Anglers are anxiously awaiting the March 1 lingcod and rockfish opener, marking the start of the season for some of the finest eating fish in the sea.
Don Ashley from Pierpoint Landing in nearby Long Beach said last year's bite was the best he had seen in decades.
"We were having some of the best rockfishing I had seen in over 20 years," Ashley said. "Huge vermillion rockfish along with lots of lingcod and much more."
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Rockfish seem to thrive better in cooler water and Southern California has had its share of that for the past two years.
There are more than 50 different species of rockfish that inhabit the Southern California.
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One of the best lingcod venues has been San Nicolas Island where catching your two-fish limit of lings is not out of the question.
In addition, anglers can catch big sheepshead, whitefish and have a good chance for some big halibut and early season white sea bass.
Fishing at San Nicolas Island is done in 120 feet of water or less. Bring your light tackle and have a ball.
"I love it because you never know what you may have on the line," said Scott Buchert from Corona del Mar. "It’s always so interesting to see what you haul up from the depths."
