dorado

[alanw]

The Dana Point day boats are catching them right now. "All it takes is one lucky paddy"

[Denis_Ruso]

I was out looking for them yesterday on a boat. All I have to say is don't bother going for them on the weekend. Every patty had a boat on it after 9 am.

We covered 15 miles from la jolla to all over the 9 mile bank. We were first on the grounds and found a line of pattys north west of the 9 mile bank probably 10 miles offshore. Only one patty held a school of dorado.

The birds gave them away. Low flying birds 100 yards off the patty. Keep in mind that fish were off the patty and when the fish feed they sometimes chase the bait off the patty.

Best chance is launch in the dark. Slow troll baits once a few miles offshore and be first on the grounds. Try to find a floating patty and remember that where there's one patty there's usually more nearby. Floating kelp/ debris tends to line up on a current break.

The key to getting bit was a lively bait on the smaller size, and light line 15 lb flouro. Both small macs and baby sardines worked for us.