Dana Wharf Blog

History of Lobster Fishing in Dana Point Dana Point’s lobster fishing history traces back to the early 1900s when the city was known as Capistrano Bay. Lobster fishing was a relatively small-scale operation, with local fishermen catching lobsters using basic traps made of wood and wire. However, as the demand for lobster grew, so did…

For those who are curious about the ocean and its wonders, a visit to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, California is a must. This non-profit organization offers a variety of educational programs and experiences for all ages, making it the perfect destination for families, students, and ocean enthusiasts alike. About the Ocean Institute The…

It has been a classic early fall week along the coast and off the beach. The shallows have been the spot for 1/2 day fishing trips targeting sheephead and bass. This week has seen some nice quality on these fish. There has been some flyline bass action on the live sardines. The water temperature is…

Mellow week for us on the local scene, as water temperatures remained steady at 66°-68°. Bass fishing was mostly unchanged, with fish caught on the flyline, slider sinkers, and at the bottom. Some nice sheephead were caught using exotic baits like clam and shrimp, as well as other usual suspects like sculpin and whitefish, which…

Discover the Hidden Gem: San Clemente Island San Clemente Island is a beautiful and secluded destination located just 68 miles off the coast of San Diego. It is a hidden gem that is waiting to be explored by outdoor enthusiasts. The island offers a variety of activities, such as fishing, hiking, and camping, making it…

The Fascinating False Killer Whale: Separating Fact from Fiction The vast ocean is a treasure trove of diverse marine life, ranging from the tiniest plankton to the most gigantic whales. Among these awe-inspiring creatures is the false killer whale, a species that often gets overshadowed by its more well-known cousin, the killer whale or orca….

We had a successful week with good coverage of offshore, bass, and rockfish. Along the coast, the 1/2 day scene has been productive. Water temperatures ranged between 66°-68°, with bass action both in mid-water and on the sinker set ups. There is still some flyline action happening on days with favorable conditions. There was no…

8 Eight-hour whale watching trips are for adventurous and marine life lovers; people come from all over to experience these life-changing trips !! 7 Humpback Whales, 2 Fin Whales, 1 Bryde’s Whale, and 3 Minke Whales, plus Risso’s, Bottlenose, and Common Dolphin! Future trip dates: Friday, November 10, 2023 & Sunday, December 31, 2023. https://danawharf.com/whale-watching/8-hour-ultimate-whale-watch/  Friday…

10 Fascinating Facts About Pilot Whales At Dana Wharf, we deeply appreciate the mesmerizing marine life that graces our oceans; among the most captivating creatures are the pilot whales. These remarkable beings never cease to amaze us with their intelligence and social complexity. Join us on our tours to witness these majestic marine mammals up…

Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights: A Sweet Spectacle for the Holidays Are you ready to immerse yourself in the enchantment of the holiday season? Look no further than the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, a beloved annual event that will leave you in awe. Taking place from December 8 to December…

Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Bryde’s Whales, Humpback Whales, Bottlenose Dolphin, and Common Dolphin, plus a Frigate Bird! We had a great week with SIX different cetacean species!  Two Blue Whales with one of these leviathans seen feeding just a few miles off our coast.  We were very excited when in the distance we saw the…

We had a busy week with boats out every day Bass fishing for the 1/2 day boat remained kinda status quo with water now in the 66°-68° range.  Sinker setups reverse dropper loops and Carolina rigs fished best for the bass.  Some nice sand bass on those setups and some nice sheephead for the guys…