Closed on Mondays

May 19 Sunday’s late report— Nice day - with mornings clouds leaving sunshine- wind stayed light to fair for the day mostly west to southwest and back to west later in the day- seas were cold- with a 58 degree morning water temps by —2 pm up to 60 degrees— still cold for the Middle of May— Best years in the past were the May and June’s for Salmon— the coldest waters of the year- with an abundance of anchovies— they, the anchovies are not here so far this year—

Boat traffic was tight in the restricted waters we have left— MLAP’s have squeezed all the boats together

Fishing fair today—the T/C’s twenty boat tournament for three days - 3 fish total- two at Catalina one locally—

Received in this week another dozen new hand made bamboo blanks, Light tackle - Six Thread strength with deflection of a 60” length’s horizontal drop of 16’ w/ a 3 lb weight. a lot of sanding and varnishing yet to come—

May the 18th Saturday— started off a bit on the overcast side ends up nice and sunny— still a little cool here on the beach— water temps and air low to mid 60’s

Lots of folks out today-doing everything imaginable- biking, walking, boating, fishing. nice day-

Toms WSB tops out over 60 lbs on light tackle vintage gear ( bamboo rod, linen line and the reel pre- 1950s and I think he was solo too !!! Congrats —JD
bay fish Ok with the bass on the chew — afternoon westerly wind and small wind chop on the water

May the 17th the month just keeps rolling along— still what’s called May Gray- and it is— calm seas and a light west/southwest wind at 2-4 kts-

T/C having thee Annual White Sea bass tournament, started last evening will runs through Sat, boats scattered from Clements Island to the beach and to the Channel Islands - fish in all spots , one taken locally this morning— Nice big fish 64 lbs on vintage tackle — congrats— BAC’s top light tackle record stands at 53.2 lbs— challenged by this fish!

Wind stayed west for the day and still mostly overcast for the length-

Bottlenosed dolphins were off Laguna and a Minkki Whale or two were there too


May 16th Thursdays Report- and it overcast again- maybe some break in the clouds- we’ll see- wind is light from the west 1-3 kts seas calm some swell in there from the west— waters still on the cool side but slowly warming and staying steady as it climbs- that overcast sky helps reflect back the Ultraviolets back down to the ocean’s surface -warming it a bit more

Long day today— worked on a dozen or more rods and reels, replacing broken guides, re-epoxy 4 rods , service clean, lube and replace drags in 10 reels, new line on all of them from 130 braid to 15 mono with F/C leaders on them. Added service on a Shimano Torsa 30 and kept up with the shirts and hats sales and various fishing tackle sales, full day—

Sun really never made it out today— stayed west 6- 10 for the day

May the 15th Wed’s Report— Nicer day except the light drizzle this morning— seas were good and a bit of sunshine later in the mid days sun. Not much in the way of local WSB catches today— lot’s of efforts but not much if any caught— a few mystery bites - maybe blacks Sea Bass-or a sharks , not may bat rays so far this season— if any- halibut fishing fair at best—

Inside the harbor — right as he was bulling his Luck Craft lure out of the water— something charged it— the battle was on— what was it it’s big and strong—— guess what it was?—— a Yellowtail about 7-8 lbs! —

Down South the tuna were here, then gone for the most part-

Mayo the 14th- Tuesday almost half the months gone by all ready- be the Forth of July before you know it— Light cloud cover this AM- starting to burn away by noon- wind is light from the south- a swell from the west comes in once in a while,

Abundance of smaller green back mackerels and sardines along the coastlines—- anchovies— that’s another story- bait haulers were up to Monterey looking for it- and improrts from Mexico for the frozen stuff- Squid—? starting to see small spots of it , but not enough for commercials catches—

White Sea bass fair along the coast here- fair at Catalina and Clements— Yellows at Clemente, and a few at Santa Barbara island- and the WSB are eating sardines up at Santa Rosa Island—- no squid there and they were hungry-

A look at the San Clemente Security’s web site shows the “Cove” to be basically off limits for the weekend San Clemente Island Security

Tuna still being sought after outside Ensenada ‘s lower 500 area— mostly night time fishing but there’s fish there during the day too- and probably WSB on the beaches

Nicer day today- sunshine here along the coastline—

Tides will build this weekend

Closed on Mondays — went fishing- had a good time —good exercise rowing about- dragging a green backed mackerel around for a few hours—- had one good bite and a seal bite— water’s green close to the beach- early morning lots of smaller dolphins pushing the bait schools of mackerel and sardines

Sundays report—- mayo the 12th 2024—Happy Mom’s day

- Different day— more overcast and the lack of that west wind— back to a south wind at oly a few kts- 1 - 2 seas calm- glassy in areas— nice stayed nice all day-

The WSB fleet out again- the word had gotten out—- the bite’s slowed down— maybe it’s the number of boats or- noise —or—- the few fish that were here got caught?- could be—- there’ wasn’t many here before last week— maybe that was it?— naw —there’s more to come- JD

With the appearance of baitfish— Humpback Whales are about— right out front of Dana 10:34 a big breach— that was a great one— !

