better overall saltwater fishery, boats, shore, pier etc... We just seem to have more species that bite with regularity. NorCal is much more cyclical, plus they have way more freshwater. I never knew what a heated debate that was until I married a girl from Sacramento.
But now there are a few things you can't compete with...
Sun
Amazing injection molded women in bikinis (for the Guys)
Muscle Beach Venice (for the girls)
Watertemp
sandy beaches
And let's not forget... Catalina
So as most of you argue, scenery is one of great things of fishing, and as you can tell, we have plenty of that!....Plus a lot more fish.
Posted by Mike. C
True Baitfish.but you also have:
The worst gang problem in America
The worst Traffic problem in America
The Dodgers
The Chargers
Ricky Henderson "Today I am the Greatest"
The worst smog in America
Are generally seen as the model for what's wrong with America
The L.A Police Department
Michael Jackson lives there
So does Michael Bolton, eww, nuff said
AAfrench: You're point about more folks coming from No. Cal to fish there is a little weak. First of all we already concede to the fact that fishing in the summer is better there. But when do most people take vacations or plan trips? Summer time right? So of course you have more people going there from here. But when you guys are oiling down and hanging up your gear till next year, we're filling fresh line for the next round. No.Cal baby!
Posted by aafrench
My point was not weak because I was talking about planned fishing trips, where fishing is the only motive. More people come here to FISH the go up there to FISH. Why? more fish, and more desirable fish. My gear never gets packed away for the year because there is always something to be caught. Our fishing does not completely die in the winter, it just slows down a lot. I've still caught nice white sea bass, halibut, bass, and more in the winter. Andrew
Posted by aafrench
Also comparing all of SoCal to Los Angeles is about as ignorant as comparing all of NorCal to Oakland.
Ignorant = Uninformed !
Andrew
Posted by baitfish
We may have all those things, but you have reinherited Al Davis with open arms, and that alone makes up for all those things.
But just to sweeten the deal.
Diane Feinstein, what a winner,
I don't think paying $4000 a month for a one bedroom is cost effective...
Oakland (nuf said)
MC Hammer
Golden State Warriors
Santa Cruise Sharks
Our old friend Mr Mercury in the water
Alcatraz, even the countriest strongest prison could not stand that nasty a$$ weather!
Barry Bonds he may be able to hit, but he is still an A$$.
The Giants...ok every dog has his day...
Hmm psycho guys who need to solve their family issues ok that's in bad taste.
Sacramento Kings, our Lakers are just too good!
And Last but certainly no least, Gray Davis and Battery operated Electric technicolored dream coat.
hehe all in good fun!
Posted by baitfish
Plus we have more typos per capita
Posted by Mike. C
Hold the hell up Frenchie. Hold up man! Who the hell are you calling ignorant? You don't know the first damn thing about me. We're a little on the high tone side aren't we? First of all that part of my post was directed to Baitfish, who took it as it was intended, good natured humor between fishermen. Notice how it says "Baitfish" not "AAfrenchie" on that part of the post. Which means I wasn't talking to you to begin with. Perhaps you shouldn't jump the gun so fast. Now..you were talking about planned trips right? Exactly! You just backed up what I was saying. Your argument is a poor one because it can be said that since more people "PLAN" their vacations and trips in the summer..it makes sense that they would plan it where the fishing is better that time of year. So, saying simply because more people plan their trips to So. Cal is some kind of proof, is a poor argument. It's like saying this website is better in someway between the hours of 9:00am-8:00pm, and my proof is that more people post between those times. It's not any better, it's just that more people are awake and logged on during those times. It's a skewed statistic. Kinda like what advertisers use when they quote statistics that aren't truly random, that show favorably to their product. You may indeed be right but your argument doesn't prove it. I hope I haven't further offended you in anyway. This is a debate that takes place on this board from time to time. It's supposed to be all in fun. But you're a little out of line with the "ignorant=uninformed" remark. I have family and friends in So. Cal. If I'm not mistaken about your age (from a previous post) I was going down there with my family before you were born. I was making road trips down there on my own, just for the hell of it, when you were still trying to figure out long division. So you really don't know me well enough to call me anything outside of my name. I hope we can be friends after we sort all this out.
