When yellowfin tuna are around Avalon
AllWater’s Avalon Harbor month list gives July for yellowfin, while FishingBooker puts them later in the summer. Plan around both windows. For harbor and mooring logistics, see the Avalon port page. For how yellowfin behave and feed, see the yellowfin tuna guide.
| Source | Timing for yellowfin |
|---|---|
| AllWater, Avalon Harbor month list | July |
| FishingBooker | Later in the summer |
July on the month list
AllWater lists July for Avalon Harbor, so that is the month to put on the calendar first.
Later in the summer
FishingBooker says yellowfin arrive later in the summer. Treat this as a separate window from the AllWater listing.
Where boats run from Avalon
Per the Bdoutdoors guide to Catalina Island, boats run for yellowfin just offshore of the island, in open water. The run starts from the same harbor you fish the island from.
Open water just offshore
Bdoutdoors places the yellowfin fishing in open water rather than on a rock or bank. The named rocks and banks are covered below as local grounds. Plan the day around the open water first and the structure second.
Beyond the island
For the wider offshore picture beyond Catalina Island, see the Southern California regional guide (see also the wider Pacific Southwest guide).
Named grounds and structure near Avalon
The table lists the named grounds and structure near Avalon, with depths where they are given.
| Ground | Listed depth (ft) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Church Rock | 65 | |
| Farnsworth Bank | 55 | |
| Hen Rock | 80 | |
| Avalon Bank | ||
| The Slide | ||
| Silver Canyon sand flats | ||
| The Ridge | Extends east off the island’s east end | |
| Long Point State Marine Reserve | State marine reserve, see Regulations |
You can check these grounds on Chart Contours before the crossing. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Rocks and banks
Church Rock sits at 65 feet, Farnsworth Bank at 55 feet and Hen Rock at 80 feet. Avalon Bank and The Slide are named grounds without a listed depth.
Ridge, flats and the reserve
The Ridge extends east off the island’s east end. Silver Canyon sand flats are a named area near the port. Long Point State Marine Reserve is a protected area, covered under Regulations.
How yellowfin are fished out of Avalon
The local method is trolling with live bait. For rigging and leader detail across species, see our tuna fishing guides.
Trolling with live bait
Trolling with live bait suits the open water just offshore, where fish are not tied to a rock or bank.
Fluorocarbon leader
FishingBooker’s Catalina fishing advice is to troll with fluorocarbon leader and live bait for tunas, and the two work together as one rig.
Who fishes for yellowfin out of Avalon
Catalina Sportfishing Charters, aboard OPAH (AllWater), lists yellowfin tuna and runs from this port. It is the named local option if you want to see the fishing before running your own boat.
FAQ: yellowfin tuna fishing out of Avalon
When do yellowfin show up off Avalon?
AllWater’s Avalon Harbor month list gives July. FishingBooker says later in the summer.
How far do boats run from Avalon for yellowfin?
Boats run just offshore of the island, in open water, per Bdoutdoors. No mileage is listed.
What method is used locally?
Trolling with live bait. FishingBooker advises fluorocarbon leader with live bait for tunas.
Is there a charter that targets yellowfin from Avalon?
Catalina Sportfishing Charters, aboard OPAH, lists yellowfin tuna on AllWater and runs from this port.
Where are the rules for yellowfin tuna?
CDFW sets them, and they are on the state regulations page. Check Long Point State Marine Reserve’s rules before fishing nearby.
