Dorado Fishing off Dana Point: Kelp Paddies, Live Bait & Chasing the Green Flash
Chase dorado under kelp paddies off Dana Point with this guide to finding floating structure, proven bait techniques, an...
Read MoreCalifornia · Southern California
DANA POINT
FISHING CHARTERS
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25+
Verified Captains
4.8★
Avg Rating
3
Fishing Types
8+
Species
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About
Dana Point Fishing
Dana Point is one of Southern California's premier charter fishing destinations, with Dana Wharf Sportfishing operating one of the largest fleets in the state. The deep water close to shore puts anglers on yellowtail, bluefin tuna, white seabass, calico bass, and halibut quickly. Dana Point also serves as a launching point for Catalina and San Clemente Island trips.
Fishing Calendar
What's Biting in Dana Point?
See which species are available each month, color-coded by activity level.
Color Key
Peak
Good
Fair
Off Season
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nearshore
|
F | F | G | G | P | G | G | G | G | G | F | F |
|
Bottom Fishing
|
F | F | G | G | P | P | P | P | G | G | F | F |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | F | P | P | P | G | F | - | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | - | G | P | P | P | G | G | F | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | G | G | P | G | F | - | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | F | G | P | G | G | F | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | G | P | G | F | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | G | P | G | - |
Species Glossary
View Full Species Guide
Dana Point Fish Species
8+ species organized by fishing type. Click any species to learn more.
Nearshore Species
Target reefs, wrecks, and structure within a few miles of land.
Deep Sea Fishing Species
Head to deep water for big game and bottom species.
Bottom Fishing Species
Charter Guide
Fishing Charter Types in Dana Point
Understanding the different charter types will help you book the perfect trip for your group.
INSHORE
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
View Inshore ChartersNEARSHORE
Fish the reefs, wrecks, and structure 1-9 miles offshore. Target snapper, grouper, cobia and more over natural and artificial reefs.
View Nearshore ChartersDEEP SEA FISHING
Deep sea fishing 20+ miles out. Chase tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and other pelagic gamefish in blue water.
View Deep Sea Fishing ChartersTROLLING
Cover water by dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat to target pelagic species.
View Trolling ChartersBOTTOM FISHING
Drop baits to the ocean floor to target snapper, grouper, and other reef dwellers.
View Bottom Fishing ChartersFLY FISHING
Sight-cast with fly rods on the flats for redfish, trout, and tarpon.
View Fly Fishing ChartersSURF FISHING
Fish from the beach or wade into the surf to target pompano, whiting, and redfish.
View Surf Fishing ChartersKAYAK FISHING
Paddle out for a more intimate fishing experience on bays and nearshore waters.
View Kayak Fishing Charters
Fishing Tips & Guides
View All Articles
Dana Point Fishing Blog
Local insights, seasonal reports, and expert tips for fishing in Dana Point.
Guest Reviews
4.7
based on 3 reviews
Dana Point Fishing Reviews
Bluefin Tuna Invasion Off Dana Point
The bluefin were thick 18 miles off Dana Point feeding on squid under the full moon. Fished flat-fall jigs in 100 feet and connected with three bluefin from 60 to 140 pounds. The big one took 45 minutes on 100-pound braid and never quit. What a season this has been.
C
Captain Roberto Nunez
November 2025
Bluefin Tuna
Dorado Lighting Up the Paddies
Ran offshore and found a debris line loaded with dorado from 8 to 25 pounds. Every color of feather jig worked but the green and yellow combo was the hot ticket. Boated 20 mahi before switching to fly rods for some absolute circus-level surface action. Best dorado day of the year.
C
Captain Kim Nguyen
September 2025
Dorado
Yellowtail Grinding at the 14 Mile Bank
Made the run to the 14 Mile Bank and found yellowtail on the sonar sitting in 120 feet. Dropped yo-yo iron and slow-pitched jigs to get bit — ended with seven yellows to 30 pounds. They were picky today and wanted a slow flutter on the drop. Patience paid off.
C
Captain Dan Sullivan
July 2025
Yellowtail
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