Dana Pride Brings In 1st Dorado Of Season, What's Biting & Where

DANA POINT, CA —A local angler brought in an award-winning Dorado - also known as Mahi Mahi over the weekend.

Patch talked to Dana Wharf Whale Watching and Sports Fishing about what's biting, on which bait, and where is the best fishing.

Amid a week of fluctuating water temps along the beaches of Orange County, temperatures Sunday were in the 64-67 degrees along the coast.

"With the cooler water, the bass fishing on the half-day trips has been a very day to day situation," a Dana Wharf spokesperson told Patch.

When asked what setups are working, the Captain of the Dana Pride had this to say:

"On days with the better conditions, fly-lined sardines fished best. Sinker setups on dropper loops caught some nice sand bass and sheephead on the half-day trips this week.

"On a three-quarter day of fishing we've been out offshore off the beach fishing kelps for that smaller kelp paddy yellowtail.

"The days without the wind we've had the better counts for sure."
Using 20-pound setups for the live sardines is the best bet, and the always relevant colt sniper jigs. Always a great alternative to live bait.

What's Biting and Where?

The first Dorado of the season was caught onboard the Dana Pride, which was quite a sight for those who've been seeking the Mahi Mahi. This one was brought in off a floating mass of kelp.

"Haven’t quite yet seen the upper part of all that Dorado fill in but we’ve seen a few fish and we did catch one single fish beginning of the week.

Boats that fished Catalina this week had more of that excellent bonito fishing along the front of the island, according to Captain Brian Woolley.

"There continues to be shots at the better grade yellowtail along the front, small stretches of the island," Woolley says.

There is good fury fishing offshore of San Clemente Island.

Offshore again the weather and strong wind has been the key factor, but according to Woolley, there has been good bluefin fishing in the past week "when things have been straight." He added, also at San Clemente Island, the bass fishing and bonito fishing continues to look good, along with that good-grade yellowtail.

Happy sport fishing! and let us know what you caught, and where!

For more information on booking an offshore sportfishing trip, visit: www.danawharf.com