Fishing Options So Cal

[SkunkedAgain]

Hey I'm going on a family trip to Southern California this summer and won't have a lot of extra money with the government furlough and all. But was wondering if any of you might be able to offer some fishing options/ideas for me to try while down there. I'd like to try the ocean if possible. I'll be in Temecula, it's between LA and San Diego. Thanks J
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]Several Lakes in the San Diego area. Been awhile since I lived and fished there but there should be some good websites for the area. They usually have the standard mix of bass, sunfish and catfish (of course). You can also post your question on the California board. They are not as active as we are but they should be able to provide current conditions at the time you go.

If you don't want to spend the money on party boats (ocean) you can choose between surf fishing and pier fishing. Lots of both...all up and down the coast. You can use light tackle for a variety of inshore species.

If you have the time (and money) you can fish out of a couple of different landings in San Diego, off Oceanside pier landing or a multitude of other landings at Dana Point, Newport Beach and a host of others in Long Beach. If you really wanna spend some time and money, jump on one of the albacore specials.

I'm sure that others will chime in but if you want more specific info you can PM me with questions. I have fished the entire west coast and used to work on some of the boats.
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[MasterDaad]

First of all, I'm jealous because Temecula is one of my favorite places on earth.

There are a couple lakes nearby but as I recall, the space is limited so you need to get there early or you don't get a slot.

I frequently go to Oceanside and the last two times I've been I really kicked myself for not bringing gear to fish the rocky outcroppings. The guys doing that were having all kinds of fun.
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[SkunkedAgain]

What do I need to take to fish the outcroppings and where do you find them? I've been to the beach in Oceanside before, but don't remember rocky areas. Thanks J
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[Beautiful-Fish]

Go Deep Sea Fishing from San Diego !

See http://www.fishermanslanding.com/index.php

http://www.hmlanding.com/

http://www.pointlomasportfishing.com/

http://www.seaforthlanding.com/pages/fishcount.php

I like the boats [font "verdana"][size 2][#006400]Pacific Queen & Condor out of Fisherman's Landing
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]There are several places up and down the coast in that area where the sand meets rock. Those are usually great spots for a variety of species. If you fish the sand next to the rocks you can cast either bait or lures. Fish bait on a "Carolina" rig or with a dropper hook above a sinker. Use mussels, clams, anchovie pieces, sand worms or whatever other baits are available. Some you can get yourself either off the rocks or by digging in the sand at low tide.

If fishing the rocks, you will need a sinker that either slips through the rocks or that you can lose without disaster. I used to use small (tobacco) bags filled with sand. Used spark plugs work too. Use the dropper hook rig a foot or two above the sinker...with the sinker on lighter line to break off in the event of a snag without sacrificing your hook (or fish). In addition to the aforementioned baits, use squid for good action on calico bass and other rock dwellers. It stays on the hook well and is a favorite. There are lots of funky looking rock fish and most of them are good eating.

One type of fishing near rocks that is fun is fishing for opaleye. These are mostly herbivorous fish that graze on the algae on the rocks...but they will hit mussels too. I like to rig with a bobber, about six feet of leader, a size 6 bait hook and a split shot a foot above the hook. The kicker is what you use for bait...green peas. Get the frozen ones and keep a few in your mouth to rebait...if they are not already thawed. Cast out next to rocks as the tide swirls around. Should be a little depth...enough to float your bobber without snagging. When the bobber goes under get ready for a battle. Opaleyes are about crappie size but they fight much bigger.

That same rig...baited with shrimp or mussels...will also catch a variety of perch and other rock lovers.

If you fish the sandy spots in between visible rocks you can catch occasional halibut, bass, cabezone and sheepshead. Again, rig with anchovies or squid.

Your salmon fishing rig will probably be heavy enough. The key is being able to chuck your bait and sinker...or lure...out far enough to reach the fish. In some places the shoreline drops off quickly and the fish are close in. Other places you need a long surf rod and a good spinning reel to really huck it out there. But for most of the smaller species your average fresh water tackle will do. 8 to 10 pound line is plenty big. Just be sure to thoroughly rinse your gear in fresh water after introducing it to the salt.
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[SkunkedAgain]

Thanks TD that will give me some great ideas to try. Should keep me busy the day I get to try. Thank you. J
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[SkunkedAgain]

Hey nice contacts, and the cattle car rates are cheaper than I expected... Anyone try a half day on the dolphin before? I assume they line people at the rail all the way around the boat and you rely on a lucky spot or the right jig to catch fish... Thanks for the references... J
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[Wildcat94]

Point Loma, in San Diego go out on a half dayer, should only be about $50-60. I am headed to so cal in a month or so and will be headed to mexican waters chasing yellow tail, dorado and some cuda! Lots of options to choose in the SD area. Also a lot of awesome bass lakes to hit up
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[SkunkedAgain]

Sounds like a great option as well. Thanks. J
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[utahduckhunter]

if you want try some lakefishing there is diamond valley,skinner, res all with in hour dirve as for the ocean if you go and try the beach make sure that they our open to fishing as some area have been shut down to fishing .
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[MrLipripper]

My son and I did a charter off Dana Point that was a ton of fun. Fished the kelp beds and caught lots of different species of fish. Good burger in the onboard galley.
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[SkunkedAgain]

Thanks for that info. How do you check what is open and what isn't? I really want to try the ocean while I'm down there. I can fish lakes here, I want to try something new and different. So here's a new twist to this question. What kind of ocean fish taste the best? I do like halibut, but I'm not sure the California halibut are the same as the northern variety. Thanks again for the info. J
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[gripy111]

Don't forget there is a free fishing pier in Oceanside and a few more down to SD
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[SkunkedAgain]

By free you mean no fee other than the California license right? Or do they not require the license? The peer option would avoid my seasickness issue. I tried a salmon charter out of Oregon one time and was so seasick I didn't enjoy it much at all. It was a rough day and I tried some oil that was supposed to work instead of the patch because the patch makes me so groggy. That was a bad choice, I've never been so miserable and so ready for a fishing trip to be over. I hear ginger is supposed to help you not get sick, but I don't want to ruin my next trip by trying something that won't work. Thank you for the tips. J
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[Ktrout]

You don't need a fishing license to fish from a pier in California. However, if you get off of the pier and fish from the beach or other area, a license is required. The half day boats rarely get in to rough water in southern California. I would however, not recommend trying ginger. There are a number of reasons why this is usually not effective. If you are really worried, try a scopolamine patch. You need a prescription though. SoCal is one of the best places to try ocean fishing given the variety and calm seas, especially during the summer.
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[SkunkedAgain]

Sweet that's great news. Thanks. J
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[cat-tech]

take a overnight trip out of point loma on the new lo-ann markus knows how to find the fish great boat.going for tuna in september do very well.
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[SkunkedAgain]

Sounds like fun if I could afford it. Thanks for the tip. J
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[cat-tech]

300.00 for a day and half 135.00 for overnight.
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