Reel in the Riches: A Fishing Report for California's Pacific Coast on October 17, 2024

Today, October 17, 2024, the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California is offering some promising fishing conditions. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect:

### Weather and Tides
The weather is looking favorable with clear skies and calm seas, making it an ideal day to head out. The sunrise was at 7:04 AM, and the sunset will be at 6:14 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 10:47 AM and a low tide at 4:17 PM, which should provide good fishing windows.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a decent amount of fish activity, particularly for those targeting rockfish, California halibut, and yellowtail. The rockfish bite was steady, with several boats reporting limits of big Canary, Yellowtail, and Widow rockfish. California halibut fishing was also productive, especially during the changing tides, with some boats landing half limits before the bite slowed down.

### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
Boats targeting the deeper waters managed to catch a variety of species. Rockfish, including big Canary and Yellowtail rockfish, were abundant. California halibut were also caught, with some boats reporting up to three fish per angler. Yellowtail were active as well, with some boats catching up to ten fish, although most were under the 24-inch fork length limit.

### Best Lures and Bait
For rockfish, using squid or anchovies on a dropper loop rig has been effective. For California halibut, live bait such as anchovies or sardines worked well, especially during the tidal changes. Yellowtail have been biting on jigs and surface iron lures, particularly in areas with bait schools.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the area around the Horseshoe Kelp near San Diego, where multiple types of species congregate. Another productive area is between Dana Point and Catalina Island, known for its rich fisheries and pelagic predators like tuna and yellowtail.

Overall, it's shaping up to be a great day for fishing in the Pacific Ocean off California, with plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of species. Make sure to check the local regulations and any consumption advisories before you head out.