I thought I'd reach out to provide you with an update on surf and spear fishing in and around the Malibu coast.

Firstly, the anomalous colder-than-normal water off the California coast continues, despite the rapid approach of El-Nino conditions globally. However, there has been a recent increase in water temperatures, and the Malibu area now consistently maintains a temperature at or above the 69-degree sweet spot. This temperature range prompts sand crabs to molt their shells into soft shells, leading to heightened aggressiveness among surf fish species.

Furthermore, the very high August high tide (the first of two this month) along with corresponding grunion runs have resulted in an influx of fish near the shore. I've had the opportunity to observe large schools of Croaker, Mullet, Perch, and even Ocean Whitefish in the rocky shallows. Along the sandy periphery, I've encountered a few Halibut of keeper size, actively feeding on bait fish and showing interest in Zoom plastics and Lucky Craft lures. Particularly during the mornings following grunion runs, there are residual pockets of bait fish that have proven to be attractive to these Halibut. Interestingly, I've managed to catch a few Croaker and Barred Surf Perch while jigging for Halibut.

Elsewhere, the Corbina population has shown an increase, with sizes ranging from about 18 to 25 inches. They've been feasting on sand crabs, and I've even discovered grunion in their bellies while cleaning them. This behavior contributes to their heightened aggressiveness, which is uncommon as they typically don't feed on fish. On the pier, I've witnessed a few Bonito caught by fellow fishermen, and have occasionally observed individual fish swooping through schools of bait fish.

It will be fascinating to see how the month concludes and whether the schools of Striped Bass and Bonito truly become more active.