UTERStriped marlin fishing in Southern California
In Southern California, striped marlin peak September–October and are around August–November, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. September: Peak.
Still around, Catalina's backside.
Striped marlin in Southern California, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayNot here
- JuneNot here
- JulyNot here
- AugustArrivingStriped marlin arrive off San Diego and the 14-Mile Bank in warm years — tailers on the surface; pitch a live mackerel.
- SeptemberPeakPeak.
- OctoberPeakStill around, Catalina's backside.
- NovemberLeavingLeaving.
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish striped marlin 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 16 ledge / hard bottom spots in the Southern California Bight map area — the kinds striped marlin hold on.
What to use for striped marlin
- 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.
- Leader40–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook4/0–8/0
- Braid50–100 lb
Feeds in 64–78°F water, best at 68–74°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch striped marlin in Southern California?
Peak season is September–October. Striped marlin are in Southern California August–November. September: Peak.
Where do striped marlin hold in Southern California?
Look on ledge / hard bottom — around San Diego, Dana Point, Long Beach, Marina del Rey, Oxnard, Santa Barbara.
What is the best bait for striped marlin in Southern California?
Live bait: sardines (pacific). 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. Tackle: leader 40–60 lb fluorocarbon, hook 4/0–8/0, braid 50–100 lb.
What are the rules for striped marlin 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
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All about striped marlin · Southern California Bight, the whole year