White Seabass

Chasing White Seabass off Encinitas is a challenge, but a rewarding one. These elusive fish are highly prized by local anglers. Focus your efforts during the spring and fall months when they migrate closer to shore to spawn. Live squid is the bait of choice, and slow-trolling near kelp beds or rocky reefs is a proven technique. Look for areas with current and structure, as White Seabass prefer these conditions. A key piece of advice: pay close attention to the moon phase, as many anglers believe that White Seabass are more active during the new and full moons. Launching from Dana Point Harbor and fishing south towards the kelp forests near San Onofre State Beach can be productive. Be aware of the strict regulations regarding size and bag limits. The White Seabass population here is carefully managed, and the average size of the fish caught tends to be quite impressive.