UTERPacific bonito fishing in Southern California
In Southern California, Pacific bonito peak May–September and are around year-round, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Peak: boils off Redondo, Long Beach and San Diego; small iron and sabikis.
Tapering.
Pacific bonito in Southern California, month by month
- JanuaryAroundHarbor bonito in King Harbor and the warm-water outfalls.
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilArrivingBonito on the bait schools off the harbors.
- MayPeakBluefin push in; barracuda and bonito boil on the bait. Kite-flown flying fish on the offshore banks for bluefin; chrome iron for 'cudas; halibut spawning on the shallow sand.
- JunePeakPeak: boils off Redondo, Long Beach and San Diego; small iron and sabikis.
- JulyPeak
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeakStill on.
- OctoberLeavingTapering.
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish Pacific bonito 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 spots in the Southern California Bight map area — the kinds Pacific bonito hold on.
What to use for Pacific bonito
- 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.
- 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.
- Leader20–40 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#1–4/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 60–74°F water, best at 64–70°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch Pacific bonito in Southern California?
Peak season is May–September. Pacific bonito are here year-round. June: Peak: boils off Redondo, Long Beach and San Diego; small iron and sabikis.
Where do Pacific bonito hold in Southern California?
Look on artificial reef, fishing pier, marker / buoy, beach / surf, channel edge — around San Diego, Dana Point, Long Beach, Marina del Rey, Oxnard, Santa Barbara.
What is the best bait for Pacific bonito in Southern California?
Live bait: anchovies (pacific), sardines (pacific). 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. Tackle: leader 20–40 lb fluorocarbon, hook #1–4/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for Pacific bonito 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.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
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All about Pacific bonito · Southern California Bight, the whole year