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Community Corner

VIDEO: A Fishing Frenzy in Dana Point

Check out these local catches of Dorado also known as Mahi Mahi or Dolphin fish caught on an all day fishing adventure from Dana Point on the vessel "Sum Fun."

It's a fishing free-for-all in Dana Point.

From Dorado to bass, a wide variety can be found in nearby waters, according to Capt. Brian Woolley of the "Sum Fun" vessel he charters for Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching.

"It's finally here, this is the time of the season we wait all year for," he said. "All those unproductive and slow days in the winter are just a far away memory when September rolls around. We finally got a shot at an offshore fishing season."

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He added that this is something that hasn't happened in quite a few years: The water is warm, the fish have pushed up the coast, and anglers are getting that opportunity to catch some of them. 

With the water temperature staying steady in the 69- to -71-degree range on the beach, they should continue to see some decent bass action, he said.

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"The spawning season for both the sand bass, and calico bass has all but ended. We typically see a drop in catch counts because of it," Woolley said. "As these fish settle back into a more 'normal' mode, their eagerness to take a presented bait or lure also slows a bit. Not that you can't catch these fish with a live bait or a rubber lure, it's just that time of the season when you aren't catching a fish every cast."

More finesse presentations and skilled live bait fishing will still be the best, and most productive methods of take, Woolley said.  

"September also has everyone chomping at the bit to get out off the beach in search of the exotics. Yellowtail and Dorado have already been caught on off- shore kelps," he said. "This is the summer/fall action everyone anticipates. This is the time of the year that you need to look at satellite temp charts, and chlorophyll pictures to put together game plans."

With the way the fish have been biting 100+ miles below our area, it's just a matter of time before that fish moves further up the coast. Big schools of Dorado have already filtered in and moved in on floating kelps, Woolley said.

"Will we see the yellowfin tuna this year?... Right now, all signs indicate that we will so, let's see what happens over the next couple weeks. It's on the cusp of being the best offshore fishing we've seen in almost 5 years," he said.  

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