August Surf Fishing Report – What’s Working Now?
As we enter August, let’s overview how the surf fishing has been in July. This past month has brought a mix of changing conditions and steady action along the shoreline. The water is warm, the surf has stayed calm, and fish activity remains high, making it a rewarding time to be out with light tackle. While some challenges have surfaced with the shifting conditions, the variety of catches and overall consistency of the bite continue to make each session exciting.
Check out this awesome video (below) a local videographer by the name of Kyle Floyd made for me after coming along to one of my guided surf fishing sessions this month. Contact him or check out his info here.
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 still in peak season, and despite some tougher conditions with rising seaweed, the bite has stayed hot. Surfperch continue to make up about half of the light tackle action, while corbina are steadily increasing and now outpacing spotfin croaker. Yellowfin croaker remain consistent, and there’s been a noticeable uptick in stingray catches as well. Spotfin croaker have slowed but are still in the mix, along with a handful of other species keeping things interesting on the beach.
The warming water has brought an increase in seaweed, which can make fishing sessions a bit frustrating at times. However, the consistently low surf has balanced things out, keeping conditions generally favorable for those willing to work through the grass.
Lure Fishing
Lure fishing remains productive, with halibut, white seabass, and calico bass all actively feeding, particularly during early morning and evening sessions. The recent kelp die-off has scattered seaweed in certain areas, making retrieves more challenging, but it hasn’t slowed the bite much. Overall, this is still one of the best periods of the year to target these species with artificials.
Shark Fishing
Shark fishing is holding strong at what feels like peak season. When conditions line up with light current and little seaweed, success rates are high (around 80%) for anglers who can keep a bait soaking during a 4-hour dusk or dawn window. Leopard sharks dominate the catches, but soupfin sharks, bat rays, and the occasional large guitarfish are also showing up to keep things exciting. Now is an excellent time to target surf sharks.
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 are out in force and easy to find, with a full range of sizes available along the shoreline. Everything is right on schedule for this time of year, and bait collection has been as simple as it gets. From now through end of August, there’s no need to pack backup bait as sand crabs have you covered for every light tackle session.
Conditions Report
- Water Temps: Consistent water temperatures are now holding steady above 70°F.
- Seaweed: While seaweed was manageable earlier, over the past couple of weeks it has increased to moderate or even moderate-heavy levels in some areas, making fishing more challenging.
- Swell: Surf remains low and manageable, with calm conditions expected through August 3rd. After that, keep an eye on the forecast for any changes.
Surf Fishing Forecast – August Outlook
- Light Tackle: Corbina have turned on strong, and I expect the light tackle bite to stay consistent and productive through the end of August. While every year is different, this season feels like it will maintain steady action before becoming a bit spotty in the last week of August into September. Expect plenty of bites in the shallow waters, especially at beaches without heavy shore breaks.
- Lure Fishing: Lure fishing remains solid, but I anticipate a gradual taper as we move deeper into August. Halibut, white seabass, and calico bass should continue to bite well for now, but the consistency may decrease later in the month.
- Shark Fishing: Shark fishing is still in its peak and should remain strong through August. The main challenge will be dealing with increasing kelp, so patience and persistence are key. Slack tides continue to be the best times to fish for sharks effectively.
Comment Below
Been out fishing lately? Drop your own report in the comments and let me know what you’ve been seeing and catching!