Best Game Fish to Eat in Southern California: A Dana Wharf Guide
Whether you’re casting off the coast of Dana Point or boarding a Dana Wharf Sportfishing charter, many anglers have one thing on their mind: what can I catch — and eat? Southern California offers an impressive variety of game fish that aren’t just thrilling to catch, but also delicious on the plate. From…
What Fish Are Biting in Dana Point Right Now? (November Update)
If you’re wondering what’s biting this month at Dana Wharf Sport Fishing, here’s your data-backed answer. Based on recent fish count logs from, November is delivering diverse action, especially for bottom and mixed-bag species. Recent Catches Include: Rockfish: 300+ on 1/9/25, 245 on 11/3, 267 on 11/8. Sculpin &…
Sand Bass vs. Calico Bass: How to Tell Them Apart and Catch Both
Sand bass and calico bass are two of the most sought-after coastal game fish in Southern California. While they share similarities in behavior and habitat, each species has unique traits — and knowing how to target them specifically can lead to much better results on your next Dana Wharf trip. Spot…
Fall Fishing Focus: How to Target White Seabass off the Southern California Coast
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 Yellowtail Fishing: Why Autumn Is a Prime Time
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…
4 Must-Know Fishing Knots for Every SoCal Saltwater Angler
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…
How Water Temperature Influences Seasonal Fishing in Dana Point
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…
How Tides and Current Impact Bass Fishing Off Dana Point
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…
How to Catch Yellowtail: Live Bait vs. Surface Iron
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…
How to Read a Tide Chart and Why It Matters for Your Fishing Trip
Want to fish smarter, not harder? Learning how to read a tide chart is one of the easiest ways to improve your catch rate. Tides affect where fish go, when they feed, and how you should fish — and at Dana Wharf, we use them to our advantage. What Is a Tide Chart?A…