Paul H. out of Newpoet takes the 1st fish Flag for the Tuna Club this morning—- nice fish on 20lb Dacron— Congrats—-

Tuna fishing , night time stuff as good for the bigger fish last night— 50- 150lbs baits and the deep jigs

Sat May the 11 2024- the days are long now enjoy them— soon the shorten again—

Light overcast again this morning- wind light to fair from the southwest—4-7 kts small caps on it, no swell to speak of.

Lots of folks out and about— good incoming tide this morning and later this afternoon-

Happy Mon’s day on Sunday—- take her out for a boat ride—

Vick’s white sea bass weighed in at 64 lbs! 2 more pounds and he’d have a world record fish on 12# line. His current 12# Club record is 64 lbs. 11 oz. He also holds the WSB world records in 6# and 8#. Don’t forget to bring the head to enter your name in the raffle.
#balboaanglingclub

Despite the number of boats out fishing today— on the whole it was slow - only a few bites here and there—

Sun came out later in the day- still that west wind for much of it—

Thursdays May the 9th 2024-

Better weather today- light overcast seems to be going away with some hazy blue behind it— wind still from the southwest 2-5 kts- seas good Tides still strong

El Nino report— it’s going cooler—

ENSO Alert System Status: El Niño Advisory / La Niña Watch

Synopsis:  A transition from El Niño to ENSO-neutral is likely in the next month. La Niña may develop in June-August (49% chance) or July-September (69% chance).

During April 2024, below-average equatorial sea surface temperatures (SSTs) emerged in small regions of the eastern Pacific Ocean. However, above-average SSTs prevailed across the rest of the equatorial Pacific . Below-average subsurface temperatures held steady during the month with negative anomalies extending from the Date Line to the eastern Pacific Ocean Convection was near average overall across the equatorial Pacific Ocean and Indonesia Collectively, the coupled ocean-atmosphere system reflected the continued weakening of El Niño and transition toward ENSO-neutral.

The most recent IRI plume favors an imminent transition to ENSO-neutral, with La Niña developing during July-September 2024 and then persisting through the Northern Hemisphere winter The forecast team continues to favor the dynamical model guidance, which suggests La Niña could form as early as June-August 2024, with higher confidence of La Niña during the following seasons.

Fish report from SD with good Bluefin Tuna fishing Great fishing right now! Bluefin Tuna are within 50 to 60 miles. All of them ranging from 50lb to 180lbs! The American Angler caught 44 Bluefin Tuna, Polaris Supreme caught 28 Bluefin Tuna and the Shogun caught 18 Bluefin so far. Heavy loss due to light gear. Boats were working outside Ensenada 30 miles weather fishable— 31:38/ 47 and 117:28/31

Coastal fishing improving— at least a few WSB are in the area— there’ bait both sardines and mac’s and the barge should have bait too-

Weather looks OK for tomorrow- blowing up on the outside this weekend—

Wed’s Report May 8th , clear hazy sky- wind light to fair from the south- seas about the same-

waters still cool-

Expected 2024 Runs - Closed Season (Observation Only) Wed 5/8- 9:50 p.m. - 11:50 p.m.

Tuesday’s Report May 7th- — Clear sky- wind from the south-, eddy from the outer watrerly winds— seas ok mixed, still a bit of lump for that outside swell and the S/E light wind chop— waters cooler and a bit more green-

Boys are in the shop early today— fishing the smaller barracuda here in the harbor—

The Newport’s Bait barge is back in the harbor— try on Ch 79 if their open or have bait ,

New Moon (Dark) tonight

This past week a friend dropped off a collection of the older vintage reels, Pflueger Templars, Ocean City, a rare 1930 Shakespeare Miller Autocrat 4/0, and a couple what appears to be very old English line winders. They all have been under the stress of wear and tear over the years , they’ve been used a lot! Now I get to refurbish them back to usable shape-

Saturday Mayo the 4 2024- broken cloud cover- sun trying to come out— wind light from the S/W seas good- lots of folks out and about .

Only radio checks so far on the VHF

Weather turned westerly and more clouds getting ugly out here— —- BAC weaighted in the First White Sea Bass of the Year for them 50+lb fish— secret spot-

U.S. Border patrol in and out the harbor today— back and forth—- back and forth—-

Friday Mayo 3 2024- Gray again- but warmer— wind light to fair from the Southeast 4-6 kts— light wind chop with it— couple of boats came in early?

