SoCal fishing roundup — early February 2026
Southern California fishing update — early February 2026
Summary
Local captains and more than 5,000 members of the Your Saltwater Guide community report active fisheries across Southern California. Rockfish and lingcod have been consistent around Coronado and nearby rock piles; bonito schools are present around the islands; pockets of yellowtail and sargo have shown up in isolated spots. Lobster fishing has been strong for some operators, with multiple trips reporting near-limits.
What anglers are seeing
Contributors post photos and meter readings that help map productive areas. Panelists stress that GPS coordinates alone are not enough: conditions matter. Anglers are advised to check current, tide and bait presence before committing to a spot. Simple on-water checks — noting which side of a structure holds most fish or dropping a small ribboned weight to gauge current direction — can improve hookup rates.
Gear and tactics
Recommended gear includes a fluorocarbon leader between braid and lure for abrasion resistance when fishing around structure. Chumming strategies received focus: combining a surface chum tube to hold fish near the boat with a small bottom-release tube attached to the anchor concentrates prey through the water column and attracts different species. Custom-painted lures and targeted presentations were highlighted as effective extras.
Community and policy
The group will host a Zoom meeting tonight at 6:00 p.m. PST with Captains Dave, Al and Justin to discuss site use, tactics and member testimonials; non-members are invited. Panelists also urged anglers to monitor developments at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and attend public meetings as policy changes could affect access and regulations.