A new year and a new season once again fire up the hopes of a banner fishing year! As of March 1st this year bottom fishing for the usual species opens once again, which means there’s no longer a need to make the runs into Mexican waters to catch rock cod, lingcod, white fish and such. Given the unsettled state of fishing in Mexican coastal waters, it saves a few headaches too. While officially the only thing that’s needed to fish in Mexico is a Mexican fishing license, we have been advised that the smart thing to do is bring a passport or passport card with you when you fish, just to avoid any potential issues.

On the local front, the bottom fishing should remain steady through the spring until the kelp beds kick into gear and the barracuda begin to show—hopefully this year with bonito as well! Until that time, the usual assortment of tasty bottom critters should keep any angler busy enough and provide plenty of fine table fare. Red rock cod, or red snapper as they are called locally, are the featured target, but you’ll run across plenty of brown rock cod, starry rock cod and a host of other species like cabezon, greenlings, white fish and lingcod. There have been a few regulation changes regarding the number of some of these species you can keep, so make sure you’re up to date on the latest information by visiting the DFW Web site at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/sportfishing_regs2013.asp.

Keep in mind that in this colder water there are a few opportunities for the stout of heart that can produce a true So Cal Trophy. During the colder months, we regularly see schools of homeguard yellowtail–the largest of the species we encounter here in San Diego. Often these fish can run as high as 45 pounds. While the percentages are a long shot, the payoff is huge for those patient enough to try. There are days when the fish show readily, but most days you won’t even know they’re there. On those occasions when they go off, usually with a squid run, the bite should last a few days. Bear in mind there is no way to plan to target these fish with any reliability. If a squid run happens, that’s your best bet, but they are hard to predict. In these situations, white seabass also take advantage of the smorgasbord and fish upwards of 60 pounds are not unheard of.

The other species that is normally targeted this time of year is halibut. Again, it’s a low percentage game, but worth it if you put in the time. Sand bass should begin showing sometime in March as they start their spawn on the local sand flats. New regulations exist for these guys as well, finally protecting a valuable local game fish. Calico and sand bass must now be a minimum of 14 inches to keep with a bag limit of no more than five. Smart and conscientious anglers will keep fewer and release all fish over 16 inches as well. While the fish are okay table fare, they are worth far more as game fish than food.

Offshore the only real option this time of year is blue sharks, which show in excellent numbers even though the water seems a bit chilly. Occasionally you might encounter a mako as well, but they usually don’t show until much later in the spring when the water warms to around 63 degrees consistently. Keep in mind that whales are a common site while shark fishing almost year round, and dolphin and porpoise also make frequent showings as well.

Runs into Mexico to fish around the Coronado Islands will produce the same types of fish, only limits are different. Frankly, the longer run doesn’t necessarily equal more production either, so make your decision wisely. March is generally too early for yellowtail to show in earnest at the islands or the Rockpile and your odds of finding them are better locally unless a bite breaks wide open. Just make sure to ask your captain and crew what your options are before you book and again before you leave the dock in case something changes!

Our season is just beginning, and it will only get better from here!

Contact our Guest Blogger Paradigm Shift Charters by visiting their website, or giving them a call at 619.400.9521!

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It’s that time of year again, when San Diegans get the unique opportunity to spot one of the largest and most remarkable mammals in the world, the gray whale, as they migrate along the coast in pursuit of Baja. The whales, mostly female, depart their arctic feeding grounds to give birth in the warm subtropical lagoons of Mexico from the months of January to May. As the season is just picking up, locals and tourists alike are taking advantage of the multitude of whale watching tours available throughout San Diego. Here, we’ll highlight some of our favorite tours, and why visiting San Diego during the temperate months of January and February is the best way to escape the cold!

