As of November 10, 2024, the fishing scene in the Pacific Ocean off California's coastline is looking promising. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day out on the water.
### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather has been fantastic, with clear skies and smooth seas, making it ideal for both crabbing and fishing. Today, you can expect continued good weather with mild temperatures. Tidal shifts are favorable, with high tide at around 7:30 AM and low tide at 2:00 PM, which should enhance fishing conditions.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 6:34 AM, and sunset will be at 4:54 PM, giving you ample daylight to make the most of your fishing trip.
### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw excellent fishing opportunities across various spots. There were reports of limits of Dungeness crab being caught, particularly on combo trips that targeted both crab and coastal rockfish. The fish are biting well, with a variety of species including rockfish, sanddab, and even some larger catches like yellowfin and bluefin tuna further south.
### Catches
On November 9, the C Gull II out of Emeryville reported limits of crab with 19 anglers on board. Other boats like the New Seaforth had successful AM half-day trips, catching assorted rockfish and other species. In the southern waters, boats like those from San Diego reported significant catches of yellowfin tuna, with 224 fish weighing between 50-80 pounds, along with 11 bluefin tuna.
### Best Lures and Bait
For crabbing, the standard crab pots with bait like squid or fish guts are working well. For rockfish, using lures such as jigs or bait like anchovies and sardines is effective. If you're targeting tuna, live bait like sardines or mackerel, along with trolling lures, can be very productive.
### Hot Spots
Some hot spots to consider include the crab combo grounds off the Northern California coast, particularly around the Emeryville area. For rockfish, the coastal areas around Half Moon Bay and Monterey have been producing good results. If you're heading south, the waters around San Diego, especially around Cedros Island, are seeing excellent late-season action for tuna and other species.
Overall, it's a great time to be out on the water in California, with plenty of fish to go around and favorable conditions. Make sure to get all your gear ready and take advantage of these excellent fishing opportunities.