LA Fishing Report: Excellent Halibut, Rockfish, and Yellowtail Bites for a Spring Day on the Water

Good morning, anglers! Here's your fishing report for Los Angeles and nearby waters on Friday, April 11, 2025. Today’s weather is shaping up nicely with clear skies and mild temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s. The winds are expected to stay light, ranging from 5 to 10 mph, which should provide calm and comfortable conditions for both inshore and offshore fishing. The sunrise occurred at 6:26 AM, and sunset will be at 7:21 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get out on the water. The tide schedule today is as follows: - Low tide at 3:17 AM (0.37 ft) - High tide at 9:17 AM (4.51 ft) - Low tide at 3:11 PM (0.58 ft) - High tide at 9:22 PM (5.19 ft) These tidal swings are ideal for targeting fish during the moving water periods, so plan your outings accordingly. Inshore and nearshore anglers are reporting excellent results. The California halibut bite is strong in areas such as Huntington Beach and Redondo Pier. Anglers using Lucky Craft Flash Minnows or Calissa Surf Jerkbaits in natural baitfish colors are seeing solid results. For live bait, anchovies and sardines have been effective, with a few anglers landing trophy halibut near sandy drop-offs. The rockfish and lingcod action remains consistent in deeper water, particularly off the Palos Verdes coastline. Pin-on squid strips or dropper rigs tipped with live sardines are the go-to options for these bottom-dwelling fish. Boats out of Santa Monica have also reported limits of rockfish, with a mix of species like vermilion rockfish and bocaccio. In the offshore waters, yellowtail are being spotted around Catalina Island. The bite has been hit or miss, but slow-trolling live sardines or casting surface irons near kelp paddies has yielded success. For those targeting yellowtail, 40-50 lb test with yoyo irons is suggested, especially when the fish are holding deeper. Bass fishermen in the harbors and breakwaters, such as Marina del Rey and Long Beach, are enjoying a solid calico bass bite. Crankbaits and soft plastic swimbaits in green and chartreuse hues have worked well. For live bait, try using nightcrawlers or cut squid. If you're looking for hot spots today, consider fishing the Santa Monica Bay for a variety of species. Dockweiler Beach is another excellent choice for surf anglers targeting barred surfperch using Carolina rigs with sand crabs or bloodworms. For a full-day trip, venture to Catalina Island for a mix of yellowtail, calico bass, and bonita action. With prime spring conditions and multiple species biting, it’s a great day to wet a line. Tight lines and enjoy your day on the water! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.