Provided by Dana Wharf Sportfishing
Fishing remained strong this week at Dana Wharf Sportfishing — with bass, bonito, yellowtail, and even the season’s first tuna — providing anglers with plenty of action.
Half-day trips saw excellent bass fishing, with live anchovies proving to be the bait of choice. Flylined anchovies and sliding egg sinker rigs produced the most consistent action, while anglers fishing rubber lures reported bites on nearly every cast. A-rigs, hard jerkbaits and surface iron also accounted for a healthy number of bass throughout the week.
Bonito continued to make a strong showing, with schools of two- to three-pound fish aggressively feeding on anchovies. Small sniper-style jigs proved to be an effective alternative for anglers looking to leave the live bait in the tank.
Barracuda also joined the mix, particularly during a recent twilight trip, where larger fish provided exciting surface iron action along with steady bites on live bait.
Three-quarter-day trips found success targeting kelp paddy yellowtail offshore. Most fish ranged from three to five pounds, with a handful of larger fish in the 15- to 20-pound class. Once again, live anchovies were the top producer.
Warm water continues to bring exciting signs of summer offshore. Dana Wharf anglers landed their first yellowfin tuna of the season after one fish struck a trolled lure on the ride home from Catalina Island Friday. A second yellowfin was caught Sunday while fishing around dolphin schools, an encouraging sign as ocean temperatures continue to climb.
Bluefin tuna also made their first appearance of the summer for the New San Mateo, which landed its first fish while targeting small foamers behind Catalina Island during an all-day trip Friday.
Meanwhile, the Fury enjoyed excellent yellowtail fishing at San Clemente Island, where a recent charter put 129 yellowtail on deck. The fish were caught using live bait on sliding egg sinker rigs, dropper loops and jigs.
Dana Wharf also wrapped up its final Kids Fishing Camp of the summer. Twenty-five young anglers spent four days aboard the Sum Fun, enjoying productive bass and bonito fishing while learning the fundamentals of sportfishing.
