FISHING / DAN STANTON : Early Catches Could Point Toward a Run of Yellowtail

Working under sunny conditions and calm seas, the South Bay fleet returned with impressive catches of yellowtail last weekend.

Anglers using small sardines and anchovies for bait had most of their success at Horseshoe Kelp, where yellowtail were prevalent for the first time in several weeks.

Although most of the fish were small, anglers believe a run of larger yellowtail could be in the offing.

Area fishermen who caught yellowtail included Jay Lawrence of Torrance, who reeled in a 14 1/2-pounder while aboard the Monte Carlo. Pat Agee of Long Beach, who was aboard the Southern Cal, caught three yellowtail that averaged 12 pounds, and Marc Abar of West Los Angeles, aboard the Matt Walsh, caught a 10-pounder.

Sonny Bennett of Marina del Rey Sportfishing reports that halibut fishing is improving in Santa Monica Bay.

Bennett worked the bay in his skiff last week and caught a 21-pounder. Rex Lee of Venice, aboard the Happyman, caught a 26-pound halibut. Al Cutter of Long Beach, aboard the Sea Spray, caught an 18 1/2-pounder.

Tuna fishing continues to be strong at Tanner Bank.

The 22nd Street Landing boat Freedom returned with 157 yellowfin and several skipjack. Anglers aboard the Landing’s Islander also brought in 106 yellowfin. West Los Angeles fisherman Chris Reibasman landed a 29-pounder.

Los Angeles Harbor’s First String reported a catch of 137 yellowfin. Torrance fisherman Jeff Gross caught a 35-pounder.

Long Beach Sportfishing’s Aztec and Toronado returned with more than 200 yellowfin. Ken Park of Long Beach caught a 28-pounder.

The Cabrillo Marine Museum’s annual overnight voyage aboard the Shogun to collect marine species will depart from San Pedro on Nov. 6 at 9 p.m. and return on Nov. 7 at 6 p.m.

The event is called “Catalina Above and Below.” Program director Larry Fukhara said the trip is open to the public and limited to 55 participants.

According to Fukhara, the scheduled events for museum biologists will include diving, collecting and searching for marine life and collecting specimens that will be released unharmed or put on display at the museum.

Information and reservations: Larry Fukhara at (310) 548-7562.

Rosie Cadman reports that 215 marlin have been brought to the Avalon scale.

Ken Moore, aboard his boat KenDan, brought a 151-pounder to scale on Sunday.

South Bay Catches: Lee Chang of West Los Angeles, aboard the Spitfire at Venice Reef, caught the whopper of the week--a 38-pound halibut.

Rob Cato of Gardena, aboard the New Hustler at Cortez Bank, caught a 35-pound bluefin tuna.

Gloria Haas of Lomita, aboard the Hitless Miss at Horseshoe Kelp, caught a 16 1/2-pound yellowtail.

Travis Bover of San Pedro, aboard the Diawa off Catalina Island, caught a 13-pound bonito.