California Anglers Encounter Giant Whale Shark as El Niño Fishing Heats Up

Anglers off San Clemente Island, California, had an unexpected encounter with a whale shark while targeting yellowtail. A charter from Newport Beach came extremely close to the ocean’s largest fish species, surprising the group because whale sharks typically aren’t found in Southern California waters. The sighting coincided with unusually warm conditions that have boosted sightings of tropical species, including manta rays. Local reporting also links the shift to a marine heatwave affecting waters off California since 2025 and a strengthening El Niño. Fishing around San Diego has produced yellowfin tuna, dorado, and species such as wahoo and striped marlin. A commercial rod-and-reel operation also landed a bluefin tuna estimated near 500 pounds, weighing 446 pounds after processing.