Fishing

Dana Point offers numerous opportunities to a variety of different fishermen due to its wide and diverse range of saltwater game species.  These targets include prized offshore fighters and delicious favorites that can be found throughout inshore waters.  The primary game targets include barracuda, shark, croaker, mackerel, sculpin, blue perch, white sea bass, calico bass, halibut, yellowtail, bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, bonito, and dorado.

In-Shore Strategies and Species

Dana Point’s inshore waters offer some popular targets that offer excitement and the occasional tasty meal.  All inshore species can be targeted by casting from piers, boats, and bridges.  The most popular inshore targets include barracuda, sea trout, croaker, white sea bass, sculpin, and mackerel.  The barracuda is a fighter that resides in the inshore shallow waters.  Barracudas rely on fast, long runs and aggressive jumping in order to fight, so anglers should be prepared for a lot of excitement.  Ideal tackle includes fly, spinning, and baitcasting gear.  The white sea bass, calico bass and sculpin average from 1 to 15 pounds, and fight hard.  Fishermen should target this species in flats and beaches.  Good tackle includes bait-tail jigs, swimming plugs, topwater plugs, large streamers, and poppers.  Shrimp, live baitfish, cut mullet, and pinfish are all ideal baits.  The croaker is a common species that can be targeted in both inshore and offshore areas.  A basic bottom rig setup and surf tackle is recommended.  Good baits include crab, squid, and minnows.  Spanish mackerel weigh in at 1 to 7 pounds.  Spinning, baitcasting, and fly outfits are ideal for targeting this species. Good baits include minnows and live shrimp.

Off-Shore Strategies and Species

For fishermen in search of exciting challenges, the offshore waters near Dana Point are home to some strong fighters.  These game targets include halibut, barracuda, yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, sea bass, yellowtail, shark, bonito, and dorado.  All of these targets can be captured by using trolling and casting methods that are adjusted to the preferences of the intended species. 

Halibut is a species that is quite popular among the fishermen of southern California.  This species resides on the ocean bottom and near reef beds in depths of 40 to 80 feet.  Fishermen can target this species with 20lb test and live squid.  Barracuda can be targeted over reefs, wrecks, and other rough obstacles.  Ideal tackle includes fly, spinning, and baitcasting gear.  When targeting barracuda over reefs and wrecks, casting tackle is especially useful.  

The yellowfin tuna is a species that commonly weighs in between 50 and 300 pounds and is often considered more challenging than the far larger bluefin tuna.  This species can be targeted offshore by chumming the waters near reefs of 200 to 400 feet in depth.  When targeting yellowfin tuna, fishermen should rely on heavy rigs and strong tests while using baits such as mackerel and sardines.  Bluefin tuna is an offshore species of tuna that can grow to enormous sizes.  It is not uncommon to capture a bluefin tuna that weights in between 500 and 800 pounds.  This species can be targeted within the top 100 yards of the water column by chumming the waters with herring and using live bait such as whiting and herring.   A heavy rig equipped onto a balloon or kite is effective.  Once close to the vessel, the fishermen should harpoon the bluefin and gaff it.  Large sea bass can be captured in deep waters near obstructions such as wrecks, bridges, and other rough bottoms.  The ideal time to target this species is between early fall and the dead of winter.  The ideal setup includes a bottom rig with a line of 20lb test and a diamond jig.  The bonito is a popular offshore target that is often caught between 22 and 40 inches.  It's best caught by using light tackle and bait such as live anchovies.  Dorado should be targeted near the edges of reefs, floating debris and kelp beds in both inshore and open waters.  Chumming the waters with sardines from a boat is an effective practice for attracting this species.  When targeting dorado in reefs, anglers should use a 30 to 50 pound test with ballyhoo.  If targeting a school, fishermen can rely on a fly rod or small jigs.  

Facilities, Services, and Accommodations

Dana Point and the surrounding Orange County offer all of the services, facilities, and accommodations that make trips fun and enjoyable.  These include fishing guides, charter boats, marinas, public piers, boat ramps, fueling stations, hotels, grocery stores, and tackle shops.  Entertainment options such as restaurants, bars, shopping, and movie theaters are also nearby.

Dana Point is an ideal destination for the fishermen in search of an experience that is refreshing and exciting. 

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