Summer Sizzle: LA's Epic Bite from Barracuda to Bonito

August 9th, 2025. This is Artificial Lure with your Los Angeles fishing report, and folks, it’s that heart-of-summer bite around the Southland. Let’s kick it off with the **tides**. We saw a low tide just after 4:00am running about 0.3 feet, rolling into a solid high tide at 10:45am peaking above 5.5 feet. There’s a secondary low at 3:42pm and a strong high late tonight around 9:50pm, cresting over 7.5 feet. For the early birds, **sunrise was 6:10am**, and the sun’ll ride till **7:45pm**. Plenty of daylight for double sessions out there, and these tide swings are ideal for both onshore and offshore action according to the Marina del Rey tide tables. **Weather’s** classic mild L.A.—mid 60s in the morning, topping out in the low 70s, with only a gentle 9 mph breeze through the harbor. Surface temps are reported at 62 degrees off San Pedro, ideal for both bass and the pelagic crowd. Only thing to keep one eye on is the air; while we’re all good right along the coast, some communities north are seeing issues from the Canyon Fire. Double-check those smoke advisories if you’re heading inland or up toward the valley. Now on to **what’s biting:** Offshore and breakwall anglers continue to see stellar action from **barracuda, sand bass, and calico bass**. Local charters and private boaters are pulling up pockets of yellowtail around Palos Verdes and the Catalina front side. Charter captains from 976-TUNA report yellowtail up to 18 pounds, most fish in the 8-12 pound range. Best catches have come at first light and just before dusk, especially as that tide swings high and the bait pushes in tight. There’s even talk of some late-season bonito and a couple dorado showing on kelp paddies, especially for those running out west past the Breakwater. From the piers and jetties, **halibut** are making their annual August push. Most legal fish are coming on live smelt or anchovy—those who drag swimbaits like a 5-inch Big Hammer in smelt or chartreuse pattern early in the morning are putting fish on deck. Summer **spotted bay bass** and the reliable **croaker** bite have been heads-down steady in the harbors and back channels; natural baits like lugworm or mussel are working, but a smoke gold Gulp! Swimming Mullet will outfish bait at times. **Hot spots:** - **King Harbor breakwall** is hot for sand bass and the occasional legal halibut at dawn. - **Cabrillo Pier** is all about the mixed bag: mackerel, big perch, and plenty of chance at a halibut with a well-placed bait. - Out at **Rocky Point** off Palos Verdes, private boaters and kayakers are getting limits on bass and the odd yellowtail when the current’s pumping. **Best baits:** For surface and aggressive fish, toss flashy metal jigs like Colt Snipers and Kastmasters, or try a blue-and-white Tady 45 for yellowtail chase. For the bottom bite—halibut or deep bass—live anchovy is king, but a 4-6” swimbait in natural or sardine pattern on a ½ oz leadhead gets the job done. Freshwater? Not to be left behind: This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.