Southern California nearshore fishing appears poised to launch for the summer surface fishing season. Landings and sportboat operators from San Diego to Ventura are reporting an improved bite on the popular species: bass, barracuda and bonito. White seabass and halibut are also on the upswing.

"We been getting up to 10 halibut on half-day trips lately," remarked Fred Huber at Pt. Loma Sportfishing. "We had one go 34 pounds. Most have come from off Imperial Beach."

Fred said barracuda fishing had been best at the Coronados Island, particularly in the lee of south Island and on South Ridge and The Rockpile.

Anglers should be ready for action to start up quickly with some good weather. Bring some light surface iron for the barracuda, and when the bass start to spawn, plastic swimbaits will be the hot ticket. Otherwise, good old flyline fishing with sardines and anchovies will get the fish on tackle of 12 to 30 pounds test. Bill Roecker recommends fluorocarbon leaders, unless the critters are biting unabashedly.