What to Wear (and Bring) on a Deep Sea Fishing Trip in Southern California
Every weekend at Dana Point Harbor we watch the same scene play out. A group rolls down the dock at sunrise, coffee in hand, dressed for a beach day. Flip-flops, board shorts, a t-shirt, maybe a hat from a gift shop in Laguna. They are about to spend six to twelve hours offshore where the…
When Is Rockfish Season in California? (And What You’ll Catch Off Dana Point)
April 1st is one of the loudest mornings of the year at Dana Wharf. The gates open early, the parking lot fills up, the gear shop is moving like a Black Friday line, and every boat going out is loaded with anglers who have been waiting all winter for the same thing: the rockfish opener….
The “Hitchhiker” Rig: Targeting Lingcod
When the rockfish season opens, the sacks at Dana Wharf are usually filled with Vermillion Rockfish (Reds), Boccaccio, and Whitefish. These are great eating fish, but for the serious angler, there is one prize that stands above the rest: The Lingcod. Often called “The Dragon” because of its prehistoric look and mouth full…
Underrated Fall Favorites: Sheephead and Whitefish
While big names like yellowtail and tuna get most of the attention, fall is also a fantastic time to focus on underrated species that offer loads of fun—and often a cooler full of delicious fillets. Two species we love to target during this time of year? Sheephead and Whitefish….
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 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…
Top 5 Mistakes First-Time Saltwater Anglers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Trying saltwater fishing for the first time can be both thrilling and overwhelming. Dana Wharf Sportfishing welcomes thousands of first-timers every year, and we’ve seen it all—from tangled lines to seasick struggles. Here are the top five mistakes beginner anglers make and how to avoid them so you can focus on catching fish and having…
Overnight Fishing Adventures with Dana Wharf: Southern California’s Premier Deep Sea Experience
Looking to take your fishing game to the next level? Dana Wharf Sportfishing’s overnight trips are the perfect way to do just that. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner eager to learn, these 1- to 1.5-day excursions offer an exciting opportunity to fish some of the most productive offshore waters in…
Top 5 Fish to Target This Summer in Dana Point
Summer in Dana Point brings warmer waters and an abundance of fish species, making it an ideal time for anglers to hit the water. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned fisherman, Dana Wharf Sportfishing offers trips tailored to provide an exceptional fishing experience. Here are the top five fish to target this…
Dana Wharf Summer Fishing Guide: What’s Biting This Season
Summer is here—and so is some of the best fishing of the year in Dana Point. Warm waters, long days, and an abundance of fish make it the perfect time to head out with Dana Wharf Sportfishing. Whether you’re new to fishing or a seasoned angler, our summer fishing…