Southern California Target Species & Trophy Fish

PacificBarracuda

Pacific Barracuda are most common in warmer months, typically spring through early fall, when they patrol nearshore waters around Long Beach and Dana Point. They are fast, aggressive feeders often found near bait schools along beaches, kelp lines, and harbor entrances.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass are primarily a freshwater species found in local Southern California lakes and reservoirs year-round. Peak action usually occurs in spring and early summer when they move shallow to feed and spawn in warmer water.

Calico Bass

Calico Bass are a year-round favorite in Southern California, with peak fishing from late spring through fall. Around Long Beach and Dana Point, they are commonly found in kelp beds, rocky reefs, and structure-rich coastal zones.

California Sheephead

California Sheephead are available year-round but are most active and accessible during warmer months when they feed aggressively around rocky structure and kelp beds. They are a common target in the coastal waters of Dana Point and Long Beach.

Mahi Mahi (Dorado)

Mahi Mahi are a seasonal offshore species, typically appearing in late summer through early fall during warm water conditions. They are found far offshore of Long Beach and Dana Point around floating debris, kelp paddies, and temperature breaks.

California Halibut

California Halibut are available year-round, with peak fishing in spring and summer when they move into shallow sandy flats. They are commonly targeted in bays, beaches, and coastal areas around Long Beach and Dana Point.

Rockfish

Rockfish are a deep-water, bottom structure species available year-round, with consistent fishing in cooler months. They are typically found near reefs, rock piles, and offshore structures outside Dana Point and Long Beach.

California Rockfish

California rockfish include multiple species in the Sebastes family, commonly targeted on deep-water coastal and offshore trips. They are found around reefs, ledges, and structure and are a staple of Southern California bottom fishing.

Vermilion Rockfish

Vermilion Rockfish (often called “red snapper” locally) are a bright orange-red deep-water species found around rocky structure and offshore reefs. They are highly prized for both sport and table quality.

Sand Bass

Sand Bass are highly seasonal, with peak action in summer when they gather in large schools. They are especially active around bays, nearshore structure, and harbor areas in Long Beach.

White Seabass

White Seabass are a highly prized seasonal species, with peak fishing from spring through early summer. They are often found around squid beds, kelp forests, and structure near Dana Point and offshore Long Beach waters.

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin Tuna are a premier offshore species, typically present from late spring through fall when water temperatures rise. They are found well offshore of Long Beach and Dana Point and are one of the top trophy targets in Southern California.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna are seasonal offshore visitors, most commonly seen in warm summer and early fall waters. They roam offshore zones beyond Dana Point and Long Beach, often found near temperature breaks and bait schools.

Yellowtail Amberjack

Yellowtail are a signature Southern California sportfish found year-round, with peak fishing in spring through fall around kelp beds, offshore islands, and coastal structure.