Posted by Mike. C
Oh, and Baitfish....Good one on the Al Davis reply. I was going to add that you guys have LOS ANGELES RAIDER FANS, and God knows what they say about So. Cal. But I didn't want to invite an Al Davis crack, that I knew I would have no reply to. Take care man.....
Posted by aafrench
I wasn't offended in the first place! Again I was talking about fishing trips, not vacations! FISHING TRIPS! There are more FISHING TRIPS (not vacations) planned to SoCal. Im not talking when the wife and kids pack up the bags with the sunscreen and umbrellas, im talking when just the GUYS pack the gear ond ONLY go fishing! So it is a valid point, and not a weak one! and it is an ignorant (uninformed, Unacquainted with, unconscious or unaware, Unknown, undiscovered) statement that SoCal has The worst gang problem in America, The worst Traffic problem in America, The worst smog in America, Are generally seen as the model for what's wrong with America. Certainly Los Angeles might have these qualities, but we also have some of the best and safest places live in the US (Thousand Oaks) and again my point was that would be saying Oakland is a representation of all of NorCal. Sorry if you got offended by the word ignorant, perhaps you may have been ignorant of its full meaning (see above)! Andrew
Posted by Mikey
Hehe, I like how he said "we" have the Chargers. Good one, might be a tad better than the Raiders though. Question: When one says "NorCal", what comes to mind? The Bay Area for me. It's all I think about, and it's what everyone else talks about. Is that the only place to fish up there? You can fish any stretch of beach in Socal, get on a boat and be catching fish. Hehe, maybe I opened up a whole other can of worms, hehe Mike
Posted by Mike. C
Ok French. You're not getting it. Again what's difference does it make whether it's a fishing trip or a vacation? It's still the time of year when people plan things. I even gave you an example of a skewed statistic, and you're still not getting it. Let's just drop it. I'm not saying you're wrong..I'm saying your proof is less than supportive! Either you're not getting it OR you can't admit that you ran your mouth, got called on it, and can't argue you're way out of it.
As far as being offended...I won't lie, I did get offended. Is there anyone on this board that wouldn't have? Do you really think you could have said that comment to someone (IRL) face to face and not had to back it up with your rear end? Of course not. What makes you think that you know me or anyone else on this board well enough to talk to them like that? It's just basic respect man. We're all entitled to it. I understand that at your age it's easy to talk without regard to your actions, especially when it's on the internet. But please don't try to say I'm ignorant of what you meant. One of the degrees I hold is in English Lit. there's not much in the English language that I'm ignorant of. No, you were out of line and disrespectful, plain and simple. And again, since no one was talking to you to begin with you were also just plain rude.
Posted by nufo
We have more places to fish in the bay than socal does on the coast. That’s not even including our coast, delta system, or up north. As far as the planned fishing trip deal, Who plans to fish down in Socal? If I had my choices it would be Alaska or Mexico. Plus Socal has nothing to compare to feeding stripers crashing through the surf line. Sorry Socal boys and girls but if you caught a striper in the surf you would never wanna fish down south again. Nufo
Posted by stinkyfingers
Laguna Hills...That's a nice place. I like that joint. Had a cup of coffee there after I killed one of their resident deer...Poor Bambi, I repent.
Posted by aafrench
Mike C. Sorry that I offended you, I don't post here to make enemies. Good luck fishing this weekend! Andrew
Posted by Mike. C
Mike C. to aafrench. Thank you my friend, and likewise if I have offended you my sincere apologies are extended to you. Best of luck to you this weekend as well.
Posted by Red Fish
Two words, Great White.....I could write a book here but I won't.
Posted by Ken Jones
One of the great things about living in California is that a person can hop in a car and during a weekend trip experience a plethora of diverse fishing experiences — especially on the piers. You can fish from the large oceanfront piers in southern California for croaker, perch, halibut, mackerel, sharks and rays. You can fish the smaller bay piers for all of these plus several types of bass. You can head to central California and fish fairly large oceanfront piers for perch, jacksmelt, mackerel, sole, halibut, rays and sharks. You can head to the Bay Area and have a chance on perch, jacksmelt, cabezon, small rockfish, and the larger species — striped bass, halibut, lingcod and salmon — depending on the season. Add a day or two and you can fish the generally small piers along the north coast for perch, jacksmelt, cabezon, rockfish and lingcod. Oh, and you can seasonally get a few lobsters at so. Cal piers and many, many crabs at nor. Cal piers. And if you check out the Pier of the Month archived stories you will see that there are good fishing possibilities on almost every pier.
