Bluefin show around Avalon from June, and in the fall the schools work the backside of the island. This guide covers Pacific bluefin tuna fishing out of Avalon for skippers running their own boat: when the fish are around, where boats run, the named grounds, and how the fish are taken. Moorings and conditions are on the Avalon port guide, and biology and general tactics are in the Pacific bluefin tuna species guide.
When Pacific bluefin are around Avalon
The season has two parts: an early summer window and a fall run on the backside of the island.
Early season
Bluefin show from June at Catalina, and June and July are the months named for bluefin around the island.
- Start: June
- Named months: June and July
Fall on the backside
In the fall, schools along the backside of the island are where bluefin show, so that is the first place to look for a fall run.
Where boats run from Avalon
The season sets the direction. In fall, boats run the backside. At other times they run open water offshore.
The backside in fall
In fall, boats run the backside of the island, where the schools show.
Open water offshore
Outside the fall, boats run open water offshore. The Pacific bluefin regional guide for the Southwest (see also the Pacific Southwest fishing guide) covers the wider picture from there.
| Time of year | Where boats run |
|---|---|
| Fall | Backside of the island |
| Otherwise | Open water offshore |
| June and July | Open water offshore |
Grounds and structure near Avalon
These are named places to look near Avalon, and none of them guarantees fish. Chart layers are not for navigation.
With depths given
- Church Rock: 65 ft
- Farnsworth Bank: 55 ft
- Hen Rock: 80 ft
Other named grounds
- Avalon Bank
- The Slide
- The Ridge: extends east off the island’s east end
- Silver Canyon sand flats
Long Point State Marine Reserve
Long Point State Marine Reserve is a named reserve near Avalon rather than a fishing ground. See the Regulations section below.
How bluefin are fished out of Avalon
Fish are usually near the surface, and that shapes the method. For general technique, see the guide to trolling and live bait for tuna.
Trolling
Boats troll with fluorocarbon leader.
Live bait and jigs
Fish near the surface usually take live bait or jigs.
Who fishes here
Owner-operators run their own boats out of this port, working these named grounds with the following methods:
- Trolling with fluorocarbon leader
- Live bait
- Jigs for surface fish
FAQ: bluefin out of Avalon
When are bluefin around Avalon?
Bluefin show from June, and June and July are the named months. Schools show along the backside of the island in the fall.
Where do boats run for bluefin in fall?
Boats run the backside of the island, where fall schools show. Outside the fall, boats run open water offshore.
What grounds near Avalon are named for this fishery?
Church Rock, Farnsworth Bank, Hen Rock, Avalon Bank, The Slide, The Ridge and Silver Canyon sand flats. Long Point State Marine Reserve is a reserve, not a ground.
How are bluefin fished out of Avalon?
Boats troll with fluorocarbon leader and fish live bait. Fish are usually near the surface and take live bait or jigs.
What depth is Farnsworth Bank?
Farnsworth Bank is 55 ft. Church Rock is 65 ft and Hen Rock is 80 ft.
Where are the rules for bluefin from Avalon?
CDFW sets the state rules, and bluefin also fall under federal highly migratory species rules. Check both before fishing, including Long Point State Marine Reserve.
