Kelp died out?

[PapaDave]

I've fished Dana Point for about seven years now. There used to be kelp forests everywhere to the south and north. The point was a solid carpet, the south was dotted with heavy concentrations. These days there is little kelp, some small areas just past the point in 60 feet and some small areas to the south just past the pipeline in 40-50 feet. The fishing has deteriorated a great deal, it's sad.

[DanaYakAngler]

What is the kelp situation around newport?

[whereubinh]

Originally Posted by DanaYakAngler

What is the kelp situation around newport?

Pretty much gone. There might be a small patch outside of crystal cove but it's not even enough to latch on to. Last year around this time, the kelps were super thick and and was a good fishing ground for bass. It's probably best to leave the sheepsheads to level out the urchin population.

[Southwest Kayak Fishing]

Originally Posted by whereubinh

Pretty much gone. There might be a small patch outside of crystal cove but it's not even enough to latch on to. Last year around this time, the kelps were super thick and and was a good fishing ground for bass. It's probably best to leave the sheepsheads to level out the urchin population.

You may have been there when the kelp was laid down with the current or it was high tide. We were there a few weeks ago and it was laid down and there wasn’t much to clip on to but it produced well.

We found it south of Carona Del Mar along the cliff area about a mile
Off shore. If you catch it right there’s so much of it that you will get your mirage drive stuck in it lol

On a side note I realize that some folks won’t target Sheephead because it may not be much of a challenge, “but” they make great table fare and I personally find it rewarding to be able to bring home something good after peddling around all day and putting in the effort to make the trip worth while👍🏼

Where going to try north of Dana Point Saturday to see if the kelp is up on the surface. If so the plan is to clip on and hopefully limit out on Sheephead then maybe go out a few miles. The bones and barracuda have been showing up.