Bait Intel Hub
Know before you go. Barge locations, hours, phone numbers, and links to real-time bait reports from Everingham Bros. and the SoCal fishing community.
SoCal Live Bait Receivers
The primary live-bait receivers from Dana Point south to San Diego. All operated by Everingham Bros., the largest live-bait supplier in Southern California.
Live Bait Sources
Check these before every trip. Combined, they give you the full picture of bait availability across SoCal.
Bait Intelligence
Know what to use, when to call, and how to keep your bait alive.
Make the Bait Call Twice
For bluefin, call the bait receiver the evening before and again around 4–5 AM on departure day. New bait boats unload overnight and the load can flip from chovies to sardines (or run dry) in a few hours.
Many successful private boaters make the bait call before deciding whether to fish Dana Point or trailer down to San Diego.
Keep Bait Alive
Sardines: Keep bait tank at 65-68°F. Don't overcrowd — one scoop max in a standard tank. Hook through the nose with a #2 circle hook.
Anchovies: More delicate than sardines. Use a smaller hook (#4) and fish them immediately. They don't live as long in the tank.
Match Bait to Target
Bluefin Tuna: Fly-lined sardines or spreader bars at dawn
Yellowtail: Big sardines or mackerel on dropper loop
Halibut: Live sardines on Carolina rig near structure
Bonito: Sabiki rig or small feathers — they'll eat anything
Local Tackle Shop Intel
If you're fishing out of Dana Point, call Hogan's Bait & Tackle before you head down. Staff are often the first to know what size sardines are available and which tuna boats are finding the best bait.
Tackle shops have direct relationships with the barge operators and get early morning updates.