Dana Point, California, offers a diverse array of fish species throughout the year. Here's a comprehensive list of fish you can expect to catch, along with their seasonal availability and recommended fishing techniques: Be sure to check regulations for what is legal to catch during different times of year. Regulations change yearly and just cause you can catch it doesn't make it legal.
???? Year-Round Species
Fish Species | Seasonal Availability | Recommended Techniques | |||
Calico Bass | Year-round | Jigs, soft plastics, Live Bait | |||
Sand Bass | Year-round | Jigs, soft plastics, Live Bait | |||
Mackerel | Year-round | Sabiki rigs, small jigs | |||
Lingcod | Year-round | Jigs, live bait | |||
Sculpin | Year-round | Squid, cut bait | |||
Sheephead | Year-round | Crustaceans, squid | |||
Redtail Surfperch | Year-round | Sand crabs, worms | |||
| |||||
| ||||||
Bonito | Year-Round | Feather jigs, trolling | ||||
???? Spring to Summer
Fish Species | Seasonal Availability | Recommended Techniques |
White Sea Bass | Spring to Summer | Live bait, squid |
Spotfin Croaker | Summer | Sand crabs, worms |
☀️ Summer to Fall
Fish Species | Seasonal Availability | Recommended Techniques |
Pacific Barracuda | Summer to Fall | Topwater lures, swim baits |
Yellowfin Croaker | Summer to Fall | Sand crabs, worms |
Bluefin Tuna | Summer to Fall | Live bait, trolling |
Yellowfin Tuna | Summer to Fall | Live bait, trolling |
Dorado | Summer to Fall | Live bait, trolling |
Marlin | Summer to Fall | Live bait, trolling |
???? Special Mentions
- Grunion: Caught by hand during their spawning runs in March, July, and August. A fishing license is required for those 16 and older, but no gear is allowed. Wikipedia+1placestofish.org+1
- Spotted Ratfish: Occasionally caught in deeper waters; they have large grinding tooth plates and are known for their unique appearance. The Log
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check local regulations and consult with local fishing guides or charters. Happy fishing! ????