As an elder spokesman for this board let me remind both groups (south and north) that a careful search of past postings will reveal anglers in both regions lamenting the poor fishing at different times of the year. Then, when the water temperatures change, wind patterns begin to force the seasonal upwelling of nutrients along the coast, and plankton begins to bloom, the fishing magically seems to improve and everyone is happy for the next 6-8 months until there is once again a drop-off in the number of fish being caught.
This is why one of the main characteristics of experienced anglers is patience. They realize there are good and bad days, good and bad seasons. But even when the fishing is slow there is generally something to catch so never give up.
Date: October 10, 2001
To: PFIC Message Board
From: Lucy
Subject: NorCal vs. SoCal — WHAT GIVES????
From reading the posts on this board for several months, it seems to me that the fishing is much, MUCH better in southern California than it is in northern California. Does anybody know WHY that is? Is it the warmer water temperatures in southern California? Is there more pollution here than there? What's the deal, anyway? Maybe Steve-O has the right idea ... that is, MOVE?
Posted by baitfish
It is seasonal, you will see a lot of reports drop off towards winter. Just as you are getting into the dino's...Adam
Posted by bigdaddycat
I agree on the seasonal catch. I'm just jealous of the northerners for the dinos, strippers, and salmon. There are a few lakes down here with hybrid strips though. As far as pier fishing, I would probably rate them about equal. You guys "up there" seem to catch more fish from the piers, but we, in my opinion, have better quality e.g. Yellowtail (from some piers) seems like more bonita. Well maybe not better qualiy but bigger fish. I'm also jealous of the Halibut catch there. I admit I haven't tried during the winter but I haven't heard much about winter halibut down here. The best of both worlds, move to the center, lol, Ken
Posted by Mikey
I agree - it's seasonal. In summer, you can't beat Socal. I'm not sure about NorCal though. As far as variety of fish, I think we have more down here in Southern California. All I hear about from the North is Stripers, Salmon and Sturgeon — that's about it. Too bad none of ‘em fight as hard or are as exciting as bonito.
Posted by Shark Assassin
I believe it’s water temperature/temperature, along with the seasonal catch. I've been wanting to go up to Northern California for a while to fish for Sturgeon, Leopard Sharks (I'm jealous! Much bigger up there) some of the winter 'butts and of course, Salmon. I've also wanted to try some Brown Trout and Brook trout fishing. You guys have a lot better species of Freshwater fish to choose from. I love it down here, personally I think its skill/knowledge that produces the catch, which is impossible to gain too much knowledge about fishing. During the winter months down here I've seen some of the best shark/ray fishing I've ever had, it was about 48-50 degrees outside too with a bunch of wind. I guess you just gotta be there at the right time. I've gotta try sharkin'/ray fishing up there, it seems to me there is a lot more batrays up there than down here. (Still wanting to catch my first Batray..)
Posted by Mike. C
Ok I guess this is a topic we have to debate every year on this board. This year I'll throw my two cents in based on the trends I've seen on this board. SCREW YOU So. Cal! Come to SF! Everytime we get into this debate all I hear from So. Cal is Bonito this and Bonito that. But what the heck does a Bonito taste like? You gotta smoke it? Soak in some concoction over night? Forget it! We got Dungeoness crab, Salmon, Sturgeon, Striped Bass, Halibut....ever saw bonito, barracuda or mackerel on the menu at a five star? NOT! Yeah summer time kicks but in So. Cal, basically because we have nothing from pier or shore in No. Cal in the summer, but the rest of the year No. Cal rules. PLUS!!! If that doesn't prove my point try this...We have Ken Jones, Songslinger, two NFL teams with 8 superbowl trophies between them, Barry Bonds, and the Oakland A's just laid the wood to the Yankees. Me thinks No. Cal is the place to be. Oh by the way So. Cal..that "screw you" is with the best intentions.
