LA Fishing Report: Yellowtail Bite on Catalina, Bass and Perch Inshore

Artificial Lure here with your Los Angeles fishing report for Saturday, May 3, 2025. The weather around Los Angeles this morning is shaping up fair after a run of unsettled days last week. Expect mild temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s with some patchy marine layer early, burning off to sunshine by late morning. Winds are light, picking up slightly in the afternoon. Sunrise was at 5:54 AM and sunset is set for 7:43 PM, giving you a long window for a bite. Tidal conditions are in our favor today with a moderate morning high tide peaking mid-morning, easing off toward a lower tide into the early afternoon. That means an early start should put you right on the fish during the best part of the tide swing. Inshore has been steady, with a strong showing from sand bass and calico bass, especially around the marina jetties and rocky points. Anglers are reporting excellent action on both plastics and live bait, with swimbaits and jerkbaits in green and brown patterns doing the trick. For bait, live anchovies and sardines have been the top producers, and cut squid is a solid backup. Over on the piers, surfperch are keeping folks busy. Bloodworms and sand crabs are the go-to baits, and light gear gets the most bites. There’s also been a modest run of halibut, with some up to 24 pounds caught recently around sandy holes and near river mouths. Fish slow with a Carolina rig and a live smelt for your best shot at a flattie. Hot news from the islands: yellowtail are active, especially on Catalina and the nearby kelp beds. Most fish are coming in around 15 to 25 pounds, with a few larger models in the mix. Surface irons in mint or blue/white patterns are working, as well as live mackerel slow-trolled near the kelp lines. If you can get out there, this is the ticket for a real tug-of-war. Trout remain a target in local lakes, especially after recent stockings. The bite has been solid on dough baits and small Kastmasters, and a few browns over 6 pounds were reported this past week, caught on scatter raps and spoons. For hotspots today, try the Cabrillo Beach jetty for bass and halibut action, or head to Venice Pier for a shot at perch and some incidental croaker. If you can make the run, Catalina Island is your best bet for big yellowtail right now. Remember to check regulations if you’re targeting rockfish or sheephead, as closures and limits shift in spring. Tight lines and good luck out there—today’s shaping up to be a classic SoCal fishing day! Artificial Lure, signing off. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.