fishing guide and faqs
Fishing Month-By-Month
| January: | Halibut, Calico Bass, Sculpin |
| February: | Calico Bass, White Sea Bass & Halibut |
| March: | White Sea Bass, Halibut, Rock Cod, Calico Bass, Sculpin, Sheephead |
| April: | Rock Cod, Squid, Halibut, White Sea Bass, Calico Bass, Sheephead, Lingcod, Sculpin |
| May: | Calico Bass, White Sea Bass, Rock Cod, Sand Bass, Barracuda |
| *June: | Rock Cod, Halibut, Calico Bass, Sand Bass, Yellowtail, Barracuda, Blue Fin Tuna, Bonito |
| *July: | Sand Bass, Yellowtail, Dorado, Calico Bass, Blue Fin Tuna, Yellow Fin Tuna, Halibut, Barracuda, Bonito |
| *August: | Yellowtail, Barracuda, Blue Fin Tuna, Yellow Fin Tuna, Dorado, Calico Bass, Sand Bass, Bonito |
| September: | Tuna, Yellowtail, Calico Bass, Halibut, Bonito, Dorado |
| October: | Calico Bass, Yellow Fin Tuna, Halibut, Bonito |
| November: | Rock Cod, (maybe some Calico or Sand Bass), Halibut, Lingcod |
| December: | Rock Cod, (maybe some Calico or Sand Bass), Halibut |
* Possible additional species may include albacore and wahoo when conditions are good on overnight trips in summer months.
This is a guide to what fish are typically available each month but specific fish are not guaranteed and not all fish can be caught on a half-day trip. Some fish on this list need to be caught on a longer trip or an overnight trip. Fish availability does vary each year.
FAQs About Fishing, Limits, & Trip Specifics
We typically catch a mixture of bass and assorted rockfish on the half-day trips. For the most up-to-date counts, please visit our fish counts page.
We can guarantee fishing but not catching. Our crew will do everything in their power to put you where the fish are. We cannot control what does or does not bite the hook.
While you are welcome to keep any legal-sized fish, Dana Wharf promotes catch and release and responsible conservation of our natural resources. You may also give your legal-sized fish to another angler if you so choose.
The captain and crew are up to date with the most recent California Department of Fish and Game size and possession limits and will inform you of these at the start of the trip. Regulations will vary depending on the season and what we are fishing for on a given day.
We typically catch a mixture of bass and assorted rockfish on the half-day trips. For the most up-to-date counts, please visit our fish counts page.
Even though children under 16 years of age are allowed to fish on our trips without a license, they are allowed the same legal limit as an adult fisherman.
We will assist you with placing your fish in your sack. After the trip, fish cleaning is available for a fee. Fish cleaning is payable in cash only.
NO! It is illegal to sell fish that are caught by way of recreational sport fishing. If you are caught violating this law, you (along with Dana Wharf Sportfishing) will be ordered to appear in court, fined, and items can be confiscated.
If everyone catches the limits of the fish we’re targeting for the day, we will simply pull up and start fishing for something else. For example, if the boat limits out on sand bass, we might go farther out and troll for yellowtail or bonito. In any event, we do not simply end the trip early.
About 60 – 70% of the trip is fishing time.
Between 1 and 12 miles from the harbor.
When we’re not fishing, you’ll enjoy the stunning California coastline, birds, whales, dolphins, sea lions, breaking fish, other fishing and sailboats, all depending on the day, conditions, and season.
We will occasionally see whales, dolphins, sea lions, and birds while fishing, depending on the season. Please keep in mind this is a fishing trip, so any such sightings are a bonus. If there is something worth seeing nearby that does not inconvenience the trip, the captain will generally take a few minutes to check it out.
The voluntary jackpot is an optional pool for the biggest fish of the day. If you choose to participate and put $5 into the pool, the person with the largest fish at the end of the day wins the pot! The jackpot winner is always determined by the captain.
Featured Fishing Trips
FROM
1/2 Day Fishing Trips
Half-day and twilight Dana Point fishing trips are perfect for everyone, from novice to expert fishers! Enjoy the great outdoors on this unique half-day fishing trip.
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3/4-Day Fishing
Navigate the waters just outside the harbor on a nine-hour fishing trip. Drift offshore as you target tuna, halibut, and bass. A knowledgeable crew is ready to assist anglers of all skill levels.
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Limited Passenger Load For Your Comfort!
All Day Limited Load Fishing Trip fishing Catalina or offshore
Depart from the harbor for a full-day fishing adventure. Travel towards Catalina Island or offshore waters, where you can cast your line for seasonal catches like yellowtail and tuna. Enjoy snacks and beverages available on board.
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Starting in April
Overnight Fishing Trips
Cruise to Catalina Island or San Clemente Island on an exciting overnight fishing trip. Hook bluefin tuna, calico bass, dorado, white sea bass, and other varieties.