Dana Wharf Blog

As summer fades and the water begins to cool, anglers in Southern California know it’s prime time to switch gears and start chasing one of the most exciting species of the season: white seabass. These elusive, hard-fighting, and delicious fish are a bucket-list catch for many local and visiting anglers—and fall is a…

Fall in Dana Point brings mild days and cool, salty breezes—ideal for being out on the water, but it pays to come prepared. Whether you’re booking a morning excursion or a late afternoon cruise, dressing in layers is your best strategy. The ocean breeze can drop temperatures noticeably once you’re away from shore,…

As the days shorten and the golden glow of fall sunsets starts earlier, Dana Wharf’s late afternoon whale watching trips take on a whole new kind of magic. Setting out at this time means you’ll get the best of both worlds: the chance to spot whales and dolphins as they feed and play…

Fall is an exciting and often underrated season for whale watching in Dana Point. While the towering blue whales typically dominate summer sightings, autumn brings a changing cast of marine giants to the Southern California coastline. During this transitional period, you’re likely to encounter humpback whales, which are known for their playful behaviors…

Fall is one of the most dynamic and productive seasons for saltwater fishing in Dana Point—and the coming months are looking especially promising. Whether you’re chasing pelagics, loading up on bass, or just enjoying cooler temps and wide-open ocean, now is a great time to hit the water with Dana Wharf. What We’re Seeing Already,…

While big names like yellowtail and tuna get most of the attention, fall is also a fantastic time to focus on underrated species that offer loads of fun—and often a cooler full of delicious fillets. Two species we love to target during this time of year? Sheephead and Whitefish….

As summer gives way to cooler mornings and clearer water, savvy anglers know it’s time to start chasing yellowtail. Fall is one of the best seasons for hooking these hard-fighting, crowd-favorite game fish along Southern California’s coast—and Dana Wharf is right in the heart of it. Why Fall Works for Yellowtail Yellowtail tend…

Every trip into the Pacific brings the promise of the unknown—but every once in a while, that promise turns into something truly once-in-a-lifetime. Recently, Dana Wharf Whale Watching guests and crew were treated to one of the rarest encounters we’ve ever documented: a sperm whale sighting just miles from the Dana…

Solid Knots = Solid Hookups It doesn’t matter how good your rod, reel, or bait is—if your knot fails, the fish wins. For Southern California saltwater fishing, knowing a few key knots is essential to maximize your catch rate and avoid heartbreak at the rail. 1. Improved Clinch KnotA go-to for…

When you think about what makes a successful day on the water, most anglers jump to tackle, bait, and skill. But there’s a hidden force beneath the surface that can determine whether you catch limits or just stories — water temperature. In Dana Point and across Southern California, seasonal shifts in ocean temperature…

Understanding Water Movement for Better Bass Results If you’ve spent time chasing calico bass or sand bass along the Southern California coast, you know success isn’t just about having the right bait—it’s about being in the right place at the right time. That’s where tides and current…

Yellowtail fishing off Dana Point heats up in summer, and knowing how to target this prized game fish can mean the difference between a strike and a miss. Two of the most effective methods used aboard Dana Wharf Sportfishing trips are fly-lining live bait and throwing surface irons—each offering…