SALTWATER REPORT

The possibilities are widening.

Ocean waters are warming. Summer is approaching. Squids are appearing.

The upshot? Surface fish are beginning to appear, which means a whole new group of species are available to local anglers.

"We're making the transition from rock cod to all the surface varieties," says Jeff Grodin, owner of Capt. Hook's Sportfishing. "One of our boats caught 15 halibut the other day. We're seeing some sea bass. A lot of varieties are starting to show up."

Grodin points out that in recent days the water temperature has risen six degrees to 59 degrees. The warm waters are a sure sign that top-water fish will follow.

Dan McFarlane of Channel Islands Sportfishing concurs.

"There aren't a lot right now, but we're definitely seeing the surface fish make their appearances," McFarlane said.

Anglers are touting successful trips.

Chuck Jones of Oxnard reeled in a 23.2-pound halibut aboard the Aloha Spirit from the Capt. Hook's fleet.

Andre Williams of Oxnard took in a 25.9-pound halibut, also from the decks of the Aloha Spirit. Jerry Langlois of Simi Valley had a catch that included a 19.8-pound halibut.

Capt. Hook's also notes Rob Pitcher of Amarillo, Texas, took home a 13-pound lingcod.

From Channel Islands Sportsfishing, Willie Bitar of Covina nabbed a 17-pound lingcod off Santa Nicholas Island. John VanDam of Bakersfield caught a 13-pound lingcod.

Local sportfishing agencies are operating at full schedules.

Channel Islands Sportfishing operates three boats daily, at 4, 6 and and 9 a.m. The Ranger 85 has one last rockfishing excursion on the schedule this weekend, a two-day trek that departs Friday evening.

The cost is $350 and includes all meals and snacks.

Capt. Hook's offerings include chartered excursions aboard yachts. The so-called six-pack specials are meant for six passengers. Call for reservations.

Port Hueneme Sportfishing offers daily treks aboard the Pacific Eagle, Monday through Friday, with overnight departures on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Mirage has four two-day trips scheduled for June, July, August and October.

FRESHWATER REPORT

Lake Casitas: Bass continues to be king, with several anglers reporting prized catches in recent days.

Juan Perez of Oak View nabbed a 12-pounder on cut bait, while Stevie Arklin of Castaic caught a 11-pounder with shad.

Glen Pecor of Los Angeles had dual catches of 7 and 6 pounds, while Edward Earnest of Oak View reeled in his 10-pound bass on shad.

Mike Kane of Camarillo had a catch that featured two sizable bass, at 9 and 7 pounds. Both were caught with shad.

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

Lake Castaic: The ski cove is closer to allow for spawning. Sighting of largemouth bass, as large as 4 to 6 pounds, has been reported but unconfirmed. All have been caught and released.

Striper action is picking up with fish in the 3- to 4-pound class.

Don Rubidoux of the San Fernando Valley collected a 13-pound string of bass, with 5 pounds as the largest fish. He used plastics for lures.

Ken Hemer of Castaic nabbed a 6-pound bass using plastics and kastmasters.

Lake hours: 7 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Lake Piru: Fishing viewfinders report fish "everywhere," said a lake spokesman.

Bass as big as 8 pounds have been reported. Crappie is also available. Trout is running around 25-30 feet deep, or 3 to 4 colors.

Lake hours: 5:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Cachuma Lake: Trout remains the principle catch, with fish running anywhere from 5 to 25 feet deep. Most species weigh in around 4 pounds.

Lake hours: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

— Compiled by Loren Ledin