Super El Niño Boosts Unusual Fishing Season Off California Coast

Captain Brandon Erdo led the 95-foot Dana Pride to promising fishing waters off the Orange County coast one Wednesday morning. With 37 out of 40 available spots filled, anglers hoped to capitalize on the excellent fishing spurred by a super El Niño. This weather pattern has drawn fish species typically found in distant oceans, like the bullet tuna, into local waters.

Angler Chuck Freeman experienced a notable catch, reeling in a bullet tuna for the first time in 47 years on the Pacific. However, bullet tuna are not highly sought after due to their poor quality as a catch. During the trip, a sense of anticipation was mixed with quiet moments as anglers waited for bites. The warm waters, a result of super El Niño, have been welcoming not only fish but also whale and hammerhead sharks, devil rays, and more from far-off regions.

“We’re seeing fish that should be in Cabo San Lucas right now,” said Owyn Snodgrass, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fish biologist.

For recreational fishing companies, the super El Niño has invigorated business. Tuna and other prized fish have appeared in U.S. waters, making it a memorable season. However, compared to past warm water years, the volume caught remains lower.

Last year, Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching captured only two yellowfin tuna. But this year, they’ve caught over 5,800 along with numerous mahi-mahi. The numbers are impressive yet not matching the expectations driven by social media discussions about the El Niño’s effects.

Fishing scientist Lyall Bellquist attributes the lower catch figures to differing ocean conditions compared to past years and fewer anglers venturing out for economic reasons. After analyzing data, a 25% decrease in angler participation compared to 2015 was noted. Despite the challenges, there is still hope to catch more fish.

By midday, Erdo joined other boats near floating kelp, suggesting that anglers lower their lures to 40 to 50 feet, where fish were visible under the clear water. The fish bit temporarily before possibly being sated on tuna crabs.

By day’s end, the Dana Pride had amassed 120 bullet tuna, 17 yellowfin tuna, three skipjack tuna, and one mahi-mahi. While Erdo acknowledged it wasn’t an epic day, he encouraged anglers to keep watching fish counts, anticipating more opportunities ahead.