As of November 23, 2024, the fishing scene in the Pacific Ocean off California is looking promising, especially with the current weather and tidal conditions.
### Weather and Tidal Conditions
Today, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy with mild temperatures, making it ideal for a day out on the water. The sunrise is at around 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 8:30 AM and a low tide at 2:30 PM, which should provide good conditions for both shallow and deep-water fishing.
### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a mix of exciting catches across various locations. In the Santa Barbara area, the Coral Sea out of Santa Barbara Landing reported 150 rockfish caught on a 3/4 day trip with 15 anglers[1].
In the Oxnard region, the Gentleman from Channel Islands Sportfishing brought in 30 whitefish and 115 rockfish on a 3/4 day trip with 20 anglers[1].
Down in San Diego, the Pacifica from Seaforth Landing returned from a 2-day trip with 25 bonito, 1 halibut, 50 sheephead, 96 vermillion rockfish, and 8 yellowtail for 25 anglers[3].
Offshore, particularly around the islands, there were reports of yellowtail and whitefish. At Catalina Island, party boat anglers picked up whitefish and some bonito, while San Clemente Island saw some yellowtail and opportunities for big bluefin tuna[2].
### Best Lures and Bait
For rockfish and whitefish, using squid or anchovies as bait has been effective. For yellowtail, lures such as surface iron or yo-yo jigs have been producing good results. If you're targeting bigger game like bluefin tuna, live bait such as sardines or mackerel on a sinker rig can be very effective[2][4].
### Hot Spots
- **Catalina Island**: The East End is a hot spot for squid and lobster, and tossing artificials right up on the island can yield some fun fishing.
- **San Clemente Island**: This area is good for yellowtail and whitefish in shallow waters, with opportunities for big bluefin tuna just offshore[2].
Overall, it's a great day to get out on the water, with a variety of fish species active and favorable weather conditions. Make sure to check the latest reports and adjust your tactics accordingly to maximize your catch.