Free Fishing Day - Topanga Beach
by: Gary Kazazian, California Surf Fishing
The morning of Saturday, August 31 was a free fishing day – anyone could fish, even if you didn’t have a fishing license. We took advantage of this wonderful opportunity, provided by the CDFW, to organize a fun fishing event in collaboration with Fish On conservation. With the help of Anupa from Fish On, we chose Topanga Beach in Malibu as the site of the event. In close proximity to Los Angeles, anyone with an interest in surf fishing was encouraged to attend.
Fishermen of all ages, ethnicities, gender, background, and experience levels showed up. And the catches were just as varied as the fishers!
Father and son enjoying a nice Rubberlip Perch.
Sublegal California Halibut caught on the Dropshot. Surfers were respectful of anglers, and anglers were respectful of surfers.
Young angler with a juvenile Leopard Shark.
Yellowfin Croaker caught on a Carolina Rig. There were some weeds in the water, but anglers persevered.
18" California Halibut; the first of her life.
Fisherman with a 23" corbina; caught on sand crabs.
Anglers shared tips & tricks on surf fishing, and we gave our own input whenever we thought it was helpful. But of course, it wasn't all about fishing. People got to know each other, enjoyed the natural beauty of our public beaches, and even learned a thing or two about Marine Protected Areas.
Receding wave exposing a bed of sand crabs. Corbina were feeding on sand crabs all morning.
Amongst all the discussion, there were more fish to be had. Fishermen were spread across the cove, so we did not get to see every catch. However, we did interact with every angler, which was absolutely wonderful.
Barred Surfperch caught from shore, typically more of a winter than summer catch.
Boy enjoying a productive day of fishing; Sand Bass
Is it legal size? Not quite!
Yellowfin Croakers have no legal size. The majority of fish on the day were safely released.
All in all, twenty-five anglers showed up, eight species were caught, making for one fun day. More importantly, memories were made that will last a lifetime. Thanks for coming everyone! We hope to see you next time.
Nothing like fishing the beach.
