California yellowtail fishing out of Morro Bay is listed for summer and winter, and it centers on offshore structure that holds baitfish. Boats troll and jig for them, including yo-yo jigging. This guide covers the grounds in order from the harbor, starting at the Morro Bay port page and working north.
When yellowtail are around Morro Bay
A FishingBooker deep sea guide calls summer the peak and also lists yellowtail as a winter focus, which gives two seasons for this port. That is the full timing picture for Morro Bay yellowtail, and it rests on a single source.
For biology and general habits, see the California yellowtail guide. For how this port fits the coast, see the wider Pacific Southwest picture (see also the Pacific Southwest fishing guide).
| Season | What the guide says |
|---|---|
| Summer | Named as the peak |
| Winter | Listed as a yellowtail focus |
Summer
The FishingBooker guide names summer as the peak for yellowtail out of Morro Bay.
Winter
The same guide also lists yellowtail as a winter focus.
Where boats run from Morro Bay
Yellowtail stay near offshore structure that attracts baitfish. Bait holds on structure and yellowtail follow it, so boats run to reefs and points.
The grounds below are ordered from nearest and south, to north, to the long run north. Only Cape San Martin has a published distance, about 60 miles north. Harbor and launch details are on the Morro Bay port page.
When planning, the Chart Contours layer in Breakpoint can help you spot structure. Chart layers are not for navigation.
| Ground | Where it sits |
|---|---|
| Hazard Canyon Reef | Near Montaña de Oro State Park, just south of Morro Bay |
| Estero Bay bottom spots | Estero Bay |
| Piedras Blancas Lighthouse area | North of Morro Bay, off San Simeon |
| Lopez Point | Named structure on the list |
| Cape San Martin (Big Sur) | About 60 miles north of Morro Bay |
Hazard Canyon Reef
Hazard Canyon Reef is near Montaña de Oro State Park, just south of Morro Bay, and it is the nearest ground on this list. The reef holds bait, and yellowtail follow the bait.
Estero Bay bottom spots
The bottom spots in Estero Bay are structure that can hold bait, which is what yellowtail follow.
Piedras Blancas Lighthouse area (San Simeon / "Jurassic Park")
The Piedras Blancas Lighthouse area is north of Morro Bay, off San Simeon. Boats call it "Jurassic Park."
Lopez Point
Lopez Point is another named structure on the list, and the same bait logic applies.
Cape San Martin (Big Sur)
Cape San Martin is about 60 miles north of Morro Bay, per FishingBooker, and it is the longest run on the list.
How yellowtail are fished out of Morro Bay
FishingBooker lists trolling and jigging, including yo-yo jigging, as the Morro Bay methods for yellowtail. This is general guide text, not a charter statement. The same methods carry over to other offshore gamefish.
- Trolling: a listed method for Morro Bay yellowtail.
- Jigging: a listed method, including yo-yo jigging.
Trolling
Trolling is a listed Morro Bay method, and it pairs well with working the structure above.
Jigging and yo-yo jigging
Jigging, including yo-yo jigging, is a listed method for yellowtail out of Morro Bay.
Who fishes for yellowtail out of Morro Bay
Private boaters run their own boats to the grounds above. Method and season information for the port comes from charter-guide material. Launch and harbor logistics are on the port page.
FAQ about yellowtail fishing out of Morro Bay
When is the peak for yellowtail out of Morro Bay?
A FishingBooker guide calls summer the peak for California yellowtail fishing out of Morro Bay. It also lists yellowtail as a winter focus, so the guide gives two seasons for this port.
How far is Cape San Martin from Morro Bay?
Cape San Martin, on the Big Sur coast, is about 60 miles north of Morro Bay, per FishingBooker. It is the longest run on the list of grounds.
Where is Hazard Canyon Reef?
Hazard Canyon Reef is near Montaña de Oro State Park, just south of Morro Bay. It is the nearest ground on the list.
What methods are used for yellowtail out of Morro Bay?
FishingBooker lists trolling and jigging, including yo-yo jigging, as the Morro Bay methods for yellowtail. This is general guide text, not a charter statement.
Where are the yellowtail rules for California?
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife sets them. Check its rules before you fish.