One of our favorite and more traditional ways to whale watch is from a boat out at sea. We love the Naturalist-Guided Whale Watching Boat Rides, as they feature an expert from the Birch Aquarium at Scripps onboard. With guaranteed whale sightings, guests must reserve a spot ahead of time! To reserve a spot, call (619) 234-4111. Another company we love is Hornblower Cruise and Whale Watching Adventures. With Hornblower, guests are able to combine their admission to the Maritime Museum, the USS Midway, or the San Diego Natural History Museum with a whale watching tour. There’s no better way to enjoy the rest of your day after a spotting whales at sea than a wonderful time expanding your knowledge of the deep ocean blue! To book with Hornblower, visit http://www.hornblower.com/hce/port/category/sd+tours. For those seeking a more adventurous whale watching boat tour, we love the Whale Watching San Diego Sailing Adventure. Sail aboard the America, a classic racing vessel that looks like it was built in the 1800’s! This boat tour guarantees guests entry into the Maritime Museum either before or after their tour paired with a guaranteed whale sighting and no seasickness! Guests are able to bring food on the boat to enjoy as well. To book with Whale Watching San Diego Sailing Adventure, call 800-644-3454.

Speaking of adventure, there’s also an option for those who like to really immerse themselves in the outdoors! Nature lovers can whale watch from a kayak along the La Jolla Shores. As whales are often spotted along the La Jolla cliffs, kayakers get an up close view of these marvelous creatures as they swim beneath their feet. Although whale sightings are not guaranteed, participants are able to take in the beautiful scenery of the La Jolla cliffs in an adventurous kayaking experience they’ll never forget.  To sign up for a small group kayaking tour, you can pay $60 for a single kayak, or $55 a person for a double kayak. To book, please visit http://www.hikebikekayak.com

However you choose to whale watch, let Ocean Park Inn serve as your home base after this breathtaking experience.  Located on the shores of Pacific Beach with great weather conditions and even better views, Ocean Park Inn is the perfect place to escape the cold winter months of January through March. To book one of our oceanfront rooms, visit http://bit.ly/QN1Jod

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This February 16th-17th, celebrate the Chinese New Year at the 31^st annual San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair. Join the thousands of visitors that attend each year for a weekend filled with tasty eats, beautiful art, cultural music and theater productions for all ages.

There is no better way to celebrate Chinese New Year than with this exciting San Diegan celebration. The festival takes place in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District of downtown and blocks off 3rd Avenue and J Street. Attendees will have a wonderful view of the beautiful San Diego Harbor while they enjoy sampling different Asian cuisine, and purchasing beautiful Chinese jewelry, art, clothing, and more.

Guests can bring their little ones by the children’s craft area where they will learn how to construct a traditional Chinese lantern. They’ll get the chance to use their lantern when they participate in the lion, dragon and lantern parade later that day. Performers like the Encinitas Ballet Company and the His-Fang Temple folk dancers will make an appearance, as well as other martial art, acrobatic and musical groups. Asian Story Theatre, which dramatizes Chinese folk tales, will be performing as well. Raffle tickets will be available to purchase for a chance to win a prize!

The festival starts each day at 10am and ends around 5pm. The festival is FREE, so bring the whole family! Located just 15 minutes away, Ocean Park Inn is the perfect place to stay for a weekend of cultural fun and relaxation. After the festival, kick up your feet and rest by the waves, enjoy one of the many surrounding restaurants, or take a dip in the hot tub! For booking information, visit http://bit.ly/QN1Jod

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With Valentine’s Day less than a month away, many people are finding themselves in a panic! They want to make the day special for their loved one, but they’re not exactly sure how to do so. Look no further than San Diego, CA, which houses a vast selection of restaurants to choose from, but also boasts great activities for couples to enjoy in this romantic day. On a day where it’s somewhat expected to take your date to a nice restaurant, we guarantee that finding a table will be hard to come by, as the best spots will be packed and you may have to wait for hours to get your food. San Diego is a very romantic city and we would like to offer Valentine’s Day alternatives to the basic “going out to dinner.” The best part? Most of our date ideas are right in the Ocean Park Inn’s backyard. Enjoy your Valentine’s Day weekend at this great local boutique hotel, and pick a date idea located in the surrounding Pacific Beach area!

