Calm Newport Bay a productive fishery

Light tackle anglers have enjoyed fishing Newport Bay going back to

when Newport Beach was not much more than a sand pit. Once the

seasonal flow of the Santa Ana River moved to its current outlet

north of Newport Shores and the twin jetties were constructed, the

bay became an excellent fishery for a wide variety of small saltwater

game fish.

Today, on any fishing trip on the calm waters of Newport Bay

anglers can expect to catch spotted bay, sand, striped and calico

bass, white sea bass, halibut, barracuda, yellowfin and spotfin

croaker, corvina, jack smelt, herring, rays and many species of

sharks.

Ed Dillon of Newport Beach has been fishing the bay for decades

and rates Newport as one of the top spots to fish along the Pacific

coast. According to Dillon, the bay reaches its peak fishing period

during May through July.

An indication of how good fishing in the bay can be was seen in

some impressive catches during a recent tournament by anglers

including: a number of large halibut weighing in the double-digit

class, an eight-pound spotfin croaker (that’s big) and a corvina that

scaled just a tad over four pounds.

Most anglers fishing Newport Bay use light spinning tackle when

either fishing live bait, plastics or trolling plugs through the

deeper channels. Outfits rigged with six-pound monofilament on a reel

that has a smooth drag are a must when fishing this bay, as you never

know when you are going to hook into a monster halibut or huge bat

ray.

The baits of choice in Newport are live anchovies, blood worms,

razor clams, mussels and cut squid. For those who prefer fishing

plastic swim baits along side boat docks or casting up against

bulkheads, it’s hard to beat a color selection of pink sparkle,

chartreuse and yellow. The best color mix for trolling plugs are

black and silver Rapalas and Bomber A’s in the Firetiger pattern.

Public access to productive fishing spots is the piers on a 19th,

15th and L Street on the peninsula. Float tubing is becoming very

popular, as are kayaks, but the best way to reach some of the most

consistent fishing grounds is by launching a private boat at the

Dunes or renting a fishing skiff from the Balboa Pavilion.

Fishing licenses are required and there are size and limit

restrictions being enforced. Private boats and tubers should be aware

the Harbor Patrol or Department of Fish and Game could check them for

safety violations and the proper lifesaving flotation.

To learn more about fishing in Newport Bay stop by Angler’s Center

on old Newport Blvd., to find out what is biting where and the best

tackle to use. For those just getting started, the staff at this

well-stocked tackle shop has put together a beginners bay fishing kit

that will get you outfitted with all the right terminal gear.

Saturday, June 7 is Free Fishing Day for everyone in California.

The DFG sets aside two days a year to encourage everyone to go

fishing. No fishing license is required on this special day, but

rules, limits and other angling regulations are in force.

Another event scheduled for June 7 the annual Angler’s Center

Fishing Expo and Tackle Sale. The event offers anglers a great

opportunity for some special buys on rods, reels and accessories.

There will be free seminars from experts, factory exhibits, travel

booths, food and a raffle with the top prize being a trip to

Buenavista Beach Resort on the East Cape of Baja. It starts at 7 a.m.

with the radio show “Let’s Talk Hookup” and goes until 3 p.m.