Using Pacific Mackerel as Bait

Some fisherman aren't aware that small Pacific Mackerel (Scomber japonicus) make great bait fish.  Pacific Mackerel are great bait when fishing for Bass, Yellow Croaker, White Croaker, Halibut, Sole and other ground fish.  The oily flesh of the Pacific Mackerel also makes it a great bait fish when fishing for sharks and rays.

Cal Fish Exports specializes in bait Pacific Mackerel.  We often ship full truck loads or container loads, but small shipment sizes are also available.  Please contact sales@calfishexports.com for pricing and shipping information.

Looking for Yellow Croaker?

Cal Fish Exports has Yellow Croaker (Umbrina roncador) in stock for immediate shipment. We're offering great prices on full truckloads and contrainer shipments.  Yes, this product is available for export from the United States.  Contact sales@calfishexports.com for a price quote and photos of our current inventory of Yellow Croaker!

Recreational Groundfish Season Now Open

The recreational boat-based groundfish season for Southern California (Pt. Conception to the CA-Mexico border) opened on March 1, 2013.  There are more than 90 species of bottom-dwelling finfish that are regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.  Species include the Leopard Shark, California Skate, Lingcod, Pacific Cod, Pacific Whiting (also referred to as Pacific Hake), Dover Sole, English Sole, and all species of Rockfish in the family Scorpaenidae.  The season will be open until December 31, 2013.

Cal Fish Exports carries many of your favorite groundfish.  Please contact us at sales@calfishexports.com for more information on groundfish, or any other seafood product that you are looking for.

California Spiny Lobster Season Ends Next Week

The recreational season for California Spiny Lobster ends next week on Wednesday, March 20th at midnight.  The season will open again in October.

In the meantime, Cal Fish Exports has a wide variety of fish to offer at wholes sale prices.  From Yellow Croaker to California Squid, we carry just about any variety you can think of.  We offer great pricing on whole and LTL loads, and can even arrange shipping for you you.

If you have questions about our products or pricing, please email sales@calfishexports.com for more information.

Get to Know...Pacific Mackerel

Pacific Mackerel (Scomber japonicus) is very similar to Atalantic Mackerel, through typically smaller.  Found throughout the Pacific, as well as much of the Atlantic, supplies are best in the fall when their fat content is highest and after spawning has occured (in the spring).  Pacific Mackerel are a little less oily and drier tasting than Atlantic Mackerel.  

Pacific Mackerel are excellent as a broiled seafood item, but also make great lobster bait.  With California Lobster season quickly approaching, Cal Fish Exports currently has a good stock of the fish, in a variety of sizes.  Full truckloads are now available for purchase.  Please contact sales@calfishexports.com for more information.

Get to Know...Yellow Croaker

Yellow Croaker (Umbrina roncador), sometimes also referred to as Yellow Corvina, is a species of croaker found in the temperate waters of the western Pacific.  They are bottom feeders that remain in shallow waters, but avoid brackish conditions.  These fish are typically caught with offshore net cages or deep-water net cages.

In the 1970's and early 1980's, extreme overfishing of this species resulted in significant population declines.  The Yellow Croaker populations have since been replenished.

 Cal Fish Exports currently offers full truckloads of whole, frozen yellow croaker.  Shipment to any location in the United States, or export to another country, is possible.  Please contact sales@calfishexports.com for more information.

Get to Know...Dungeness Crab

The Dungeness Crab (Cancer magister) gets it's name from the town of Dungeness, Washington.  The first commercial harvesting of the crab took place in this town.  The crab is found in the Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to Point Conception in California. Average size is approximately 7 inches of shell width.  The prefer to inhabit eel beds as well as muddy and sandy bottoms.  They have been known to eat clams, fish, worms, squid and snails. 

Commercial crab harvesting is typically done with the use of crab pots.  These pots are set in water depths of 20-150 feet and are checked daily or every few days for crabs.  Crab catch methods also include long handled dip nets that are used from boats, and short handled dip nets that are used as the crabber wades through shallow waters.

Cal Fish Exports has bait available for crabbers.  Humboldt Giant Squid, Pacific Mackerel, salmon heads and more are available for purchase.  Contact sales@calfishexports.com for more information.

Commercial spiny lobster season has begun

Below are some Spiny lobster Q & A.

When does recreational lobster season start and end?

Recreational lobster season runs from the Saturday preceding the first Wednesday in October through the first Wednesday after the 15th of March. Saturday, September 29, 2012 through Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Is there a limit to the number of spiny lobster report cards I can buy?

No. Unlike abalone and sturgeon report cards, there is currently no limit on the number of lobster report cards one can purchase.

What is the purpose of the spiny lobster report card?

The purpose of the reporting requirement is to monitor recreational spiny lobster catch, fishing effort and the gear used in the recreational fishery. Although the DFG has considerable information about the commercial lobster fishery from landing receipts and logbooks, the DFG has very little reliable information on the magnitude of the recreational lobster catch and fishing effort.

Where and when do I submit the card once it's filled out?

 Completed cards should be dropped off or mailed to the address specified on the report card by January 31 of the following year. Report cards should be mailed to:

California Department of Fish and Game
Lobster Report Card
3883 Ruffin Rd.
San Diego, CA 92123

 What is the minimum size limit for spiny lobster, and how do I measure a lobster?

The minimum size limit for recreational fishermen is three and one-fourth inches, measured in a straight line on the midline of the back from the rear edge of the eye socket to the rear edge of the body shell

Korea's Favorite Fish - Yellow Croaker

This fish is meaty and tasty, it is a traditional food that is rich in protein and has been very popular across Korea. not only is it delicious in taste it contributes to digestion and supplies nutrition. Often called "jogi" the fish that energizes you.

This fish can be prepared in may ways grilled and spiced, boil in soup, make fish cake and marinated and steamed.

California Squid (Loligo opalescens) Available Now!

Cal Fish Exports now has early season California Squid available for purchase.  Here are the details:

Frozen Whole Round
Size: 10-12 Count Per Pound
Packing: 10 Kilo Carton with Poly Liner
Roe: 0%
Ready for Immediate Shipment
Payment 30% Deposit to Load Container, 100% Against Faxed Documents Once Container is Loaded.
USDC Health Certificate, COO, B/L, Commercial Invoice

Please contact sales@calfishexports.com for more information, including photos and pricing details.