Latest Southern California Saltwater Fishing Update with Phil Friedman

Great weather this week promises to get things rolling as conditions are coming around. Remember, water temperatures are so important to a consistent bite. 60 degree's is the temp when many surface species turn on.

The front side of San Clemente Island registered 60 degree water this morning. That's a good signal for the future; perhaps even the weekend. Maybe some yellowtail and seabass in Pyramid Cove. The calico bass bite should also start to come on.

One missing piece is the absence of live squid. The Pacific Star looked Catalina Island over last night and didn't find any mollusks; not even the smaller market squid sometimes called gum-drops.

More and more white seabass have been speared by free-divers around the Palos Verdes area, La Jolla as well as a few other areas. That's a great sign as we know the croaker are here. We just need them to start biting something with a hook in it.

A few yellowtail continue to zoom around La Jolla. The local boats have been picking off a few of the hard fighting jacks most everyday but still no great shakes.

Rockfishing remains excellent most everywhere and the forecast for summer like weather this week is not going to hurt. This will be a great weekend to head offshore to one of the Channel Islands. The rockfish should be a given and you'll have a shot at some surface action too.

Excellent sand bass fishing was the case on Saturday's Fishing with Phil Twilight trip on the Native Sun. Twenty one anglers on board had over 70 fat bass along with a dozen sculpin. That was in 53 degree water and windy conditions. With a week of hot weather, the bass may be more than eager for this weekend. Trips depart Friday and Saturday at 6:30pm and return around midnight. A 2-ounce banana leadhead tipped with squid and 20-pound test has been killer. Reservations at 562-432-8993.