Generally weak onshore flow and a coastal eddy will continue into Saturday. Gusty west to northwest winds late Saturday through Sunday evening are likely to generate hazardous boating conditions, especially in the outer waters. Weaker onshore flow follows Monday and Tuesday. .TODAY...Wind variable less than 10 knots...becoming southwest 10 knots this afternoon. Wind waves around 2 feet or less. Mixed swell west 2 to 3 feet at 9 seconds and southwest 1 to 2 feet at 15 seconds. .SATURDAY...Wind southwest 10 to 15 knots. Wind waves around 2 feet or less. Mixed swell west 2 to 3 feet at 8 seconds and southwest 1 to 2 feet at 16 seconds...SUNDAY...Wind west 15 to 20 knots with gusts to 25 knots. Wind waves around 4 feet. Mixed swell west 5 to 7 feet at 7 seconds and southwest 2 feet at 15 seconds.

Approaching northern front due to get windy and a bit choppy-

Local kids in the shop today— casting and catching inside the harbor barracudas, almost legals lengths- casting shallow running plugs- Lucky Crafts flash minnows- -

tomorrow’s mornings, southwest 5-8 kts wind- Sunday’s AM up to 12-15 kts West , tides building as the New moon nears—

Sea Bass—- report of a 50-60 lb fish caught locally today—-

Thursdays report— the 2nd- Gray sky for the day— overcast and a bit cooler— light southwest wind today 3- 5 kts- seas calm , seems some of that whaling activity has quited down a bit— more dolphins around today- a Minki and a few Fins so far— off Main beach Laguna—

Sky brightened as the afternoon hours took on the sun-

And this weekend Saturday 8:30- 2 pm The BAC will be hosting their Tackle Swap Meet- at the — Schock Boats Huntington Harbour located 16214 Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach, 92649 United States

Weather this weekend look ok for the inner waters ( blowing west outside) on Sat morning mid day- it turns west, Sat night into Sunday all day strong west winds and seas-

Cinco de Mayo on Sunday— tacos and beers!

Today’s work included finishing up on a pair of older reels, Torium 30 and a Avet- clean and lube all bearing - replace/ re-lube drag washers , new line ready for the trip to Cedros Island.

Help out a customer today with his tackle, his baitcaster casting techniques improved and knots explained. such simple things that help alot.

Wed’s report the 1st of May— should be lots of May flowers around— inland its warming under the sun — coastlines and seaward still some of that marine haze - Seas are good and calm— light south eddy wind 3-4 kts- Still lots of that green algae lot’s of it now-

Blue Whale at 28/48 heading north 301 degrees a 2 kts- 10:36am— takes a short blow and a short 2 min dive then 4 or 5 big blows then down 10 minutes

Those elsuive Bluefin Tunas—- latest reports say comerical rock cod fishermen working the 100 fathom ledge above Morro bay report seeing Bluefin Tuna— and probally so- it’s May they should be on the move by now—

White Sea Bass fishing— still on the slow catching side, Channel Islands has a few being caught there— meter marks show many more, just a right time issue they say- closer to our local waters, a few bites on the smaller greenback mackerels, art reefs and structure spots.

Earthquakes and fish— studies show there’s a pause in the feeding schedule during the quaking event—

Tuesday’s Report- April 30 last day of this month- Mostly clear sky - marine haze seaward- wind is light from the South- as a eddy from stronger outside West winds—and it looks like that for another week or better— coastal south for the next few weeks—

Generally weak onshore flow and an occasional coastal eddy will occur this week.

Today’s excitement—— not much except a couple, three (5) Fin backed whales off Aliso 28/48 heading offshore 4-5 kts, not shy- waters very green out there, bands of off-colored water offshore and a Blue Whale at 28. 5/ 34 and Humpback inside off Salt Creek! - coastal fishing— might be a sea bass or two around???

Closed on Monday— Picked weeds!

Sunday-the 28 of April— Blue sky again, nice— again light marine haze seaward— wind light from the south- 2 4 kts seas are good—

radio reports of anglers catching a few calcos and a sculpin, he kept them, coastal bay and harbor waters still with that green algae but it seems to be short lived and much of it can be seen drifting in mats and broken loose from the bottom , starting to fall apart.

