Fishing in El Niño Waters Brings Surprises for Anglers

Captain Brandon Erdo navigated the 95-foot Dana Pride to a promising spot miles offshore near Orange County. The boat was nearly full, with 37 of 40 angler spots taken, all eager for a taste of fishing under super El Niño conditions.

“Get a little bait going here, Eric,” Erdo instructed over the loudspeaker. A deckhand tossed anchovies overboard, scattering scales over the anglers. Veteran fisherman Chuck Freeman captured a bullet tuna, about 2 feet long, a species uncommon in these waters. Minutes later, another one was added to the haul, marking a rare catch.

Scientists note that the super El Niño has amplified a warm water patch off California’s coast, inviting species like bullet tuna that typically reside in other oceans. This year, marine life including whales, hammerhead sharks, and various fishes have appeared from Orange County to Malibu.

“We’re seeing fish that should be in Cabo San Lucas right now,” stated NOAA fish biologist Owyn Snodgrass. With the ecosystem shift, recreational fishing businesses are thriving, catching thousands of tuna and other sought-after species. This year’s marlin season has been especially fruitful, with record numbers since 1990, according to available data.

For David Koligian, the marine landscape adds excitement, yet poses challenges. The reality at sea is less straightforward. Despite evidence of rare species presence, catches are fewer than those during the last major El Niño.

While crew member Eric Munoz tagged a bullet tuna for an angler, interest for the species waned, as it doesn’t keep well in warm waters. Erdo moved the boat to another spot, searching for activity. Using binoculars, he scanned for signs like kelp or bird movement, both indicators of marine life.

Early in the outing, dolphins captivated the crew, leaping from the water. Erdo continued searching patiently, knowing signs of fish could appear anytime.

Last year, the Dana Pride barely netted any yellowfin tuna. Donna Kalez of Dana Wharf Sportfishing highlighted their current success, with over 5,800 yellowfin already caught. The company has seen fish that prefer tropical waters, like mahi-mahi, in greater numbers.

Lyall Bellquist, a fisheries scientist, remarked that although catches have been good, they’re not as high as anticipated. NOAA oceanographer Andrew Leising attributes this to differences in this year’s marine heatwave compared to previous years.

Data from 2014 and 2015 showcased a heatwave event known as “the blob,” which altered fishing patterns. By 2015, anglers had caught tens of thousands of yellowfin and skipjack tuna by September. This year, numbers remain lower, despite warm water conditions.

Captain Erdo noted the disparity between El Niño expectations and reality, a sentiment echoed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Elizabeth Hellmers, a senior scientist, recognized the exaggeration in fishermen’s tales.

Onboard, young Olivia Solis cast her line on a hopeful note. By afternoon, Erdo found a kelp area, joining other boats. Some anglers caught yellowfin tuna, advised by Erdo to drop their lures deeper. Yet, the fish soon lost interest, likely sated by tuna crabs, a featured warm water creature.

By day’s end, the Dana Pride’s haul included 120 bullet tuna, 17 yellowfin, three skipjack, and a mahi-mahi. Anglers were satisfied but mindful of reports.

“Not an epic day by any means,” Erdo acknowledged as the outing concluded, leaving anglers looking forward to future catches.