San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

How common is it for a bonefish to be caught in the surf in San Diego? Not in one of the bays, but actually from the beach. I'm pretty sure my Dad caught one a couple of days ago and he didn't realize what it was.

I haven’t heard of any caught in the surf… Plenty from various bays… Congrats to him if it was indeed a So. Cal. Surf bonefish..
Butch

Never seen or heard of any caught from the surf. Corvina - yes.

What's the verdict? This is the fish he caught.

Yep…Bonefish. Congrats..
Butch

Thanks, Butch. I thought that's what it was, but neither my dad or I have ever caught a bonefish before, and I'd never heard of them outside of the bays.

Pretty cool. Thank you for the confirmation.

Congrats to your dad!

My buddy caught a small, skinny one at RAT Beach a few years ago. It is the only one I've ever heard of caught up here.

I’ve caught some small ones in our local bays, but not for a couple of years… None in our surf though.. Caught some lager ones in the Caribbean… A real fun fish to catch..
Butch

I caught a bonefish at Oceanside pier. Surprised me too. The photo was September 14th 2022

Plenty are caught up here in Orange County off Balboa Pier/Newport Pier. They are in obvious schools because generally several are caught in a short span of time then no more for days or weeks.

Bendo wrote: Wed Jul 09, 2025 3:57 pm Plenty are caught up here in Orange County off Balboa Pier/Newport Pier. They are in obvious schools because generally several are caught in a short span of time then no more for days or weeks.

Thanks for the info… I didn’t know that…
Butch