Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Dana Wharf Blog

Best Technique for Fall/Winter Deep Sea Fishing in Dana Point

Two people wearing hats holding a large fish on a boat with the ocean in the background.

As the Southern California fishing scene cools into late fall and winter, savvy anglers shift their strategy. The surface bite slows, but the bottom fishing action is heating up — and the logs show it.

Three men on a boat holding freshly caught fish with rods, ocean and cliffs in the background.

What’s Working Right Now

From November 1–9, the most dominant catches were:

  • Rockfish: Over 2,200 caught across all trips.

  • Sculpin: Reliable numbers, with 73 caught on 1/9/25.

  • Sheephead & Whitefish: Both species showed steady catches on 3/4 and full day trips

Person in cap holding a large orange fish on a boat with ocean in background.

Top Techniques

  • Dropper Loop Rig: The king of cold-water rigs. Use 8–10 oz weights to stay near the bottom.

  • Live or Cut Squid: Highly effective for targeting whitefish, sheephead, and rockfish.

  • Jigs with Glow: Effective for lingcod or vermilion rockfish in deeper water.

Bonus Tip: Keep an eye on the full-day trips. These offer access to deeper reefs where fall/winter fish are more concentrated.

  • Posted in:
Previous Post Next Post