California yellowtail fishing out of Avalon comes down to a short list of grounds on the east end and backside of Catalina, each suited to a particular method. This page covers the season window, named grounds with depths and distances, the method that fits each ground, and two charters that list yellowtail. Biology and general behavior are in our species guide.
When yellowtail are around Avalon
FishingBooker reports the yellowtail bite picking up in April and improving as the water warms. AllWater’s Avalon Harbor month list shows yellowtail from June through October. April is the early end of the season, and June through October is the span both sources cover, so plan around the wider range and expect the bite to build as the water warms around Catalina.
| Source | Window |
|---|---|
| FishingBooker | Bite picks up in April and improves as the water warms |
| AllWater, Avalon Harbor month list | June through October |
Where boats run from Avalon
The wider Southern California picture is in our regional guide (see also the wider Pacific Southwest guide). This section covers only the water within reach of Avalon.
Boats fish rocky areas, kelp and featureless bottom on both sides of the island, in depths to about 120 ft. The grounds below split into the east end near the port and the backside toward Long Point.
East end near Avalon
Church Rock sits on the east end near Avalon, at 65 ft. The Ridge is also an east end ground and extends east off the island’s east end. Avalon Bank and The Slide are two more named grounds near the port.
Backside and south
Farnsworth Bank lies about 1.6 miles off the backside, at 55 ft. Hen Rock sits just south of Long Point, at 80 ft, beside a reserve covered under Regulations below. Silver Canyon sand flats is another named local ground, over featureless bottom.
| Ground | Side or area | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Church Rock | East end near Avalon | 65 ft |
| The Ridge | Extends east off the east end | not listed |
| Avalon Bank | Near Avalon | not listed |
| The Slide | Near Avalon | not listed |
| Farnsworth Bank | About 1.6 miles off the backside | 55 ft |
| Silver Canyon sand flats | Named local ground | not listed |
| Hen Rock | Just south of Long Point | 80 ft |
These grounds can be viewed on the Chart Contours layer. Chart layers are not for navigation; use official charts.
How yellowtail are fished out of Avalon
Three methods cover most of the local fishing, usually used in sequence: search, then fish the surface, then fish the structure. For general technique, see our coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
Trolling and scouting
Troll plugs or live bait along the shoreline at 30 to 100 ft while you scout for birds and bait. This covers the water along the kelp on either side of the island before you commit to a ground.
Surface iron and live bait
Throw surface iron, or fish live sardine or mackerel, once scouting turns up birds and bait and fish show on top.
Jigging structure
Dropper-loop and yo-yo jigging work near bottom structure, which suits the rocky ground at Church Rock (65 ft), Farnsworth Bank (55 ft) and Hen Rock (80 ft).
| Method | Depth or setting | Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Trolling plugs or live bait | Shoreline, 30 to 100 ft | Scouting for birds and bait |
| Surface iron, live sardine or mackerel | Surface | Fish showing on top |
| Dropper-loop and yo-yo jigging | Near bottom structure | Church Rock, Farnsworth Bank, Hen Rock |
Who fishes for yellowtail out of Avalon
Two local charters list yellowtail:
- Avalon Anglers, run by Captain Martin, lists california yellowtail among its target species.
- Catalina Sportfishing Charters aboard OPAH lists yellowtail.
FAQ about yellowtail fishing out of Avalon
When does the yellowtail bite start around Avalon?
FishingBooker reports the bite picking up in April and improving as the water warms. AllWater’s Avalon Harbor month list shows yellowtail from June through October.
How deep is Church Rock?
Church Rock is on the east end near Avalon, at 65 ft. It is structure suited to dropper-loop and yo-yo jigging.
How far off is Farnsworth Bank?
Farnsworth Bank is about 1.6 miles off the backside, at 55 ft.
What methods work for yellowtail out of Avalon?
Anglers troll plugs or live bait along the shoreline at 30 to 100 ft while scouting for birds and bait. They also throw surface iron and fish live sardine or mackerel. Dropper-loop and yo-yo jigging work near bottom structure.
Which charters target yellowtail out of Avalon?
Avalon Anglers, run by Captain Martin, and Catalina Sportfishing Charters aboard OPAH both list yellowtail.
