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South Coast Fish Report: Winter Fishing Breakdown

By Capt. Brian Woolley

As winter settles in, the cooler water temperatures along the Southern California coast have prompted some significant changes in fishing conditions and tactics. Anglers are shifting gears and adapting their approaches to maximize success during this transitional season.

(Credit: Native Sun Sportfishing; 22nd Street Landing)

With water temperatures dipping, inshore fishing often requires a more delicate touch — what anglers refer to as “finesse fishing.” While lines of 15 to 25 pounds are standard for warmer months, the cooler water now calls for lighter setups, with 8 to12-pound lines becoming more common. The use of fluorocarbon leaders is highly recommended. This specialized material is nearly invisible in the water, giving anglers a critical edge when fish are more cautious and less aggressive in cooler conditions.

Adding to the challenge is the bait situation. From San Diego to San Pedro, there’s been a noticeable shift in bait availability. The coastal bait receivers are holding more anchovy than the usual sardine, a direct result of the cooler water temperatures. This smaller bait demands smaller hooks — sizes no. 2 and no. 4 are ideal for presenting anchovy effectively. Scaling down your tackle and employing these finesse techniques is proving to be a game-changer for anglers this season.

(Credit: Native Sun Sportfishing; 22nd Street Landing)

The abundance of anchovy along the coast has led to a surge in halibut catches. Dana Wharf Sportfishing’s recent halibut derby on Friday, January 17, 2025, saw 20 shorts and five keeper halibut landed, showcasing the strong bite. Similarly, the Native Sun out of 22nd Street Landing has reported excellent halibut fishing. This increased activity makes now an ideal time to target these prized flatfish along the coast. Light tackle and anchovy as bait have been key to success in landing halibut during this cooler season.

Sculpin fishing has also become a popular target for anglers in cool water conditions. For 2025, new regulations have eliminated the 10-inch size limit and minimum fillet size for sculpin. The new regulation includes a daily bag limit of five sculpin with now no minimum size limit. While this opens the door for keeping smaller fish, conservation remains a priority. Captains and crews encourage anglers to be selective and focus on larger sculpin (10 inches) to protect the population and ensure sustainable fishing for years to come. Just because there’s no size restriction doesn’t mean taking undersized fish is the best practice.

Longer trips south of the border have been yielding impressive results for anglers looking to make the most of winter fishing. Boats like the Tribute out of Seaforth Landing in Mission Bay have been targeting the Baja coastline, where rockfish and lingcod are plentiful. This past weekend, the Tribute brought in 90 quality rockfish and 10 lingcod. These trips offer the added bonus of fishing in Mexican waters, which remain open for rockfish during California’s seasonal closure.

Dubbed “freezer fillers,” these 1.5-day excursions are a great way to stock up on delicious rockfish and lingcod while enjoying a fun day on the water. The Baja coast is also known to produce some winter yellowtail, adding an extra element of excitement for anglers.

Winter fishing in Southern California provides its own unique challenges and rewards. Fine-tuning your finesse fishing techniques for inshore species like halibut and sculpin or heading south for Baja’s rockfish and lingcod offers plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the water. Remember to stay conservation-minded, experiment with lighter tackle, and take advantage of the abundant anchovy along the coast. With the right preparation and mindset, this cooler season can deliver plenty of action and unforgettable experiences on the water.

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