About Catalina Island - East End

Ship Rock marks the East End of Catalina Island, a submerged pinnacle and kelp-edged structure that draws fish across depths from 30 to 200 feet. Yellowtail run strongest from May through October, while White Seabass peak March through July and Calico Bass hold from April through August, with Bonito, Tuna, Kelp Bass, and California Sheephead rounding out the mix. Anglers work Yellowtail with live sardines, mackerel, or anchovies over the rock, dropping heavy iron for yo-yo jigging when the fish sit deep. White Seabass respond to live squid drifted near the kelp and bottom structure, and Calico Bass come on swimbaits and soft plastic grubs fished tight to the rock. For Sheephead, bottom fishing with squid, cut mackerel, or live shrimp works the deeper edges where the pinnacle meets the sand.