UTERCalifornia corbina fishing in Southern California
In Southern California, California corbina peak May–September and are around year-round, spawning in June–August, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. May: Sight-fish them in the wash — a soft-shell sand crab or a ghost shrimp on a light Carolina rig.
Leaving the shallow wash.
California corbina in Southern California, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilArrivingCorbina show in the surf as the sand crabs come up.
- MayPeakSight-fish them in the wash — a soft-shell sand crab or a ghost shrimp on a light Carolina rig.
- JuneSpawningSpawning season; summer corbina in a foot of water at the high tide.
- JulySpawningPeak: early morning on the incoming at La Jolla Shores, Carlsbad, Huntington.
- AugustSpawningPeak.
- SeptemberPeakStill good.
- OctoberLeavingLeaving the shallow wash.
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish California corbina near San Diego, Dana Point, Long Beach
A sheltered bight of kelp forests, sand flats and harbors, with the Channel Islands, Catalina and San Clemente 20–60 miles out and the offshore banks (Tanner, Cortes, the 9-Mile, the 43) beyond. The long-range sportboat fleet out of San Diego is its heart.
What to use for California corbina
- Sand crabs (Pacific mole crabs)A soft-shell sand crab on a #4 to #2 hook, Carolina rig, cast just behind the first break — the corbina and barred surfperch bait.
- Ghost shrimpThreaded on a #4 to 1/0 baitholder hook on a Carolina rig in the surf or the bay — the surfperch, corbina and sturgeon bait.
- Leader15–30 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–2/0
- Braid10–20 lb
Feeds in 60–74°F water, best at 64–72°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch California corbina in Southern California?
Peak season is May–September, with fish spawning in June–August (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). California corbina are here year-round. May: Sight-fish them in the wash — a soft-shell sand crab or a ghost shrimp on a light Carolina rig.
Where do California corbina hold in Southern California?
Look on beach / surf — around San Diego, Dana Point, Long Beach, Marina del Rey, Oxnard, Santa Barbara.
What is the best bait for California corbina in Southern California?
Live bait: sand crabs (pacific mole crabs), ghost shrimp. Sand crabs (Pacific mole crabs): A soft-shell sand crab on a #4 to #2 hook, Carolina rig, cast just behind the first break — the corbina and barred surfperch bait. Tackle: leader 15–30 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–2/0, braid 10–20 lb.
What are the rules for California corbina in Southern California?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and change — read the current rule at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores California corbina for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about California corbina · Southern California Bight, the whole year