California yellowtail fishing out of Mission Bay runs in spring and summer, on the Point Loma and La Jolla kelp beds and at the Coronado Islands. Half-day boats work kelp water from La Jolla south to Imperial Beach, and the full-day boat runs to the Coronado Islands in Mexican waters. Local boats report good bites on yo-yo irons and plastics.
When yellowtail are around Mission Bay
Seaforth’s half-day trips list yellowtail in spring and summer, so plan kelp-bed trips for that window. The California yellowtail species guide covers behavior beyond this port.
- Spring: yellowtail on the half-day kelp trips.
- Summer: yellowtail on the half-day kelp trips.
Where boats run from Mission Bay
Seaforth’s half-day trips range from La Jolla south to Imperial Beach and work the Point Loma and La Jolla kelp beds. The full-day Coronado trip goes to the Coronado Islands in Mexican waters.
If you run a private boat, the half-day range shows where the kelp water is, and the full-day run is the island option. For the wider region beyond La Jolla to Imperial Beach, see Southern California and Pacific Southwest yellowtail water (see also the wider Pacific Southwest guide).
| Ground | Trip that fishes it | Where it sits in the range |
|---|---|---|
| Point Loma kelp beds | Half-day | La Jolla to Imperial Beach range |
| La Jolla kelp beds | Half-day | North end of the range |
| Coronado Islands | Full-day Coronado trip | Mexican waters |
Point Loma kelp beds
The Point Loma kelp beds are a named ground on Seaforth’s half-day trip, inside the La Jolla to Imperial Beach range. For a private boat, they are the first kelp water to put on your list.
La Jolla kelp beds
The La Jolla kelp beds are also a named ground on Seaforth’s half-day trip, and La Jolla marks the north end of the half-day range.
Coronado Islands
Seaforth fishes the Coronado Islands on its full-day Coronado trip. They lie in Mexican waters, which makes them the full-day option compared with the half-day kelp water. Different rules apply there; see the Regulations section below.
How yellowtail are fished here
Local boats report good bites on yellowtail with two methods, yo-yo irons and plastics. Both suit the kelp beds and islands the fleet fishes.
Yo-yo irons
Bring yo-yo irons for both the kelp beds and the island run.
Plastics
Bring plastics along with your irons.
Who fishes for them out of Mission Bay
Seaforth Sportfishing in Quivira Basin operates from Seaforth Landing and lists California yellowtail on its half-day trips and its full-day Coronado trip.
A private skipper can learn from its reports: the half-day boats show the kelp water, and the full-day Coronado boat shows the island run. The reports indicate which ground is producing, though none of them promises fish. Legacy is listed at Seaforth for whale watching, not yellowtail.
FAQ
When is yellowtail season out of Mission Bay?
Spring and summer, per Seaforth’s half-day trips.
Where do boats from Mission Bay fish for yellowtail?
Half-day boats work the Point Loma and La Jolla kelp beds, ranging from La Jolla south to Imperial Beach. The full-day trip goes to the Coronado Islands.
Are the Coronado Islands in U.S. waters?
No. They are in Mexican waters, and Mexico’s rules apply there.
What lures do local boats use for yellowtail?
Yo-yo irons and plastics are reported getting good bites.
Where can I read about other gamefish?
Other species are covered in the coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
