UTERPacific barracuda fishing in Southern California
In Southern California, Pacific barracuda peak April–August and are around March–October, spawning in June–July, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Schools on the kelp and the bait from San Diego to Santa Barbara.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Pacific barracuda in Southern California, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchArrivingBarracuda move up from Baja with the warming water.
- AprilPeakSchools on the kelp and the bait from San Diego to Santa Barbara.
- MayPeakPeak spring — chrome jigs and fly-lined anchovy.
- JuneSpawningSpawning season; schools on the surface.
- JulySpawningStill spawning; Santa Monica Bay and the islands.
- AugustPeakGood.
- SeptemberLeavingLeaving south.
- OctoberAround
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish Pacific barracuda 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.
Fish Scouter charts 76 artificial reef, 16 ledge / hard bottom spots in the Southern California Bight map area — the kinds Pacific barracuda hold on.
What to use for Pacific barracuda
- Anchovies (Pacific)Nose- or collar-hooked on a #4 to 1/0 hook and fly-lined with no weight, or on a dropper loop; a dozen tossed over the side as chum keeps the bass and bonito up.
- Sardines (Pacific)Collar- or nose-hooked on a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fly-lined for yellowtail, white seabass and calico bass; a sinker a few feet up to get it under the bait ball.
- Leader20–40 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#1–4/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 60–74°F water, best at 64–70°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch Pacific barracuda in Southern California?
Peak season is April–August, with fish spawning in June–July (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Pacific barracuda are in Southern California March–October. April: Schools on the kelp and the bait from San Diego to Santa Barbara.
Where do Pacific barracuda hold in Southern California?
Look on artificial reef, beach / surf, ledge / hard bottom, fishing pier — around San Diego, Dana Point, Long Beach, Marina del Rey, Oxnard, Santa Barbara.
What is the best bait for Pacific barracuda in Southern California?
Live bait: anchovies (pacific), sardines (pacific). Anchovies (Pacific): Nose- or collar-hooked on a #4 to 1/0 hook and fly-lined with no weight, or on a dropper loop; a dozen tossed over the side as chum keeps the bass and bonito up. Tackle: leader 20–40 lb fluorocarbon, hook #1–4/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for Pacific barracuda 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.
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All about Pacific barracuda · Southern California Bight, the whole year