Updated: Thursday, November 5, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 12, 2026
This San Diego fishing report is a seasonal outlook for early November, drawing on typical Southern California fall patterns. The new moon on Monday, November 9 and the end of daylight saving influence timing, while swell, wind, and ocean conditions around the kelp beds usually decide how comfortable the fishing will be. Use it to plan your trip and confirm conditions with a landing or tackle shop before heading out.
What’s Hitting
Early November off San Diego often offers a mix of local inshore fish and lingering warm-water visitors. Sand bass and calico bass can remain active around kelp, rocky points, and artificial reefs when the water holds some warmth. Bonito may still appear along the coast chasing bait, and barracuda sometimes join in. Rockfish on deeper structure tend to be dependable in fall when surface conditions turn unpredictable. Halibut often remain around sandy areas near the harbor and beaches. Offshore, pelagic fish like yellowtail or tuna are possible if warm currents linger, but this outlook cannot promise them, and anglers should check recent reports from landings before committing to long runs.
Where to Find Them
The kelp beds off Point Loma and La Jolla remain classic territory for calicos, sand bass, and bonito, while the Coronado Islands are a popular offshore destination when conditions and Mexican regulations allow. Mission Bay and San Diego Bay hold halibut, sand bass, and sometimes spotted bay bass around channel edges and eelgrass. The 9 Mile Bank and the La Jolla Canyon draw boats looking for deeper structure. Shore anglers can work the jetties and beach edges near Mission Beach and Ocean Beach. Oceanside Harbor and the Oceanside Pier farther north also give anglers options if the southern kelp beds are crowded.
Tides & Conditions
San Diego tides are mixed, with two highs and two lows of different size, so the stronger exchange around the new moon on Monday, November 9 may boost current around points and kelp edges. Sand bass and calicos often respond to moving water, while halibut like a gentle drift across sandy flats. In November, Santa Ana winds can lay the ocean flat at dawn and create unusual clarity, while offshore fronts can bring swell. Daylight saving’s end shifts sunrise earlier on the clock.
Tackle & Tactics
For calicos and sand bass, a medium spinning or conventional outfit with twelve to twenty-pound line, plastic swimbaits, and leadhead jigs is standard, while live sardines or anchovies remain a top bait when available. Bonito and barracuda respond to metal jigs and fast retrieves, with a short fluorocarbon or light wire leader. For rockfish, use a heavier rod, braided line, and shrimp-fly or iron-jig rigs. Halibut anglers drift live bait on a sliding sinker rig. Always carry enough water, sunscreen, and a marine radio or phone. A sturdy rod holder and a cooler for the ride home make the day easier.
Local Intel This Week
Shore and pier anglers have several reliable choices. The Ocean Beach Pier, one of the longest on the West Coast, and the Imperial Beach Pier offer free access with rod-and-line fishing, while Shelter Island Pier along San Diego Bay is another popular platform. Point Loma’s Sportfishing landings are the departure point for party boats. Remember that California fishing licenses are required for most anglers. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. The Oceanside Pier, Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach, and Scripps Pier access all have different rules, so verify what is open. Party boats from Seaforth Sportfishing and H&M Landing provide the simplest way to reach offshore water without owning a boat.
This Week’s Tip
Book or watch a half-day party boat out of Point Loma and ask the crew in advance what is working, then bring a few extra leadhead jigs in white and chartreuse for kelp-edge casting. Arrive early at the landing, since good rail spots near the stern or bow tend to go first, and ask the deckhand what bait is on board.
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