Groupers are powerful ambush predators that live tight to structure and challenge anglers from the first seconds of the fight. Different species favor distinct habitats, from shallow ledges and reefs to deep offshore escarpments. Their behavior shifts with seasons, especially around temperature changes and spawning windows. Shoulder seasons often bring the best action, including exceptional topwater opportunities for species like Baja’s cabrilla. For many anglers, the mix of power, challenge, and technique makes grouper fishing an addictive pursuit.
Marlin fishing is one of the most specialized and exhilarating pursuits in the ocean. To unpack its depth, this article draws on insight from Barry Brightenburg, a legendary figure in Southern California offshore fishing. With over 60 years of experience, Barry has shaped the sport across species, styles, and international waters. His perspective turns an intimidating fishery into something accessible, practical, and fascinating. For anyone curious about the art and obsession of chasing blue marlin, this piece offers a rare look from someone who’s lived it.
Wahoo are among the fastest and most aggressive gamefish in the ocean. Known for their blistering runs, explosive surface strikes, and sharp teeth, they offer nonstop action for anglers who are ready for a challenge. These predators are more than just a thrill to catch. Wahoo are also prized for their flavor, making them one of the top fish both on the rod and on the plate. Sashimi, grilling, or searing—few fish offer this level of versatility and taste. In this blog, we break down the lures, techniques, and strategies that help anglers find success during a Wahoo bite. From long-range trips off Southern California to offshore hotspots around the world, the tips here are built to boost your odds.
The saltwater sportfishing community has been buzzing with excitement over a potential new IGFA world record yellowfin tuna caught off the lower banks of Baja on a 10-day trip aboard the Excel, a sportboat out of San Diego, California. On November 11th, 2024, Earl Gill IV hooked and landed a massive yellowfin that weighed 448 pounds on the boat's scale. When weighed again six days later in San Diego on a certified IGFA scale, the fish came in at 443.5 pounds—still 15 pounds heavier than the current IGFA All-Tackle world record.
Well, it's that time of the year again... long nights, no sleep, and biting fish. Nighttime fishing for Bluefin Tuna is proving yet again to be one of the most consistent and productive ways to target these fish in our local waters. Over the past few seasons, it always seems like the first big hits of the year have come from boats searching down South during the late Spring months and finding schools of biting fish after the sun has set.
Our local Southern California bluefin fishery, specifically with the emergence of the "cow" tuna, has seen drastic changes in the way we pursue and target these big fish over the past decade. Bar none, the most thrilling methods used to target big bluefin have to be those which allow anglers to witness a visual topwater bite. Whether that be casting into foaming fish, kite fishing, trolling through a breezing school, or drifting a flying fish (flyer) with a balloon rig through the big fish zone, I would challenge you to find an angler who would disagree.
At times, the perception of the Swordfish fishery on the West Coast seemed limited and only available to specialized commercial fishermen until recently. Over the last several years, it’s become apparent that the swordfish fishery in Southern California is quite robust and much more attainable by targeting swordfish through the daytime swordfish deep drop method.
Much of Southern California's fishing efforts focus on the offshore waters, our coastal waters, and kelp beds. Our bays, harbors, and estuaries often get less attention, but those who have studied these bodies of water, commonly find productive, fun fishing.
The Southern California Bight has two species of Halibut, the Pacific Halibut and the California Halibut. While Alaska Halibut fishing charters are popular and a great way to catch Pacific halibut, the California Halibut is much more common in our waters and what we refer to when discussing Halibut fishing.
Much of what we do as anglers is based on experience. Nature sometimes gives up all her secrets, such as a feeding frenzy often referred to as a “foamer.”
