By: Capt. Brian Woolley of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching
Every fishing year begins with anticipation, as the Southern California fishing community wonders if the upcoming season will deliver magic on the water. Anglers and charter operators alike speculate whether El Niño conditions will materialize or if the season will follow the patterns of previous years. For 2024, the year offered a mix of successes and challenges. While it may not have been groundbreaking, there were plenty of exciting opportunities, memorable catches, and valuable lessons to carry forward.
Fishing in Southern California is a year-round pursuit, with each season offering distinct species and techniques. The early months of 2024 brought sculpin fishing into the spotlight, particularly out of Dana Point and other sportfishing landings stretching from Los Angeles to San Diego. With the seasonal closure of rockfish in the southern management area, anglers turned to sculpin as a reliable winter alternative. These fish, known for their excellent eating quality, gather in large numbers over rocky bottoms, making them a fun and rewarding target.
Classic sculpin setups typically involve rubber lures like swimbaits or twin-tail grubs paired with heavy 6-8oz sinkers to reach the bottom quickly. Anglers who mastered this approach found success throughout the winter months. However, caution was key, as sculpin possess venomous spines along their dorsal, pectoral, and anal fins that can cause painful stings. Despite this risk, sculpin fishing proved to be an accessible and enjoyable way to kick off the year.
Winter also provided opportunities to target halibut, especially in areas where squid gathered along the coast. These bait-rich zones, often near sandy or muddy bottoms adjacent to rocky reefs, became prime halibut fishing grounds. Drifting was the most effective technique, as halibut prefer to ambush prey like sardines and anchovies that settle in these areas. Dana Wharf Sportfishing offered dedicated halibut drift trips during the annual halibut derby, giving anglers a chance to test their skills and land these prized flatfish. Success varied by location, but the key throughout the season was finding bait concentrations and setting up drifts accordingly.
As spring arrived, the warming waters—reaching 58-60°F in March and April—brought new opportunities. The reopening of the rockfish season in April marked a highlight for anglers eager to target deep-water species. Vermilion, bocaccio, and chilipepper rockfish dominated the catches, with steady hauls reported across Southern California. In addition to these prized species, whitefish and sheephead added variety to anglers’ bags.
Sand bass fishing also gained traction as spring progressed, with local fleets targeting these fish over hard bottom structures. Anglers employed sinker setups with live sardines and anchovies, which proved highly effective, though artificial lures also accounted for impressive catches. Sheephead fishing remained productive as well, with raw shrimp serving as the bait of choice. These bottom-dwelling fish, known for their vivid colors and unique appearance, provided a fun challenge for anglers of all skill levels.
The summer months brought warmer waters, often hitting 70-72°F, and with them came a mix of inshore and offshore action. Offshore, bluefin tuna dominated the scene, offering thrilling opportunities for anglers willing to venture to Tanner and Cortez banks. The nighttime bite was particularly productive, with many anglers landing triple-digit tuna. By day, school-sized bluefin in the 25-50lb range provided consistent action. Some standout fish exceeded 200lbs and were often caught using kite-fishing techniques, adding an extra layer of excitement to the summer season.
Inshore fishing also flourished as the warm waters invigorated the kelp forests and hard bottom areas. Sand bass fishing reached its peak in spawning zones near Long Beach and Imperial Beach, as well as in reef and rocky areas along the coast. These waters produced consistent catches of various year classes of sand bass, making it an ideal time for new and seasoned anglers alike. The bite was particularly strong, offering excellent opportunities for catch-and-release fishing to help sustain the population.
Island fishing at San Clemente Island was another summer highlight. When squid filled the waters surrounding the island, it triggered an exciting period of halibut and white seabass fishing. While these species drew plenty of attention, the island-grade yellowtail became the star of the show. These powerful fish, often weighing 25-40lbs or more, offered challenging and rewarding fights. The yellowtail bite provided an excellent fallback for the Southern California sportboat fleet during slower offshore tuna days, ensuring consistent action for anglers.
Down the coast in Mexican waters, the Coronado Islands delivered an excellent yellowtail bite throughout the summer. Many of these fish were caught on flylined sardines or surface jigs, providing exciting topwater action. This consistent bite was a boon for San Diego’s all-day fleet, particularly in a season where offshore tuna and mahi-mahi didn’t fully materialize as hoped.
As the seasons shifted into fall, anglers once again turned their focus to rockfish. Deep-water opportunities flourished, with the 14 Mile Bank becoming a reliable hotspot for quality catches. Dana Wharf’s fleet reported excellent results on their 3/4-day trips, with anglers employing a mix of live bait and slow-pitch jigging techniques. Slow-pitch jigging, a relatively new method in Southern California, quickly gained popularity. Using smaller reels and lighter braided lines, anglers were able to deploy 200g-400g jigs to depths of 400-700 feet, targeting rockfish with precision and efficiency. This modern approach offered an exciting alternative to traditional heavy sinker rigs, adding a fresh dimension to deep-water fishing.
While 2024 may not have delivered the record-breaking El Niño conditions some had hoped for, it was far from a cookie-cutter year. Each season brought unique opportunities and challenges, showcasing the diversity and resilience of Southern California’s fisheries. From winter sculpin and halibut to summer bluefin and yellowtail, anglers had countless chances to connect with the ocean’s bounty.
The year also reinforced the importance of adaptability and understanding seasonal patterns. Success often hinged on targeting specific species at the right time and using the appropriate techniques. Whether fishing from private boats or jumping aboard charter trips, anglers across the region embraced the ever-changing conditions and made the most of what 2024 had to offer.
As 2025 approaches, the fishing community remains optimistic, ready to tackle new challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. One thing is certain: Southern California’s vibrant fisheries will continue to captivate anglers and foster unforgettable experiences on the water.
