The wind blows for weeks on end at the Channel Islands in May, June and July, yet there are brief lulls in the weather when boats can comfortably make it out to the islands.

Limits of white seabass can be the delicious reward.

Between March 15 and June 15, limits meant one per angler. After June 15 the limit went back up to three per angler. While three seems like a low number, successful anglers are taking home a heavy load of rich fillets fit for fine family dining.

The more southerly islands in the SoCal Bight also kick out good numbers of white seabass when they are on the bite. Early season action centered on Catalina Island. While that is still a great destination, the northern Channel Islands are now the epicenter of white seabass activity.

Getting in on the action is easy. Just call up your local fishing landing and reserve a spot on an overnight boat that plans to target the big croakers. Another option is to call up a private charter service and book a trip. If you fish on a private boat, you might benefit from some pointers from a seasoned charter captain.

On my trips, I look for concentrations of natural bait in the water, such as squid, anchovies, and sardines when scouting spots to fish.

When groups of birds dive on a spot, then move a short way, repeatedly dive again and then move on, it means the fish are there and chasing small baitballs up to the surface where birds have a quick shot at them before the action moves on. These are good fishing opportunities.

White seabass display an affinity for white jigs with a whole squid pinned on the hook. Work a white jig gently up and down a few feet above the bottom. Set up another rig with a whole squid pinned on the hook of a reverse dropper loop (hook on the end with a weight suspended from a dropper loop a few feet up the line).

Live squid is nice to have, but it is not necessary. Seabass eat dead and dying spawned-out squid near the seafloor, so imparting a little action to a dead squid will often draw a strike.

One more productive technique is to fish a whole squid, anchovy or sardine on a bait hook with a sliding sinker right above the hook. The size of the sinker is important because it should be just heavy enough to take the bait down to the depth where schools of bait are found, or seabass are metered.

The depth of the action, and the rate of the boat’s drift will determine what size sliding sinker is necessary. If a bait is not quickly getting deep enough, then quickly bring it back in and put on a heavier weight. You won’t catch fish if your bait isn’t in the right place.

The right time is important, too. Early morning greylight is best, and changes in current flow sometimes trigger white seabass to start biting aggressively.