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Dana Wharf Blog

Fishing

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…

Full-Day vs. 1/2-Day vs. Twilight: Which Dana Wharf Trip Is Right for You?

Not sure which fishing trip to choose at Dana Wharf? Each trip offers a unique experience, and the best choice depends on your goals, skill level, and schedule. Here’s a closer look at what each option offers. ½-Day Trips – Great for Beginners and Families Trip Length: ~5 hours

The Evolution of Sportfishing Gear: Then vs. Now at Dana Wharf

Since opening our doors in 1971, Dana Wharf Sportfishing has seen massive changes in fishing technology. From rods and reels to sonar and bait systems, today’s gear is more powerful, efficient, and user-friendly than ever. But one thing hasn’t changed — the thrill of the catch. Back Then: Simplicity & GritEarly anglers fished…

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…

Hook Into the Action: Your Ultimate Guide to Calico Bass Fishing at Dana Wharf

If you’re an angler in Southern California, the thrilling fight of the calico bass (also known as kelp bass) is likely a familiar and exciting experience. These iconic sport fish, with their distinctive mottled patterns and aggressive strikes, are a prized target for both novice and seasoned anglers along the Orange County coastline. At Dana…

Complete Beginner’s Guide to Deep Sea Fishing in Dana Point: Everything First-Time Anglers Need to Know

Ready to experience the thrill of deep sea fishing but don’t know where to start? Dana Point offers some of Southern California’s most accessible and rewarding fishing opportunities, and you don’t need any experience to get started. Since 1971, Dana Wharf has been introducing first-time anglers to the excitement of sportfishing, making them the perfect…

Pacific Bluefin Tuna in Dana Point: Your Ultimate Guide

If you’re an angler with dreams of battling one of the most powerful fish in the Pacific, there’s no better place to do it than Dana Point. Known for its scenic harbor and deep-sea fishing access, Dana Point is one of Southern California’s premier launch points for Pacific Bluefin Tuna fishing—and the season is heating…

Dana Wharf Kids Fishing Clinics: Teaching the Next Generation of Anglers

Looking for a fun, educational, and unforgettable activity for your kids this summer? Dana Wharf’s Kids Fishing Clinics are the perfect way to introduce young anglers to the world of sportfishing and spark a lifelong love for the ocean. What Are the Kids Fishing Clinics?Every Sunday, Dana Wharf hosts a hands-on…

April Fishing Update

April has been an outstanding month for fishing out of Dana Point! As spring continues to warm up the coastal waters, anglers have been treated to steady action, huge rockfish counts, and a great variety of bottom species. Whether you joined us for a half-day, three-quarter day, or twilight…