FISHING / DAN STANTON : Seabass Run Keeps Area Anglers Busy

Kelp beds off Palos Verdes Peninsula were the spots to catch white seabass last week. The areas produced seabass from 45 to 60 pounds.

At Catalina Island, yellowtail in the 15- to 20-pound range were plentiful.

The fishing has improved with an abundance of live squid for bait.

Although South Bay Sportfishing boats often return with only three to five seabass a trip, anglers have been losing several fish in the kelp.

The Los Angeles Harbor boat First String and Shogun returned with good catches of seabass last weekend.

Bob Scholder of Lomita caught a 57-pounder and Sidney White of West Los Angeles landed a 55-pounder. Henry Murillo of West Los Angeles and Tom Gaston of Carson each caught 54-pounders, and Pattie Bollan of Long Beach landed a 52-pounder.

An indication that yellowtail fishing is improving is that the fish are being caught all around Catalina Island.

The Long Beach Sportfishing boat Toronado and 22nd Street Landing boat New Hustler returned with 123 yellowtail. Koji Myaoto Of Long Beach won the jackpot with a 29 1/2-pounder.

Steve Moelter of San Pedro, fishing from his skiff close to the kelp at Rocky Point, used a jig and 12-pound test line to catch a 55-pound seabass.

San Pedro fishermen Mike Goggin and Scott Dougherty returned Monday from 20 days fishing in Guatemala Bay and along the mainland area of Mexico.

The anglers caught amberjack up to 50 pounds, triggerfish and Sierra mackerel in 78-degree water. Goggin said they donated the daily catch to villagers.

South Bay catches: Darrel Klein of Long Beach, aboard the First String, caught a 60-pound seabass off Rocky Point. Klein battled the fish for 20 minutes.

Jeff Price from Redondo Beach, aboard the Blackjack at Catalina, caught a 42-pound seabass.

Stan Scott of San Pedro, aboard the Grands at Catalina, caught a 32 1/2-pound seabass.

Elliot Wasser of Culver City, aboard the Sea Spray at Hermosa flats, caught a 17-pound halibut.