About Marina Del Rey Artificial Reef

The Marina Del Rey Artificial Reef sits off Santa Monica, California, an outer-exposed patch of sand bottom running 180 to 240 feet deep. California Halibut peak from March through July here, worked over the flat with drift fishing on live anchovies, sardines, and smelt, while White Seabass follow the same March-to-July window and respond to live bait fishing with squid, sardines, and mackerel. Bottom-oriented species hold consistently across the depth range, with Rockfish available year-round and Ocean Whitefish and Sculpin peaking through the summer months on dropper loops baited with squid strips and cut mackerel. Barred Sand Bass and Calico Bass build through spring and summer, taken on drift-fished swimbaits and soft plastics along the sand, and California Sheephead work the same period on bottom-fished squid, live shrimp, and cut mackerel. The exposed setting and deeper water make this reef a full-column spot, rewarding anglers who match technique to the species holding at each depth.