Posted by nufo
Don’t forget we have the Delta which gives us year round sport on largemouth bass. It also gives us sport on catfish, crappie, blue gill, stripers, salmon, sturgeon, etc, etc,. We can fish from the beaches of Pacifica all the way into the bay and up into the rivers of the delta ALL IN THE SAME DAY! Just imagine how good our striper, salmon, and steelhead fishing would be if we didn’t lose large amounts of fry into the pumps pushing water down to Socal. Nor cal blows the doors off Socal any day of the year. But don’t take this as an insult cause I wouldn’t mind soaking my line down there with some of you Socal folks. Nufo
Posted by bigdaddycat
Nufo, I do think that most of the largemouth have come from Socal. It's great seeing that 7 out of 10 of the largest have been caught in California.
Posted by nufo
Most of the large mouth from SoCal? Since when? I know you guys have caught some big ones but I believe the fishing is way better up here for them. Plus we have been seeing some large fish the past few years coming from the Delta. I didn’t even mention the numerous lakes we have to fish in too. Nufo
Posted by bigdaddycat
Well....I believe we all consider lake Castaic socal, which is where at least three of the top ten world have come from. I don't know about the lakes, but I would probably guess you guys have more of them, most of ours have been man made. Let alone the huge cats that come out of Otay Reovoir (50-60# plus). I'm envious of your trout, there all DFG down here. But what does it really matter, California is great fishing period. If I'm wrong about the bass then I humbly submit, if I'm right then you've learned something. Lets stop talking about them and go get'em. Ken
Posted by hookedonfishing
SoCal vs. NorCal ratings, you make the call —
Here are the ratings {10 being best in continental USA} and the numbers include comparisons against the best East Coast spots {not Alaska or Hawaii}, YOU must decide which area is the overall winner. BTW, my personal view is that if you can separate the San Diego area out from the rest of SoCal, it is by far the best, no comparison.
First number is SoCal, second number is NorCal
Largemouth bass 5/9
Rainbow trout 3/7
Steelhead 0/6
Misc. freshwater fish 4/7
King salmon 1/10
Striped bass 1/7
Sturgeon 0/7
California Halibut 10/8
White Seabass 10/6
Albacore 10/9
Yellowtail 10/1
Bluefin tuna 7/1
Yellowfin tuna 6/0
Bigeye tuna 4/0
Dorado 4/1
Marlin/swordfish 5/0
Bonito 4/1
Barracuda 7/1
Rockfish/Lingcod ??? who can tell with the latest legal BS!!
Inshore sharks & rays 4/7
Offshore sharks 7/2
Misc. inshore fish 6/2
Misc. surf fish 5/3
Posted by aafrench
NorCal kicks butt in Striped bass, Sturgeon, Salmon, 7 Gill.
SoCal kicks butt in White Seabass, Albacore,Yellowtail, Bluefin tuna, Yellowfin tuna, Bigeye tuna, Dorado, Marlin/swordfish, Bonito, Barracuda, Mako sharks, Calico Bass, Sand Bass, Spotted Bay Bass, Sheephead, Sand Dab, Corbina, Shovelnose Sharks, Thresher Sharks, Smooth hound sharks, Croakers, Mackerel etc. etc. etc.
Halibut are about even, freshwater I don’t really care about
Why is it more NorCal people plan trips to fish in SoCal, then SoCal going to NorCal??? It's the fish! (Saltwater)
The choice is CLEAR! SoCal kicks butt
Andrew
Posted by nufo
Well which is better from the shore? We can catch almost every species from the bank or pier. Can you say the same down there. If so I give you props.
Posted by baitfish
We can catch just about every fish from a pier, minus Tuna, Dorado and Makos. Yellowtail can be caught from a pier, but it is rare. The majority of catch, in no particular order from say Santa Barbara to San Diego from a pier or shore, would be..
Bony Fish:
Calico Bass
Sand Bass
White Croaker
Barred Perch
Walleye Perch
Rubberlip Perch
Corbina
Yellowfin Croaker
Barracuda
Needlefish
Halibut
Lizardfish
Blue Perch
Opaleye
Senoritas
Herring (Queenfish)
Bonito
Bonefish
Spotted Bay Bass
Sharks and Rays:
Shovelnose
Bat Rays
Thornbacks
Leopards
Smoothhounds
Spiny Dogfish
Swell Sharks
Threshers
I probably forgot a few... But you can't beat our variety...
