Dana Wharf Blog

San Clemente, California is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning beaches, charming downtown area, and rich history. But did you know that it is also one of the best places in the world for whale watching? Every year, thousands of whales migrate through the waters off the coast of San Clemente, making it…

Newport Beach, located in California, is famous for its stunning beaches, luxurious homes, and lively nightlife. However, did you know that it is also one of the world’s best places for whale watching? (2nd only to Dana Point, California—The Whale Watching Capital of the World) Every year, thousands of whales migrate through the waters off…

Whales are some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. These massive marine mammals have captured the imagination of humans for centuries with their majestic size and mysterious behaviors. But one question that has puzzled scientists and whale enthusiasts alike is: where do whales sleep? In this article, we will delve into the mystery…

There is still some decent fishing going on for both half-day and three-quarter-day trips. Water temperatures are between 63°-64° with pretty decent movement. The bass action on live baits is still good to see, and the sheepshead fishing has been really fun, with some nice ones caught on shrimp and clam baits. The weather has…

Looking for a one-of-a-kind and thrilling experience in Huntington Beach, California? Look no further than whale watching! With its prime location along the Pacific coast, Huntington Beach provides some of the best whale watching opportunities globally. In this article, we’ll delve into why whale watching in Huntington Beach is a must-do activity and how you…

We had a good week in November and were busy with the holiday break. During a half-day fishing trip, we caught bass, sheephead, whitefish, and some sand bass. We used the standard sinker setup for the sheephead. We also caught some calico bass when the water temperature was 62°- 64°. We had good conditions for…

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 Ocean Institute, a non-profit organization, was founded in the year 1977 with the goal of raising awareness about the ocean and its significance to our planet. It is located in the Dana Point Harbor, California, and since its inception, the institute has been committed to providing interactive programs and experiences to visitors, with the aim of educating them about marine life, conservation, and the history of the ocean. The institute’s educational programs are designed to inspire visitors of all ages to become responsible caretakers of…

We had a mellow week on both the 1/2 and 3/4 day fishing trips with light loads. During the 1/2 day trips, we mostly caught bass and sheephead. The water temperature was between 63°-64°, which is still mild. We had some surface action on live bait, but most of the action was mid-water on sliders….

Catalina Island, located just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures. From hiking and kayaking to snorkeling and zip lining, there is something for everyone on this idyllic island. In this guide, we’ll explore the top attractions and activities on Catalina Island, as well as provide tips for planning your trip. Getting to Catalina Island The most popular way to get to Catalina Island is by taking the Catalina Express ferry from Dana Point Harbor or Long Beach. The ferry ride takes about an hour and offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. You can also take a helicopter ride from Long Beach or San Pedro, which takes about 15 minutes. Where to Stay Catalina Island offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury resorts…

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…