Yellowfin fishing out of Marina del Rey comes down to three decisions: which months to go, which direction to run, and what to check before leaving the dock. The harbor sits on Santa Monica Bay, and the fish are island and offshore fish. This guide covers the monthly calendar, the structure near the harbor, the buoy to check, and the operators who list yellowfin.
When yellowfin tuna are around Marina del Rey
The yellowfin season at Marina del Rey follows a monthly calendar. Ramps, harbor entrance and conditions for your home port are in the Marina del Rey port guide. The ratings below come from Captain Experiences’ Marina del Rey calendar, a charter marketplace’s monthly ratings.
| Months | Rating |
|---|---|
| January to March | Good |
| April to September | Great |
| October to November | Good |
| December | Not Ideal |
Peak months
April through September carries the Great rating. Build trips around these months first, then fill in the shoulder months as weather and your schedule allow.
Shoulder and off months
January to March and October to November are rated Good. December is rated Not Ideal. Weigh those ratings against your boat, your schedule and the forecast.
Where boats run and what to read first
Decide on direction first, then look at structure, then check the buoy.
Island and offshore fish
Yellowfin out of this port are island and offshore fish. The Southern California yellowfin guide (see also the Pacific Southwest fishing guide) places the Marina del Rey run in the wider regional picture.
Named structure near the harbor
Two named pieces of structure sit near the harbor:
- Marina del Rey Artificial Reef 1, at 65 ft
- Marina del Rey Artificial Reef 2
Both are structure near the harbor and are not tuna grounds.
Conditions: NDBC 46025
NOAA NDBC station 46025 is the official conditions reference. It sits in the Santa Monica Basin, 33 nm WSW of Santa Monica, at 33.765 N, 119.077 W. Read wind, wave height and period as numbers before you commit to the run, and read them alongside the official marine forecast.
Pair the buoy numbers with the water picture on OBS SST. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How yellowfin are fished and who fishes them here
Method
The species and regional guides cover how yellowfin are fished. Start with the yellowfin tuna fishing guide for tackle and technique.
Local charters that list yellowfin
A Marina del Rey tuna charter is a sound way to learn the water before you run your own boat. These local operators list yellowfin:
- LA Sportfishing / Fin Fetish / Sea Trek. A Marina del Rey operator listing yellowfin.
- Marina Del Rey Fishing Trip on Captain Experiences, a marketplace listing credited to Captain Jeremy. See the Captain Experiences yellowfin listings.
FAQ: yellowfin tuna out of Marina del Rey
What are the best months for yellowfin out of Marina del Rey?
April through September, rated Great on Captain Experiences’ Marina del Rey calendar. January to March and October to November are rated Good. Plan around the Great months first.
Is December worth it?
December is rated Not Ideal on the same calendar. November and January, both rated Good, are the alternatives. Check the buoy and forecast numbers for the day you plan to go.
Where do boats go for yellowfin?
In general terms, boats run to island and offshore fish. The two reefs near the harbor are named structure and are not tuna grounds. For the wider picture, use the Southern California guide linked above.
Which buoy should I check before running?
NOAA NDBC station 46025, in the Santa Monica Basin, 33 nm WSW of Santa Monica. Read wind, wave height and period as numbers, and compare them with the official marine forecast before you commit to the run.
Can I book a charter here first?
Yes. Two entries list yellowfin: LA Sportfishing / Fin Fetish / Sea Trek, and a Captain Experiences listing credited to Captain Jeremy. Booking one first is a practical way to see the fishery before running your own boat.
What about other tunas, like bluefin?
Other tunas run in the same Southern California water and have their own guides. See the tuna fishing guides for each species.
