UTERPacific yellowtail fishing in Southern California
In Southern California, Pacific yellowtail peak May–September and are around year-round, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. May: Yellowtail on the kelp paddies and the islands; surface iron when they boil.
Thinning as the water cools.
Pacific yellowtail in Southern California, month by month
- JanuaryAroundA few winter fish at the islands and the Coronados.
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilArrivingSpring yellows on the squid at Catalina and San Clemente; yo-yo iron on the high spots.
- MayPeakYellowtail on the kelp paddies and the islands; surface iron when they boil.
- JunePeakPeak season: La Jolla kelp, the Coronados, Catalina — fly-lined sardine, surface iron, yo-yo iron.
- JulyPeakKelp paddies offshore hold schools; work every paddy.
- AugustPeakStill peak; Point Loma and La Jolla kelp.
- SeptemberPeakGood on the paddies and the islands.
- OctoberLeavingThinning as the water cools.
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish Pacific yellowtail near San Diego, Dana Point, Long Beach
A sheltered bight of kelp forests, sand flats and harbors, with the Channel Islands, Catalina and San Clemente 20–60 miles out and the offshore banks (Tanner, Cortes, the 9-Mile, the 43) beyond. The long-range sportboat fleet out of San Diego is its heart.
Fish Scouter charts 76 artificial reef, 16 ledge / hard bottom spots in the Southern California Bight map area — the kinds Pacific yellowtail hold on.
What to use for Pacific yellowtail
- SquidStrips on a bottom rig for snapper, grunts and porgies; whole on a deep-drop rig.
- Sardines (Pacific)Collar- or nose-hooked on a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fly-lined for yellowtail, white seabass and calico bass; a sinker a few feet up to get it under the bait ball.
- Anchovies (Pacific)Nose- or collar-hooked on a #4 to 1/0 hook and fly-lined with no weight, or on a dropper loop; a dozen tossed over the side as chum keeps the bass and bonito up.
- Leader40–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook4/0–8/0
- Braid50–100 lb
Feeds in 60–76°F water, best at 64–72°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch Pacific yellowtail in Southern California?
Peak season is May–September. Pacific yellowtail are here year-round. May: Yellowtail on the kelp paddies and the islands; surface iron when they boil.
Where do Pacific yellowtail hold in Southern California?
Look on artificial reef, ledge / hard bottom, marker / buoy — around San Diego, Dana Point, Long Beach, Marina del Rey, Oxnard, Santa Barbara.
What is the best bait for Pacific yellowtail in Southern California?
Live bait: squid, sardines (pacific), anchovies (pacific). Squid: Strips on a bottom rig for snapper, grunts and porgies; whole on a deep-drop rig. Tackle: leader 40–60 lb fluorocarbon, hook 4/0–8/0, braid 50–100 lb.
What are the rules for Pacific yellowtail in Southern California?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and change — read the current rule at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing.
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All about Pacific yellowtail · Southern California Bight, the whole year