Dana Point is in the south of California. It is home to one of the few harbors on the coast of Orange County, making it an ideal location for fishing excursions. The city gets its name from Richard Henry Dana, Jr, author of the memoir Two Years Before the Mast. Written in 1840, the book describes the area perfectly. The area built the harbor in the 1960s and is home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and a marina.
Originally the area was going to be a high-density housing project, but a deal struck between the builder and the California Coastal Committee turned the bluff into a nature preserve instead, preserving the beauty of the coastline. It is one of the most beautiful spots on the California coast and is a treat for anyone to see.
Temperatures tend to average around 70 degrees year-round. In the summer months, it rises to an average of 79 degrees and in the coldest part of the year in December, it drops to around 65 degrees. Frost is extremely rare, making the area perfect for year-round fishing trips.
Dana Point, CA is home to one of the only harbors in Orange County. It is a great place for fishermen to try their luck year-round at catching one of the native species of fish.
Coastal Fishing Options
Most fishing happens near the harbor and the coastal areas of Dana Point. You can fish from the shore, hire a boat to take you out into deeper waters or explore on your own in a kayak. Fishing trips to this area usually contain a trip to see the kelp beds, where an abundance of wildlife tends to hang out. Pier fishing also offers plenty of species for the beginner angler, making it easy for anyone to get in on the sport.
Species of Fish in Dana Point
- White seabass. White seabass are typically found most in the spring or the summer months. They tend to hang out both near the shore and in the deeper water near the islands, making them a great all-around target. Their favorite type of bait is live squid.
- Sand bass. Sand bass make a good target for younger anglers due to an average size between one and three pounds. They are easiest to target in the summer months when entire schools are 60-100 feet below the surface. Anchovies and sardines work great as bait.
- Calico bass. The calico bass is one of the fish that frequents the kelp beds in the area. They like to come out to feed between the spring and summer months. They are a slow-growing species, meaning that overfishing is a real possibility. Most anglers tend to put back the larger fish and the females in an effort to preserve the species in the area.
- Yellowtail. The yellowtail jack or California yellowtail is a prize fish from Dana Point. It is an excellent table fish and often gives anglers a run for their money. They tend to live near the kelp beds, rocks and reefs.
Reach Out to These Top Fishing Guides in Dana Point
When planning your trip to the Dana Point area, be sure to reach out to one of these local guides. With their knowledge of California and experience in the sea, you’ll be sure to have the trip of a lifetime.