Posted by castlebravo
I think the northern California surf perch are much larger.
Posted by Mikey
aafrench...You couldn't be more right. Down here we actually have "sport" fish. Freakin' Salmon and Sturgeon ooowweee! They don't fight for crap. Sure a 100lb fish is gonna out up a tussle (sturgeon), but I'll take a 20 lb Yellowtail over it any day of the year. Also the variety is better down here. All you hear about is sturgeon, striped bass and Salmon up there, gets a little old after a while. Mike
Posted by ORB
Hey, stop trying to antagonize everyone, it really doesn't help. Seems to me that both areas have their up and down sides as far as fishing is concerned, but both have a lot to offer in different ways. If your going to point out the good points of SoCal, fine, just dont belittle the value of the fishing in NorCal. Chill!
Posted by Ken Jones
AS A GENERAL RULE (and I am talking specifically about pier fishing) anglers on southern California piers catch a greater number of fish than anglers at Bay Area piers, This is due in large part to the greater number of schooling species encountered (several different members of the croaker family, several different species of bass, several different perch and perch-like species). In addition there are the pelagics—mackerel and bonito in particular—that are far more common in southern California. As for halibut, they are more of a year round species at southern California piers. In the north, especially in San Francisco Bay, the prize species are more seasonal, moving down from the inland rivers into the bay and oceanfront waters on a fairly predictable schedule. As a consequence sturgeon fishing can be great in different parts of the bay at different times of the year as can striper fishing and to a degree salmon fishing. Halibut and some of the oceanic species tend to move into the bay primarily during late spring through the fall. AS ANOTHER GENERAL RULE, anglers at Bay Area piers have a greater opportunity to catch large fish but I suspect the actual numbers are fairly low.
My fish per hour figures are higher at southern California piers (exaggerated due to high mackerel and small fish counts) while my averages for some of the more quality fish are higher in the bay. However, having fished from all of the state's piers, I feel there are quality experiences to be had in all of the areas. Yes, a bay pier offers a different environment and different species than an oceanfront pier but both harbor fish and can provide good action at the right time.
Posted by Shark Assassin
First off, I would like to say a few words, BOO!
SoCal has by far, larger amounts of fish {Although some may be smaller} (Good Post Ken) and tastier fish to choose from. I'm not saying there's more eatin' fish at piers, but check out the boats. We got Yellowtail, Yellowfin, Sand Bass, Calico Bass, Bay Bass, Mako Sharks, Marlin, Swordfish, Dorado and WSB. We have much larger amounts of everything up here, although I hate to admit the Bonito fisheries has went down, along with the Calico Bass, and Swordfish/Marlin. Most of these fishing can be done year long, with the exception of the Tuna, Swordfishes and Dorado.
However, it also seems to me up in NoCal has larger fish (Such as Ken posted) but in smaller amounts which can be good for the Catch&Release angler. I do know that Striped Bass fight hard, along with Sturgeon (Which I do plan to fish for sometime) but you can't compare the hardest fighting fishes in NoCal with Swordfish, Marlin or Makos.
**Shark Assassin**
Posted by baitfish
Or Threshers! read WON, two biguns nailed on kayaks! I would have to say, that Socal has a better overall saltwater fishery, boats, shore, pier etc... We just seem to have more species that bite with regularity. NorCal is much more cyclical, plus they have way more freshwater. I never knew what a heated debate that was until I married a girl from Sacramento.
But now there are a few things you can't compete with...
Sun
Amazing injection molded women in bikinis (for the Guys)
Muscle Beach Venice (for the girls)
Watertemp
sandy beaches
And let's not forget... Catalina
So as most of you argue, scenery is one of great things of fishing, and as you can tell, we have plenty of that!....Plus a lot more fish.
