This page covers striped marlin fishing from Two Harbors on Santa Catalina Island. Striped marlin is not documented from Two Harbors specifically. The page applies what holds around Catalina and across the Southern California Bight, and ties that picture to the harbor’s own water. The striped marlin fishing guide covers identification. For the wider coast, see the striped marlin fishing in the Pacific Southwest and the Pacific Southwest offshore fishing guide.
When striped marlin are around
The Southern California run starts in late summer and carries into early fall, commonly July through October. Around Catalina, fish are described as arriving first near the island before spreading out, and warm-water years can start the run earlier and extend it later. No Two Harbors timing is documented, so the regional window is the best guide.
Where boats run
Two Harbors sits on the narrow isthmus at Catalina’s west end, with Isthmus Cove on the north shore and Catalina Harbor on the south. The marlin water described around the island lies mostly on its southeast end and backside, at The Slide, Avalon Bank and a bank southeast of the island called the 152. Those are island-wide names, not Two Harbors grounds. The Channel Islands’ prevailing winds blow from the west and northwest nearly every day, often strongest in the afternoon, so plan the return before the afternoon breeze builds. Check conditions yourself.
Grounds and structure
Isthmus Cove is exposed to north and northeast weather and sheltered in south and west weather. Catalina Harbor, on the south shore, shelters small boats in all but south weather, and its entrance faces south. Ship Rock, about a mile north of the cove, Bird Rock and Eagle Reef lie near the entrance. These are charted hazards and are not documented as marlin ground. Farnsworth Bank, about 9 miles south-southeast of the west end, lies in a conservation area where take is limited by method and species, so check the current marine protected area map before fishing near it.
How striped marlin are fished here
The regional approach applies. Troll skirted lures or hookless teasers along breaks and banks until a fish shows, then bait-and-switch: when a fish rises behind a teaser, pull the teaser away and present a live Pacific mackerel. Sight-cast to surfaced fish with a live mackerel or sardine. Circle hooks are a release best practice, and more than 80 percent of striped marlin caught off Southern California are released.
Who fishes it
No charter based at Two Harbors for marlin is documented. The harbor office says charters are available through it, with no fishing detail. Mainland boats, including Davey’s Locker out of Newport Beach, fish Catalina but are not based here. No current Catalina marlin tournament is confirmed, though Catalina events have run in past years.
Faq
Is there a striped marlin run at Two Harbors?
Not documented. The regional run around Catalina starts in late summer and carries into early fall, and Two Harbors is not documented as a ground within it.
Where do Two Harbors boats find shelter?
Catalina Harbor on the south shore shelters small boats in all but south weather. Isthmus Cove is exposed to north and northeast weather.
Can I sell a striped marlin caught here?
No. Recreationally caught striped marlin cannot be sold in California, and federal law bars billfish sales more broadly.
