Sea Bass Fishing Booms at Catalina

The six-pack Options out of Pierpoint Landing in Long Beach reeled in 17 white sea bass while fishing at Catalina Island on Oct. 22. Don Ashley from Pierpoint said sea bass fishing has been great for this time of the year.

"Both Catalina and San Clemente Islands have been producing some very good sea bass fishing during the past week," Ashley said. "Several private boaters have had big hits on the white sea bass using live squid for bait. This is darn good late sea bass fishing."

Fishing still strong in San Diego

Some offshore anglers may remember the 2011 San Diego season as rather ho-hum. The truth? It's the season that just keeps on giving.

For the most part, the fish were small and far away this year. Add to that the no-show of albacore tuna in San Diego, and you can see why some anglers remained pessimistic. Yet here we are at Halloween, and the San Diego fleet is still catching limits of yellowtail along with some dorado and tuna.

"It's a very late season and could keep going for a while," said Capt. Chuck Taft from the Sea Adventure out of H&M Landing. "If we stay away from any winter storms, it could be tuna for Thanksgiving."

Tom Schlauch, of Long Beach, returned to San Diego from a six-day trip aboard the First String on Wednesday morning. Schlauch said anglers caught huge sand bass along the Baja coast, followed by wide-open yellowtail at Cedros Island and very good offshore fishing for tuna, yellowtail and dorado.

Squid making 'a big difference' in Santa Monica Bay

Anglers are catching lots of rockfish, along with a few sand and calico bass, in the Santa Monica Bay.

"I can't remember a time when we have had so much squid," said Redondo Special Capt. Eric Hobday. "There is no question that having that squid for bait is making a big difference here."

Boats fishing near Palos Verdes and Redondo Beach continue to find large quantities of squid off Hermosa Beach. They have been using the mollusk to lure lingcod, vermillion rockfish and an occasional white sea bass, as well as calico and sand bass.

Quick bites

• Newport Beach Landing has been producing some excellent sculpin and rockfish. The local bite has been good, as has fishing at Catalina and San Clemente Islands for bottom-grabbers. There have also been a few bass and an occasional halibut caught.

• The Tradition out of is out of service due to mechanical issues until further notice, according to an update posted on the Redondo Sportfishing Facebook page.

• Philip Friedman Outdoors has a special three-quarter-day trip on the Toronado out of Pierpoint Landing in Long Beach on Nov. 13. The trip will head off to wherever fishing is best from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Experts will be on hand to help anglers learn better techniques so they can catch their personal best. Cost is $67. For more information, email Philip Friedman at P976TUNA@aol.com.

• On Saturday night, Harbor Breeze Cruises will feature a spooky harbor cruise from 8-10:30 p.m. The $15 ticket includes free snacks, a live DJ and a full bar. Costumes, while not required, are encouraged for an exceptionally ghoulish time. Call 562-983-6880 or email Admin@LongBeachCruises.com for more information.