Inside Dana Point harbor

[DanaYakAngler]

I do use scents, however not every time. I should probably make that a habit. If I fish after work I am at the mercy of the tides as I just get on the water when I can. I try to fish as much structure as possible inside the harbor i.e. slips/pilings of dana wharf fleet, the bait receiver, and certain spots on the breakwall. I have seen alot of videos of people drop shotting the berkley gulps. Worth a shot.

[DanaYakAngler]

I always seem to have better luck on an incoming tide inside the harbor. Is that true for you guys? I try to put in time on the water and figure things out on my own, but sometimes like to hear what everyone else is doing. As always, thanks for the replies and feedback!

[Ggiannig89]

I know for me when I fish bays it’s not always about structure. My preferred spots to fish is where I can find an eel grass line where the sand and grass meet. Sometimes I’ll drop down a baitless hook over and over until I can find that situation. Good luck. Or know how to read your fish finder to see the bottom change.

[DanaYakAngler]

Unfortunately Dana doesn't have too much eel grass unless I am mistaken. Some here and there but don't think it has too many healthy beds.

[DanaPT]

maybe you should try your luck outside the harbor. DP harbor is small & crowded. Most of the fish I've caught in there have been small too.

Not to say there aren't any big fish in there, I just think you'll appreciate the occasional hook up of a bigger fish that will tow you around and/or break you off before you see it. That'll keep you coming back for more.

[MaskedFisherDude]

One thing I will say is that 90% of the fish I have caught in Dana are off of rock. I used to tube Dana a lot when I was younger and would launch at baby beach and fish by the yacht club. Now all of the bigger spotties I have caught in Dana have been on pilings with water moving. There is some eel grass back by the ocean institute but it’s not like it used to be. If you are looking to just catch fish 3” big hammers and 3” gulp minnows on a drop shot. Fish the big hammers over the rocks and the drop shot where the rock meets the sand or pitching it to a piling. Hookup baits will probably work swimming them over the rocks I guess. I know we talked about fishing together but unfortunately for me I just had shoulder surgery and will most likely be out for the rest of the year.

[DanaYakAngler]

bummer man, sorry about the shoulder.

[DanaYakAngler]

Originally Posted by DanaPT

maybe you should try your luck outside the harbor. DP harbor is small & crowded. Most of the fish I've caught in there have been small too.

Not to say there aren't any big fish in there, I just think you'll appreciate the occasional hook up of a bigger fish that will tow you around and/or break you off before you see it. That'll keep you coming back for more.

Yea, I fish outside when I have more time. When I go after work I tend to stay inside because of time constraints. I hear ya on the outside action tho.