Posted by Mike. C
True Baitfish.but you also have:
The worst gang problem in America
The worst Traffic problem in America
The Dodgers
The Chargers
Ricky Henderson "Today I am the Greatest"
The worst smog in America
Are generally seen as the model for what's wrong with America
The L.A Police Department
Michael Jackson lives there
So does Michael Bolton, eww, nuff said
AAfrench: You're point about more folks coming from No. Cal to fish there is a little weak. First of all we already concede to the fact that fishing in the summer is better there. But when do most people take vacations or plan trips? Summer time right? So of course you have more people going there from here. But when you guys are oiling down and hanging up your gear till next year, we're filling fresh line for the next round. No.Cal baby!
Posted by aafrench
My point was not weak because I was talking about planned fishing trips, where fishing is the only motive. More people come here to FISH the go up there to FISH. Why? more fish, and more desirable fish. My gear never gets packed away for the year because there is always something to be caught. Our fishing does not completely die in the winter, it just slows down a lot. I've still caught nice white sea bass, halibut, bass, and more in the winter. Andrew
Posted by aafrench
Also comparing all of SoCal to Los Angeles is about as ignorant as comparing all of NorCal to Oakland.
Ignorant = Uninformed !
Andrew
Posted by baitfish
We may have all those things, but you have reinherited Al Davis with open arms, and that alone makes up for all those things.
But just to sweeten the deal.
Diane Feinstein, what a winner,
I don't think paying $4000 a month for a one bedroom is cost effective...
Oakland (nuf said)
MC Hammer
Golden State Warriors
Santa Cruise Sharks
Our old friend Mr Mercury in the water
Alcatraz, even the countriest strongest prison could not stand that nasty a$$ weather!
Barry Bonds he may be able to hit, but he is still an A$$.
The Giants...ok every dog has his day...
Hmm psycho guys who need to solve their family issues ok that's in bad taste.
Sacramento Kings, our Lakers are just too good!
And Last but certainly no least, Gray Davis and Battery operated Electric technicolored dream coat.
hehe all in good fun!
Posted by baitfish
Plus we have more typos per capita
Posted by Mike. C
Hold the hell up Frenchie. Hold up man! Who the hell are you calling ignorant? You don't know the first damn thing about me. We're a little on the high tone side aren't we? First of all that part of my post was directed to Baitfish, who took it as it was intended, good natured humor between fishermen. Notice how it says "Baitfish" not "AAfrenchie" on that part of the post. Which means I wasn't talking to you to begin with. Perhaps you shouldn't jump the gun so fast. Now..you were talking about planned trips right? Exactly! You just backed up what I was saying. Your argument is a poor one because it can be said that since more people "PLAN" their vacations and trips in the summer..it makes sense that they would plan it where the fishing is better that time of year. So, saying simply because more people plan their trips to So. Cal is some kind of proof, is a poor argument. It's like saying this website is better in someway between the hours of 9:00am-8:00pm, and my proof is that more people post between those times. It's not any better, it's just that more people are awake and logged on during those times. It's a skewed statistic. Kinda like what advertisers use when they quote statistics that aren't truly random, that show favorably to their product. You may indeed be right but your argument doesn't prove it. I hope I haven't further offended you in anyway. This is a debate that takes place on this board from time to time. It's supposed to be all in fun. But you're a little out of line with the "ignorant=uninformed" remark. I have family and friends in So. Cal. If I'm not mistaken about your age (from a previous post) I was going down there with my family before you were born. I was making road trips down there on my own, just for the hell of it, when you were still trying to figure out long division. So you really don't know me well enough to call me anything outside of my name. I hope we can be friends after we sort all this out.
Posted by Mike. C
Oh, and Baitfish....Good one on the Al Davis reply. I was going to add that you guys have LOS ANGELES RAIDER FANS, and God knows what they say about So. Cal. But I didn't want to invite an Al Davis crack, that I knew I would have no reply to. Take care man.....
