Yellowtail show up around Marina del Rey as the water warms, and every owner-operator has to decide whether to run to the islands or work the local water. California yellowtail fishing out of Marina del Rey is a seasonal call. This guide covers when the fish are around, where boats run, the two named reefs, the methods and charters named for this port, and the buoy to read before you leave. The Marina del Rey port guide covers the harbor, the ramp and the entrance.
The sources are Captain Experiences, LA Sportfishing and NOAA NDBC, and this guide reports what they say without going further.
When yellowtail are around Marina del Rey
The Captain Experiences calendar, in its row labeled Yellowtail Amberjack, rates yellowtail Great from April through October and Good the rest of the year.
| Months | Rating |
|---|---|
| January to March | Good |
| April to October | Great |
| November to December | Good |
LA Sportfishing says most yellowtail move up the coast toward the local area as water warms, while some larger fish stay local year round. The California yellowtail species guide covers general behavior and biology.
Great months
April through October is the window to plan around. It is also when the named island hot spots, Catalina Island and Santa Barbara Island, fit the plan.
Good months
January to March and November to December still rate Good. Larger fish that stay local year round keep the local water in play when an island run is off the table.
Where boats run from Marina del Rey
Catalina Island and Santa Barbara Island are the named hot spots. Guide reports on Captain Experiences also describe yellowtail offshore and at the local islands. Both islands fit into the wider Southern California yellowtail guide (see also the Pacific Southwest fishing guide).
The choice comes down to three options:
- In the Great months, the islands are the named destinations.
- Local water holds resident larger fish year round.
- Offshore water sits between the two and is described in guide reports.
Catalina Island
Catalina is named as a hot spot for yellowtail from this port.
Santa Barbara Island
Santa Barbara Island is also named as a hot spot for yellowtail from this port.
Offshore and local water
Captain Experiences guide reports describe yellowtail offshore and at the local islands, and LA Sportfishing says larger fish stay local year round. Reef and offshore water can be checked in the Breakpoint app’s Chart Contours layer. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Reading station 46025 before the run
NOAA NDBC station 46025 sits in the Santa Monica Basin, 33 nm WSW of Santa Monica, at 33.765 N, 119.077 W. It reports wind, wave height, wave period and water temperature.
A single buoy 33 nm offshore reflects basin conditions rather than conditions at the reef or in the island lee. Check the official National Weather Service marine forecast before you leave.
Local grounds and structure
Two named artificial reefs sit near Marina del Rey.
Marina del Rey Artificial Reef 1 (65 ft)
Reef 1 sits in 65 ft of water and is the named structure to pair with bottom fishing.
Marina del Rey Artificial Reef 2
Reef 2 is the second named reef near the port.
How yellowtail are fished here, and who fishes them
The Captain Experiences Marina del Rey trip listing names four techniques: trolling, jigging, kite fishing and bottom fishing. For more depth on trolling, jigging and kite technique, see the gamefish guides.
Trolling
Trolling is named for trips from this port.
Jigging
Jigging is named for trips from this port.
Kite fishing
Kite fishing is named for trips from this port.
Bottom fishing
Bottom fishing is named for trips from this port, and the 65 ft reef is named structure nearby.
Local charters
Each operator below lists California yellowtail.
| Operator | Boats | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Marina del Rey Sportfishing | New Del Mar, Spitfire, Betty-O | Marina del Rey Sportfishing landing |
| LA Sportfishing / Fin Fetish / Sea Trek | Listed on the operator’s site | LA Sportfishing and Fin Fetish |
| Marina Del Rey Fishing Trip | Captain Jeremy, a marketplace listing on Captain Experiences | Captain Jeremy’s Marina del Rey trip |
FAQ: California yellowtail fishing out of Marina del Rey
When is yellowtail season out of Marina del Rey?
The Captain Experiences calendar rates it Great from April through October and Good from January to March and November to December.
Where do boats run for yellowtail from Marina del Rey?
Catalina Island and Santa Barbara Island are the named hot spots. Guide reports also describe fish offshore and at the local islands.
Can you catch yellowtail locally without running to the islands?
LA Sportfishing says some larger fish stay local year round, and that most yellowtail move up the coast toward the local area as water warms.
Which methods are used for yellowtail from this port?
The Captain Experiences trip listing names trolling, jigging, kite fishing and bottom fishing.
What buoy should I check before leaving Marina del Rey?
NOAA NDBC station 46025 in the Santa Monica Basin, 33 nm WSW of Santa Monica. It reports wind, wave height, wave period and water temperature. Pair it with the official National Weather Service marine forecast.
Which charters target yellowtail out of Marina del Rey?
Marina del Rey Sportfishing runs the New Del Mar, Spitfire and Betty-O. LA Sportfishing / Fin Fetish / Sea Trek also lists yellowtail, as does Captain Jeremy’s listing on Captain Experiences.
