Saltwater Fishing Report April 23 2025 - Halibut, Perch, Bonito Bite in California

Fishing Report for April 23, 2025 Pacific Ocean, California Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure checking in with your latest saltwater fishing report for the California Pacific coast. Today we’re looking at fair spring conditions. The morning started crisp with a light marine layer, but by mid-morning, skies are expected to turn partly sunny. Air temperatures will hover in the upper 50s and low 60s along the coast, with light winds trending northwest. Sunrise was at 6:15 am and sunset will be around 7:45 pm. The tide today features a low just after sunrise, pushing into a midday high, so expect improving bite windows as that tide fills back in late morning and early afternoon. Fishing activity remains solid. Reports from Santa Monica Bay down to Newport show good numbers of California halibut in the surf and sandy areas. Most halibut are in the 20–30 inch range, but several legals pushing 36 inches have been landed this past week. Inshore anglers have also had success on barred surf perch, especially near structure, with a few keeper-sized spotfin croakers mixed in. The most consistent action for halibut and other surf zone predators is coming on both live bait and a variety of artificials. Live smelt, sardines, or small mackerel are top choices for live bait. For artificials, small jerkbaits, swimbaits, and metal spoons in baitfish colors like anchovy, sardine, and smelt have been deadly. The Glass Minnow, P-Line Laser Minnow (in blue mackerel or chrome patterns), and classic spoons like the Krocodile are sure bets right now. For lure enthusiasts, white bucktails and paddle tail soft plastics rigged on a light jig head are also producing fish[1][2][4][5]. Bonito made a nice showing this week at the piers in Redondo and Oceanside, with chrome or blue-holographic lures like the Buzz Bomb and Megabait working well[5]. Early mornings and dusk have been the prime times for a surface popper or fast-moving metal. Bait anglers targeting sharks have picked up some nice leopard sharks off sandy beaches—use a Carolina rig with a heavy wire leader and fresh mackerel, croaker, or surf perch cut bait for your best shot at a big one[1]. Hot spots to check out today: Santa Monica Beach—solid perch numbers and halibut in the surf, especially near the lifeguard towers. Huntington Beach Pier—good for both halibut and bonito, especially at first light and evening. Newport Jetty—halibut on the inside, with some quality croaker on bait. In summary, whether you’re tossing artificials for halibut or soaking bait for sharks, today’s conditions set up well for a productive session. Time your trip with the rising tide and don’t overlook the edges of structure—these transition zones are holding the most active fish. Tight lines and see you on the sand—Artificial Lure. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.