Posted by aafrench
I wasn't offended in the first place! Again I was talking about fishing trips, not vacations! FISHING TRIPS! There are more FISHING TRIPS (not vacations) planned to SoCal. Im not talking when the wife and kids pack up the bags with the sunscreen and umbrellas, im talking when just the GUYS pack the gear ond ONLY go fishing! So it is a valid point, and not a weak one! and it is an ignorant (uninformed, Unacquainted with, unconscious or unaware, Unknown, undiscovered) statement that SoCal has The worst gang problem in America, The worst Traffic problem in America, The worst smog in America, Are generally seen as the model for what's wrong with America. Certainly Los Angeles might have these qualities, but we also have some of the best and safest places live in the US (Thousand Oaks) and again my point was that would be saying Oakland is a representation of all of NorCal. Sorry if you got offended by the word ignorant, perhaps you may have been ignorant of its full meaning (see above)! Andrew
Posted by Mikey
Hehe, I like how he said "we" have the Chargers. Good one, might be a tad better than the Raiders though. Question: When one says "NorCal", what comes to mind? The Bay Area for me. It's all I think about, and it's what everyone else talks about. Is that the only place to fish up there? You can fish any stretch of beach in Socal, get on a boat and be catching fish. Hehe, maybe I opened up a whole other can of worms, hehe Mike
Posted by Mike. C
Ok French. You're not getting it. Again what's difference does it make whether it's a fishing trip or a vacation? It's still the time of year when people plan things. I even gave you an example of a skewed statistic, and you're still not getting it. Let's just drop it. I'm not saying you're wrong..I'm saying your proof is less than supportive! Either you're not getting it OR you can't admit that you ran your mouth, got called on it, and can't argue you're way out of it.
As far as being offended...I won't lie, I did get offended. Is there anyone on this board that wouldn't have? Do you really think you could have said that comment to someone (IRL) face to face and not had to back it up with your rear end? Of course not. What makes you think that you know me or anyone else on this board well enough to talk to them like that? It's just basic respect man. We're all entitled to it. I understand that at your age it's easy to talk without regard to your actions, especially when it's on the internet. But please don't try to say I'm ignorant of what you meant. One of the degrees I hold is in English Lit. there's not much in the English language that I'm ignorant of. No, you were out of line and disrespectful, plain and simple. And again, since no one was talking to you to begin with you were also just plain rude.
Posted by nufo
We have more places to fish in the bay than socal does on the coast. That’s not even including our coast, delta system, or up north. As far as the planned fishing trip deal, Who plans to fish down in Socal? If I had my choices it would be Alaska or Mexico. Plus Socal has nothing to compare to feeding stripers crashing through the surf line. Sorry Socal boys and girls but if you caught a striper in the surf you would never wanna fish down south again. Nufo
Posted by stinkyfingers
Laguna Hills...That's a nice place. I like that joint. Had a cup of coffee there after I killed one of their resident deer...Poor Bambi, I repent.
Posted by aafrench
Mike C. Sorry that I offended you, I don't post here to make enemies. Good luck fishing this weekend! Andrew
Posted by Mike. C
Mike C. to aafrench. Thank you my friend, and likewise if I have offended you my sincere apologies are extended to you. Best of luck to you this weekend as well.
Posted by Red Fish
Two words, Great White.....I could write a book here but I won't.
Posted by Ken Jones
One of the great things about living in California is that a person can hop in a car and during a weekend trip experience a plethora of diverse fishing experiences — especially on the piers. You can fish from the large oceanfront piers in southern California for croaker, perch, halibut, mackerel, sharks and rays. You can fish the smaller bay piers for all of these plus several types of bass. You can head to central California and fish fairly large oceanfront piers for perch, jacksmelt, mackerel, sole, halibut, rays and sharks. You can head to the Bay Area and have a chance on perch, jacksmelt, cabezon, small rockfish, and the larger species — striped bass, halibut, lingcod and salmon — depending on the season. Add a day or two and you can fish the generally small piers along the north coast for perch, jacksmelt, cabezon, rockfish and lingcod. Oh, and you can seasonally get a few lobsters at so. Cal piers and many, many crabs at nor. Cal piers. And if you check out the Pier of the Month archived stories you will see that there are good fishing possibilities on almost every pier.
As an elder spokesman for this board let me remind both groups (south and north) that a careful search of past postings will reveal anglers in both regions lamenting the poor fishing at different times of the year. Then, when the water temperatures change, wind patterns begin to force the seasonal upwelling of nutrients along the coast, and plankton begins to bloom, the fishing magically seems to improve and everyone is happy for the next 6-8 months until there is once again a drop-off in the number of fish being caught.
This is why one of the main characteristics of experienced anglers is patience. They realize there are good and bad days, good and bad seasons. But even when the fishing is slow there is generally something to catch so never give up.