This is the Friday, October 24th surf fishing report for the Southern California coast, delivered by Bill Vanney of fishthesurf.com. The report begins with a major announcement regarding a free surf fishing seminar scheduled for November 1st at Fisherman’s Landing in San Diego. Current conditions are characterized by reduced angler coverage and a battle between strong Northwest swells and Southern swells/tropical storms, which have introduced temporary debris. An upcoming tropical storm (EP92) is expected to deliver warmer water and significant swells next week, likely improving fishing success. Regionally, the report emphasizes excellent barred surf perch fishing (especially 8-12 inch fish) from Santa Barbara through San Diego, successful halibut catches (though spread out) in Santa Barbara, and transitioning corbina that are proving difficult to tempt with traditional baits as they head toward estuaries for the winter.
Friday, October 24 Surf Fishing Report (Southern California)
0:29 Tackle Day Seminar Announcement: A free surf fishing seminar by Bill Vanney will be held on Saturday, November 1st, at 9:15 AM on the boat "Tomahawk" during Tackle Day at Fisherman's Landing in San Diego. The seminar will cover equipment and demonstrate how to hook and fish various baits (lug worms, ghost shrimp, sand crabs, etc.).
1:23 General Conditions: Angler participation is lower, and the coastline has seen debris from opposing Northwest (Alaska) and Southern (Mexico hurricanes) swells. The Northwest swells are currently stronger, but an upcoming tropical storm (EP92) is forecasted to bring warm water and stronger southern swells along south-facing beaches starting next week, which is expected to boost fishing.
3:30 Santa Barbara Report: Debris has cleared. Barred surf perch fishing remains good (8-12 inches); the larger sizes suggest fish are entering the winter spawn. Halibut are spread out, with a 26-incher caught near Hope Ranch/Moore Mesa. There are still some white sea bass sighted near Campus Point/Gaviota Pier.
5:30 Ventura Report: Corbina are being sighted but are difficult to hook, with blood worms and crab flies being the most successful baits. Perch fishing (barred and walleye) is very good (8-10 inches) from La Conchita to Oxnard.
7:02 South Bay (LA) Report: Fishing has been good (Del Rey to El Segundo), featuring catches like shovelnose/leopard sharks, perch (barred and walleye), and yellow croakers. Corbina are transitioning; there are almost no sand crabs available. Redondo Harbor breakwater fishing is excellent for calico bass, buttermouth perch, and opaleye.
8:30 Rat Beach/South Torrance Report: The fishing here has picked up, yielding smaller yellow croaker (1-2 lbs) and a nice 22-inch corbina (caught on a hard sand crab). This area is anticipated to remain good for a couple more weeks due to the incoming warm south swell.
9:41 Northern Orange County Report: Surfside through the Newport Jetties is excellent for barred surf perch (8-12+ inches), with bigger fish near rock structure. A 22-inch spotfin croaker was caught near the jetty edge using a blood worm.
11:01 San Diego Report: Oceanside and the Carlsbad area (near the power plant jetty) are yielding many 8-10 inch barred surf perch. Corbina sightings are high in Carlsbad, but they are not biting; anglers are encouraged to use alternative baits like blood worms or mussels. Debris has significantly slowed down in Mission/Pacific Beach areas.
13:02 Bait Status: Large sand crabs are scarce and have no eggs, indicating they have likely gone into winter hibernation. Anglers should focus on other baits (lug worms, blood worms, ghost shrimp) suitable for the fall/winter transition.
13:46 Follow Up: Anglers should visit fishthesurf.com to sign up for the free newsletter (due in 1.5 weeks) and check the "Bill Vanney Surf Fishing" YouTube channel for instructional videos.