SALTWATER REPORT

Variety is the spice of the ocean, too.

At least it is in September, where anglers are finding success with a variety of fishes.

"Whitefish, sculpins, sheepheads — we're seeing a lot of different fish coming in," said Jeff Grodin, owner of Capt. Hook's Sportfishing. "We're seeing yellowtail, too. We just haven't had much luck catching them so far. I suspect the fall is going to be great for yellowtail."

Anglers are reaping the benefits.

Channel Islands Sportfishing reports Steve Fisher of Oxnard was aboard the Gentleman when he hooked a 22-pound lingcod.

From the decks of the Speed Twin, Scott Walker of Newbury Park caught a 20-pound lingcod, and Kwan Kim of Ojai nabbed a 23-pound lingcod.

Also from Channel Islands Sportfishing, halibut has been a popular catch.

George Gonzalez of Camarillo hooked a 47-pound halibut from the Island Tak. Dave Becker of Oxnard caught a 39-pound halibut, and Gary Newman of Granada Hills nabbed a 46-pound halibut.

Capt. Hook's reports Fate Malone of Agoura caught a 7-pound whitefish off Santa Cruz Island while aboard the Aloha Spirit. On the same trek, all eight anglers went home with double-limits.

Marilyn Sullivan of Oxnard notched a 12-pound halibut from the Aloha Spirit.

Area anglers will have special opportunities to ply their skills in the near future.

Channel Islands Sportfishing is offering a kids-fish-for-free sail on Saturday and Sunday aboard its 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. trips. Reservations are required.

On Saturday, no fishing licenses will be required.

Capt. Hook's presents a calico bass excursion aboard the Aloha Spirit on Wednesday morning. The boat departs at 5 a.m.

Capt. Hook's also reports its new dock will present three new fishing boats beginning at the end of October.

From Port Hueneme Sportfishing, the Pacific Eagle now handles the overnight voyages, beginning at 10 p.m.

The Mirage will offer its next two-day excursion on Oct. 24-25.

FRESHWATER REPORT

Lake Casitas: Bass fishing remains good and is winning over new converts too.

Colby Crombie of Ojai, age 6, caught his very first fish in the impressive form of a 7-pound bass. He reeled in No. 1 on swim bait.

Bernie Kronk of Thousand Oaks nailed his limit of bass — ranging from 3 to 6 pounds — on plastic lures in 30 feet of water.

Kevin Thompson of Acton nabbed two sizable bass, at 10 pounds and 9 pounds, using plastic lures.

Jim Mason of Oak View made his day with a haul of two catfish, weighing in at 15 and 10 pounds. He caught his fish using mackerel for bait in 20 feet of water near the lake's Santa Ana arm.

While bass have been plentiful, perch have disappeared and trout are "missing in action," reports Randy King of the marina and boat rental office.

Lake hours: 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Castaic Lake: Bass were there for anglers with "patience and a good book," according to lake spokespeople. The west ramp, dam and shorelines are the best locales.

A largemouth bass as big as 14.8 pounds was caught using worms for bait.

Lake hours: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Lake Piru: The action has been deemed very good, and includes catfish, crappie, bass and trout.

Lake hours: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Lake Cachuma: Bass remains the best best using topwater lures in the morning and needlefish in the afternoon.

Trout fishing has been solid, with needlefish as the prime lure.

Lake hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.

— Compiled by Loren Ledin