Dana Wharf Blog

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 a popular choice for those seeking an adventure. The Island’s History San Clemente Island has a rich history that dates back centuries. It all began with the indigenous Gabrielino-Tongva people, who lived on the island for generations and relied on its plentiful marine life and resources. In the 16th century, Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was the first European to step foot on the island during his exploration of the California coast. The island was named “San Clemente” in his honor, coinciding with Saint Clement’s…

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 close and personal. Fact 1: Not Your Typical Whale Despite their misleading name, pilot whales are not whales; they are oceanic dolphins belonging to the genus Globicephala. They are often called “blackfish” due to their distinct dark coloration. These sleek, black bodies make them stand out in the ocean. Fact 2: Masters of Social Living Pilot whales are renowned for their highly social nature. They live in tight-knit groups known as pods, which can vary in size from small groups of 10 individuals to astonishing…

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…

Risso’s Dolphins: Masters of the Deep Risso’s dolphins, scientifically known as Grampus griseus, are a captivating species of marine mammals that belong to the Delphinidae family. These unique dolphins have earned a special place in the hearts of marine biologists and enthusiasts alike due to their distinct appearance, behavior, and habitat preferences.  Anatomy of Risso’s…

Great week across the board for us great opportunities in many areas Along the coast the water back in the 70-71° range.  Bass fishing showed some improvement with the red tide about gone.  Classic flyline fishing for the calico bass and plenty of bites coming off the rigs fishing the bottom for the sand bass,…

Another week with Rare Sightings of both Bryde’s Whales and Guadelupe Fur Seals, also Minke Whales, A Dolphin Trifecta Week with Risso’s, Bottlenose and Common Dolphin! Early in the week, just north of the Dana Point Harbor, a Bryde’s whale was spotted by the Dana Wharf Sportfishing vessel Helena close to the area where a megapod of Long-beaked…

Bottlenose dolphins, with their enchanting grace and intelligence, have captured the hearts of marine enthusiasts and scientists alike. These charismatic marine mammals, scientifically known as Tursiops truncatus, reign supreme as the most recognized and adored of all dolphins. Bottlenose Dolphin Anatomy & Lifespan: Bottlenose dolphins are the epitome of aquatic elegance. They boast a sleek,…