May Surf Fishing Report 2026 – What’s Biting Now?
May has delivered. After a mixed April, things are starting to come together in a big way here in Southern California. If the forecast holds, the best fishing of the season could be right around the corner. Let’s get into our May surf fishing report.
We’ve settled into a comfortable weather pattern with highs in the low 70s and overnight lows right around 60. It feels like a classic SoCal spring, and the surf/sea conditions have largely matched that. Water temps have dipped back just below 65 degrees after the elevated readings we saw earlier in the year, which is closer to where we’d expect to be for this time of year.
A significant swell rolled in late Thursday and is set to peak on Monday before tapering back down into the 2 to 3 and 3 to 4 foot range for the rest of the week. Timing your sessions around that will matter, so keep reading for more on what to expect.
Here’s this month’s May surf fishing report and what’s ahead as we push into what should be a strong stretch of fishing.
What’s Been Biting in May
Light Tackle
Light tackle fishing has been on the slower side this month. Surfperch have continued to be the most reliable bite, with the occasional corbina, yellowfin croaker, and spotfin croaker mixed in to keep things interesting.
It hasn’t been wide open by any stretch, but the fish are there. The warmer-than-average start to the year has kept things a bit unpredictable in the shallows, and the recent swell hasn’t helped. That said, there’s reason for optimism. As conditions settle down after Monday’s peak, corbina and spotfin croaker in particular should start showing up in better numbers and size. We’re right on the doorstep of that transition.
Lure Fishing
Lure fishing is approaching peak season and halibut have been the consistent success story. Anglers covering water and working structure have been getting bit, and that should only improve as the swell settles down and conditions clean up.
The seabass bite is still on the lighter side, but that could change at any moment. As we push into late May and through June, seabass should start showing up in better numbers. Keep an eye on the lure reports — that bite can turn quickly.
If you’ve been on the fence about getting out for halibut, the next couple of weeks could be a good window to make it happen.
Grunion runs are still active as well, and as always, those nights are worth paying attention to. When grunion are in the wash, there’s usually something bigger not far behind them.
Sharks
This is where things have really turned on. Shark fishing has been the standout bite of May, and leopard sharks are in peak season as of right now.
Earlier this month I had a morning guided session with a client that produced three leopard sharks. That same day, an evening session with clients delivered six more with two additional potential hook-ups that we didn’t convert. Nine fish in one day, with missed opportunities on top of that is about as good as it gets. Not to mention, just yesterday I weathered the rough surf with a couple clients and we nailed 5 more leopards.
Sevengill and soupfin sharks have also been caught here and there, so the diversity is there too. But if leopard sharks are your target, the timing couldn’t be better.
Seaweed has been a bit of a nuisance on the shark rod in some sessions, though it’s been more manageable for light tackle. It’s part of the deal this time of year. Clear your bait every so often and stay patient. As long as you can keep a 10-15 minute soak, you’ve got a shot.
Sand Crab Status
Sand crabs have been showing up, but a little inconsistently. They’re still on the smaller side in most spots, but I’d imagine within the next week or so, we’ll be easily finding them at most beaches and be able to put 2-4 to a hook.
Conditions Report
Overall conditions have been favorable for May. Water temps are sitting just below 65 degrees, the weather has stabilized, and the beaches have been in good shape.
Seaweed has been mild to medium — some sessions it’s been a minor inconvenience, others barely noticeable. Nothing that should keep you off the shoreline.
The big variable right now is the swell. We’ve got a significant one rolling through with Sunday/Monday as the peak. If you can hold off until Tuesday or Wednesday, conditions should clean up nicely and the fishing should respond well. Post-swell periods often produce some of the better bites of the month as the water settles and bait gets pushed into the shallows.
Forecast
After Monday’s swell peak, the surf is set to settle back into the 2-to-3 and 3-to-4 foot range for the remainder of the week. Winds look mild and there are no prolonged surges on the radar. It’s shaping up to be a very fishable stretch.
My read on what’s ahead: this could be one of the better windows of the season so far (however still the best should come in late June). Here’s what to expect as we move through late May:
Sharks will continue to be excellent. Leopard shark season is in full swing and that’s not going anywhere for a while.
Corbina and spotfin croaker should start showing up in better numbers and size as the warmer months settle in. If you’ve been waiting for that bite to turn on, keep your eyes on the reports — it could happen quickly.
Lure fishing should continue to improve through June. Halibut will stay consistent, and seabass should start making more regular appearances, but if we don’t see many by mid-June, it may just be a slow year for them.
Grunion runs are still happening and remain worth planning around. Check the run schedule and get out there. Those nights create opportunities well beyond the grunion themselves.
The combination of stable weather, improving water temps, and a post-swell clean-up sets the table for what could be some of the best fishing we’ve seen all year.