Water’s flat, clean and green, good amount of smaller bait around, 59 degrees

Sat April the 27th , clear sky this am— some marine haze seaward with the south eddy 6-10 kt wind this morning, light wind chop on it. Vela-Vela’s lots of them appearing in the waters— Stand by for the Mola-Mola’s to be here too-

A look at this year ( Left) and last years ( below) water temps from 50 to 75 degrees for the Month of April

April the 25th Thursdays report— Broken cloud cover wind still light from the west— stronger west offshore— light eddy from the south is expected during morning hours this weekend,

If your up to it— 10:30 this evening and about an hour later each night thereafter for a couple nights— Grunion Hunting— find a secluded sandy shore beach, ( many city’s close the beaches after 10 pm) - Salt Creek is open as is some other beaches , no nets or traps only hand catching

Note to pay attention to- starting May the 24 for a month much of San Clemente Island will be restricted—Check with their web site https://www.scisland.org/

1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE FOLLOWING DATES AND
TIMES: 010800Z MAY 24 TO 010800Z JUN 24

2. HAZARDOUS OPS (FLETA HOT) AREA

3. HAZARDOUS OPS (SOAR) AREA

4. HAZARDOUS OPS (SHOBA WITH BOTH EXTENSIONS) AREA

5. HAZARDOUS OPS (MOORED BUOYS IN PYRAMID COVE) AREA

6. MARINERS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO AVOID THESE AREAS DURING THE SPECIFIED DATES AND TIMES.

April the 24th still trying to figure out this new web site— not in favor of it but it works so far— to continue- Mornings coastal clouds left early light west wind cleared it out- hazy seawards— light wind chop- 10- 15 2025 Small Craft outside waters

Tides are strong full moon tonight- waters still on the cool side-

This weekend, small fishing tournament between the yacht clubs here in Newport— with all that green algae growing on the bottom, makes trolling those deep diving lures become fouled quickly, try to keep them closer to the boat and only 7-8 ft deep- it might help- there’s a few halibuts in the bay- bass fishing okay , baits also will do better if suspended off the bottom a few feet— good luck JD

Facebook shows that Turtle bay fueling is back in business- that helps those who are planning to head south this coming fall for the Mag bay fishing.

Today’s work brings a pair of Pflueger 1419 3/4 Templar reels for restoration, one of them held 300 yard length of 50 lb nylon fishing line, stretchy line like a rubber band the other reel filled with Linen six-thread. Both reels still in good shape- manufactured in 1935!!

April the 23 2024 - Tuesdays and overcast, slowly clearing- wind fresh from the west— light to mild wind chop -not much of a swell - hazy marine layer forecasted- not much said so far on the radio —

April the 22 Sunday - light westerly this morning as that cloudcover starts to evaporate, seas ok with a west small wind chop against that swell coming in from the S/W , a little cross swell to it, not bad— bait was a little ought to make this morning— Newport’s bait receiver still yet to come—

Cloud cover came back in early— cooler—-

couple of boats went out to the rock cod grounds, AKA 14 mile bank— did well— noted why they taste so good—, coming up from the depths as the did, just like their air bladder all the body’s tissues expand, the fish physically gets larger- everything get’s tenderized and the flesh flakes easier—

Closed on Mondays—-

Sat April the 20th— Still overcast- but more and more boaters and folks out today— it’s Saturday— Newport’s Boat Show is on- lots of $$$ Boats and yachts, Whale watchers are out - gray 60 ft of water off Laguna heading south?- Barge workers still on the VHF as is the regatta sailors.

Fishing??- stand by—

VHF radio brings many things— 12:35 the squelch breaks— calling Newport harbor patrol— as we were just heading out the harbor whale watching boat spots a 36/36 ft vessel with very bow heavy coming into the harbor— went towards it to check it out— it makes a U turn and pulls into M Street dock- offloads about 30 people-and abandons the boat ! Yikes—

Friday again—— April the 19th , high overcast ,light south wind- seas good with a S/W swell far apart

— Fin Whale off laguna and Humpback not far behind it—both going south— a few spots of dolphins too-

tides mellow will increase next week as that moon fills—

It’s a slow process figuring this new system out— more tomorrow JD

Thursday, April 18th 2024

Well we’re back online. Thanks for your patience. New website - fresh start to the fish report.

Back in January we lost website, old programs and new servers - it’s taken a while to get it all sorted out, and not all together there yet— slowly one step at a time.

April the 18 and we’re still waiting for the fish to start biting well- a few sand or calicos, halibuts at the islands and hopefully as that moon fills we’ll see a seabass bite, — The lack of squid off the west coast all the way down from Monterey southwards is holding off much of the bite of the seabass and yellows for this time of year.

Anchovies, one of the other staples of bait, also has been retarded, a few spots of 2-inch stuff seen by spotter planes also has been scattered and not often.

The past weeks and months I’ve been working on the bamboo rods, mainly fitting the hardware, reel-seats and gimbles to the wooden handles they’ve been reinforced with a sleeve of a fiberglass rod, wooden foregrips were hollowed out to fit the stronger tip sections of med and heavy blanks and then epoxied , they look nice.

And todays work included refurbishing and older 14/0 Ocean City reel, cool old reel!

More to come— welcome back

JD