Updated January 18, 2021

CENTRAL COAST — Surf fishing remains the best option here as the boat-based groundfish season remains closed until April 1.

SANTA BARBARA/VENTURA COAST — Sportfishing fleets all remained dockside this past week. The landings booking for the coming season with fishing starting March 1.

SANTA MONICA BAY — Sculpin scores are at or near limits and Marina Del Rey Sporfishing is running trips daily. Inshore spots produced prodigious sand bass for those putting in the time fishing leadhead and squid. Plus, the lobster hooping was excellent this past week, with the long period swell getting the bugs crawling.

LONG BEACH/SAN PEDRO LOCAL — There was just a bit of a squid spawn going and some seabass rumors too. Squid beds were inconsistent, however. Nachos had it in the receiver Sunday. Otherwise, lots of sculpin out on the deeper reefs and a leadhead and squid bite on inshore structure, along with lots of blacksmith. L.A. Waterfront had a boat fishing lobster in local waters Friday through the weekend. Long Beach Sportfishing had local 3/4-day fishing, lobster hoopnet trips, sanddab and halibut trips available.

ORANGE COUNTY LOCAL — A similar scenario here too with the sculpin mostly deep and biting hard. The bass bite was a bit trickier, however. Between Newport Landing and Davey’s Locker Sportfishing, there were both 3/4- and half-day options offered from Newport. Over at Dana Point Harbor, Dana Wharf Sportfishing had boats fishing daily.

OCEANSIDE LOCAL — Mostly picking and scratching at a few winter bass and sculpin. The Oceanside SEA Center offered few more trips than Helgren’s Oceanside Sportfishing this past week.

SAN DIEGO LOCAL — All landings had local half-day fishing offered and catches were modest numbers of sculpin plus a fair number of sand and calico bass. Those wanting to get out to hoop a few lobster found that opportunity on private boats and from H&M Landing on an open party basis.