Catalina Island Fishing
The waters off the coast of southern California, and the abundant
offshore waters of Catalina Island are teeming with sea life of
all varieties. For sport fishermen the question is simply “what
kind of fish do you want to catch?” The opportunity to get
yourself a trophy fish is always there when you cast your line
into the Catalina Island fishing beds. Booking a Catalina
Fishing Charter is your best bet if you want to get into the action.
Marlin is probably the most
sought after trophy fish that visiting saltwater sport fisherman
are after. Catalina is renowned as a great place to catch marlin,
and a cannon blasts alerts the town that a Marlin has been caught
and delivered to the famous Rosie’s
Fish Market on Pleasure Pier. After the fish is hung on the piers
scale, a bottle of champagne is given to the fisherman and a photo
is taken to record the event; a great way to record the finale
of an exciting angling experience.
The Gold Cup Marlin Tournament
Since 1981, The Gold Cup Marlin Tournament has been a yearly event
that draws saltwater sport fishing enthusiasts from all over California.
Weighing in at 234.5 pounds, the biggest prizewinning Marlin was
brought in 1995 and the winner collected a hefty $40, 000. The
event spawns a whole weekend of partying and excitement to the
island. To find out more, you can call the Catalina Chamber of
Commerce at 310 510 1520.
There are two smaller tournaments that are less expensive to enter,
with smaller prizes, but still a lot of fun. The Tin Cup Tournament
and the Catalina Classic – held in September.
Aside from Marlin, there are many varieties of sport fish that
anglers can catch such as Black Sea Bass, Calico Bass, White Sea
Bass, Yellowtail, Sand Dabs, Rock Cod, Button Perch, Sheepshead,
Bonito, Halibut, Barracuda and the list goes on…
Anglers must have a valid California fishing license, and any
of the Catalina Fishing
charter captains will require this for you to book Catalina
fishing charters. Don't worry, a fishing license can be obtained
easily enough either at Joe’s Rent-a-Boat or High Trade
Traders in Avalon. Fishermen are reminded to observe the no-fishing
zones of Lover’s Cove and Casino Point. Ask the harbormaster
at the end of Green Pleasure Pier if you aren’t sure.