1. The Full Moon Drive In: The classic drive in is a rare find today, but we’re fortunate to have Full Moon Drive In just a few blocks from the hotel. This is the perfect date spot for couples that just want to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Grab some blankets, dress down for the evening and cuddle up to your significant other. If you’re hungry, turn your car’s interior light on and a staffer will stop by your car and take your order. During Valentine’s Day weekend the drive in will be playing all love-related features. Although the drive in won’t be open on Valentine’s Day, it will be open Feb. 15-17. For more information please visit http://www.fullmoondrivein.com/.

2. Bike Around the Bay: For the couples that want to avoid the crowds on Valentine’s Day and do something active, we suggest renting some bikes and taking a ride around Mission Bay. Make a date out of it by grabbing some food and blankets and having a picnic on the shore. There are so many great places to eat in Pacific Beach, but we guarantee they will be packed for Valentine’s Day. Plan ahead by making your meal or ordering take out, and bring it with you to the bay. Here are a few of our favorite eateries in the area that are known for large crowds, but offer great take-out options:

-Rocky’s Crown Pub: Known for some of the best burgers in San Diego! Rocky’s is          located in Crown Pointe, so it’s on the way to some great bike trails on the bay. We         promise you won’t be disappointed with these burgers. http://www.rockyburgers.com/

-Pacific Beach Fish Shop: You haven’t had a fish sandwich until you’ve tried one from     Fish Shop. Everything is fresh and there is usually a seasonal fish on the menu.      http://www.thefishshoppb.com/

-Rubicon Deli: Located in Mission Beach, Rubicon Deli has some of the        best sandwiches in San Diego. The sandwiches are huge and they are made      with fresh         baked bread, so this is a great food choice if you’ve worked up an appetite from bike riding.  http://therubicondeli.com/

3. At Home Wine Tasting: If you and your date just want to stay in for the night, have a private wine tasting event at home. Open up a bottle or two of wines that you’ve wanted to try–perhaps from local Southern Californian wineries?–put together a cheese and meat platter and indulge.  You’ll avoid the large crowds, probably save some money and have a better opportunity to talk one on one with your significant other!

4. Learn Something New: With the beach only steps from Ocean Park Inn, there are unlimited activities in our backyard. Spend Valentine’s Day trying something that both you and your date have never experienced. There are surf lessons, paddleboard lessons and even sailing lessons available year-round.

5. A Romantic Getaway at Ocean Park Inn: We’re offering some great Valentine’s Day specials at OPI. Extend Valentine’s Day throughout the weekend and stay with us. If you book our Valentine’s Day Package we’ll throw in a beautiful ocean front room and dinner for two on us. Dinner includes a $50 Firehouse gift card and in-room chocolates. With a great view of the Pacific, readily available room service and that special someone to keep you company, you have the option to lounge, relax and stay in all weekend! For more information on our Valentine’s Day Package visit http://www.oceanparkinn.com/hotel-specials-san-diego.html.

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Mark your calendars, because Fat Tuesday is right around the corner–Feb 12th, 2013! The 19^th annual Mardi Gras festival in San Diego’s Gaslamp District serves as one of the liveliest, and most highly anticipated festivals in Southern California. With an expected turnout of 40,000 people, this will be one the biggest parties of 2013, and you won’t want to miss it!

The festival will feature 4 different stages, boasting performance from both regional and national artists. From electronic music to bluegrass, the festival is sure to satisfy anyone’s musical taste as the party continues through the night. Dance crews, acrobats, and other musical processions will be performing throughout the evening with state of the art lighting, sound and visuals to enhance the overall experience.

Inside the festival guests will be able to enjoy craft beer tasting from local breweries, as well as tasty dinner packages from many of the surrounding restaurants in the Gaslamp.

Discounted advanced tickets are available for $40 per person (normally $50), which includes entry to the gated (21+ only) street festival, as well as in and out access to the festival, which allows guests who want to eat at one of their favorite restaurants in the Gaslamp are free to exit and do so, then return to the fun! The event will take place from 5:00pm to 11:00pm. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.gaslamp.org/mardi-gras-2013

Just a 10 min taxi ride from the Gaslamp District, Ocean Park Inn will serve as the perfect place to rest after a long night of celebration. For booking information, visit http://bit.ly/QN1Jod

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