July Surf Fishing Report – Peak Season Arrives
We’ve officially entered peak season! The water’s warm, the bite is active, and the shoreline is alive with opportunity. What’s most interesting, though, is who’s stealing the spotlight — spotfin croaker have taken center stage. While corbina are just beginning to show up in better numbers, yellowfin croaker continue to increase in presence. And though surfperch are still biting consistently, it now feels like a true 50/50 split between perch and a mix of croaker etc.
What’s Being Caught Right Now?
| Common Species | Peak Season | General Season |
| California Corbina | Jun-Aug | May-Oct |
| Spotfin Croaker | Jun-Aug | May-Oct |
| Yellowfin Croaker | May-Aug | May-Oct |
| Barred Surfperch | Nov-Apr | Year-Round |
| Walleye Surfperch | Nov-Apr | Year-Round |
| Shovelnose Guitarfish | Jun-Aug | May-Oct |
| Sting Ray (Round Ray) | Jun-Aug | Year-Round |
| Bat Ray | Jun-Aug | Year-Round |
| Leopard Shark | May-Aug | Apr-Oct |
| California Halibut | Jan-May | Year-Round |
| Soupfin Shark | Mar-Jul | Year-Round |
Light Tackle
We’re now in full-blown peak season, and the bite reflects it. Spotfin croaker have been the stars of the show lately, showing up more frequently and in good size. Corbina are beginning to make more regular appearances, while yellowfin croaker have stuck around and continue to bite. Surfperch are still very active, though mostly small, making up about half the current catch. All in all, light tackle sessions are productive right now, with a solid mix of perch and croaker species keeping things fun.
Lure Fishing
Lure fishing continues to deliver for halibut, white seabass, and calico bass, especially during low-light windows. The only factor slowing things down is the kelp die-off, which is creating grassy conditions at some spots and making lure retrieval a little tricky. Despite that, most sessions are producing action, and this remains one of the strongest times of year to throw artificials in the surf.
Shark Fishing
It feels like we’ve hit peak season for sharking. On any good-condition day—meaning manageable current and minimal grass—there’s about a 70% success rate if you can keep bait soaking for at least 15 minutes during a 4-hour dusk or dawn session. Leopard sharks are the primary catch, with an occasional mix of soupfin sharks, bat rays, and large guitarfish in the rotation. If sharking is your game, now’s the time to be out there.
Recommended Gear
Use the dropdowns below to learn about the recommended gear for each style of surf fishing mentioned in this article.
Light Tackle Gear
- Rod: Okuma Celilo (8’6″ MA) or the Okuma SST (8’6″ MA)
- Reel: Penn Battle II or III 4000 series
- Mainline: 15-pound monofilament
- For Bait: Carolina Rig:
- Leader Line: 15-pound fluorocarbon
- Swivels: 15-19mm barrel swivels
- Hooks: size #2 or #4 owner mosquito hooks
- Weights: 1-oz egg weight
- Beads: 8mm fishing beads
Swim Bait Gear
- Rod: Okuma SST-S-902HA – 1/2-2oz | 10-30lb | 9ft | H | MF
- Reel: Penn Spinfisher VI (3500 or 4500)
- Main Line: 30-pound braid
- Leader Line: 30-pound mono
- Lure Options:
Jerk Bait Gear
- Rod: Okuma SST (8’6″ MHA)
- Reel: Penn Battle II or III 4000 series
- Main Line:
- Leader Line: 15-pound fluorocarbon
- Lures: Lucky Craft FM 110 and Shimano WM 115 SP
Shark Gear
- Rod: Fiblink Moonsniper (12 or 13 feet)
- Reel: Penn Battle 8000 (II or III)
- Main Line: 50-pound braid
- Topshot: 100-pound nylon coated mono
- Leaders: Shark Leaders
- Weights: 8-ounce pyramid or 6-ounce sputnik
Some Recent Catches
All species are a viable target right now, but if you’re interested in leopard sharks and spotfin croaker, now’s a great time!
Sand Crab Status
Sand crabs have shown up strong and continue to grow in size. No surprises here—everything’s on schedule. At this point in the season, I no longer bring backup bait. Through August, I expect reliable sand crab availability for all light tackle trips.
Conditions Report
- Water Temps: We’re now seeing consistent temperatures between 67–70°F.
- Seaweed: So far, seaweed has been manageable but over the last two weeks, it’s become moderate to moderate-heavy in some zones.
- Swell: The swell has really died down in the last week or so but it will be building throughout this week. Nothing super huge though. Expect really nice conditions through July 2nd. -after that, keep an eye on the forecast for updates.
Surf Fishing Forecast – July Outlook
- Light Tackle: Bottom line – It’s peak season. Expect to get bit and expect to see a lot of action in the shallow waters at beaches that are not shore breaks. Corbina should be next to turn hot.
- Lure Fishing: Right now is prime time. I expect halibut, seabass, and calico action to stay strong through at least mid-to-late July. Historically, bite consistency dips a bit deeper into summer, but this is still an excellent window for throwing artificials.
- Shark Fishing: Again… it’s peak season. June typically brings peak activity for surf sharks, and the next couple of weeks are the best time to try for them. Protip: Slack tides are easier to fish in.
Comment Below
Been out fishing lately? Drop your own report in the comments and let me know what you’ve been seeing and catching!