California's Boating & Fishing News

When you want to go beach fishing, consider that overcast and rainy days can help minimize shadows from your line, making the bait more appealing. Shutterstock image.

Beach fishing (also known as surf fishing) is an option for anglers in Southern California with many locations to choose from. It is land-based game fishing while standing on the shoreline or wading into the surf zone. Beach fishing can be done by casting from sandy and rocky beaches.

Surf fishing isn’t a complicated fishing method to learn, with tactics changing depending on factors like location, seasons, tides, weather conditions, and the type of fish you’re hoping to get on your line. However, for those just starting, simple basics will get you on the right track. If you’re new to beach fishing, the first thing you need to do is understand how to surf cast. Surfcasting is much like regular casting, but with more emphasis on distance and accuracy to land your bait in the surf. Generally speaking, you’ll do well with a primary overhand cast straight out. For an overhand cast, hold the rod in your hand, bend your arm to a 90-degree angle and quickly flick out the pole, straightening your arm to launch the bait into the water. The trick to surf casting is learning the speed and power you need to perfect your distance and accuracy when tossing out the line.

Once you have that down, you can start to learn different tactics, such as using other baits or fishing at a different time of year, that will help you target specific fish species. For example, while shrimp will attract most species of fish, you may want to use live bait like Mullet for Flounder or Herring for Mackerel. It also helps to understand the habits of your target fish species based on the seasons, tides, and weather conditions.

As for Southern California beach fishing, rules still apply. A license is required by the State, and you can only beach fish at public beaches that are not within a marine protected area that prohibits it. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has an interactive map that shows anglers where marine protected areas are located, and where fishing is prohibited.

According to outdoortroop.com, in Orange County, anglers are permitted to go beach fishing at public beaches in Newport Beach and Newport Bay, Huntington Beach, and the San Onofre State Beach.

“The same fishing regulations that apply anywhere else apply on beaches,” said John Ugoretz, Pelagic Fisheries and Ecosystem Program Manager for CDFW in an email from Sept. 1. “Note that at certain times, “shorebased” angling is allowed when fishing from boats is closed.”

When beach fishing, anglers are most likely to catch fish in the early morning or an hour before dusk. Incoming tides also bring in catches. The rising water level dislodges small invertebrates in sand bars and stimulates fish to start feeding. Mild to moderate surf is another good time to go beach fishing.

Peak Months and Coinciding Species for Beach Fishing:

Before you Go Beach Fishing Checklist:

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