When yellowtail are around Redondo Beach
California yellowtail fishing out of Redondo Beach happens on kelp, reef and canyon structure minutes from King Harbor. For biology and general tactics, start with the California yellowtail species guide. This page covers the water you can reach from this harbor: where boats run, the named structure and its depths, bait, the local landing and a pointer to the rules.
Timing
Yellowtail are pursued out of this port at several times of year. For timing and water conditions across the rest of the coast, see the Pacific Southwest yellowtail guide (see also the Pacific Southwest fishing guide).
No page can promise fish. What follows is the structure and the numbers, so you can decide where to look.
Reading the water
NOAA tide station 9410738 (King Harbor) is the tide reference for planning a run. Check it before you leave the slip, then check the official marine forecast for wind and wave height.
Where boats run from King Harbor
Boats from King Harbor work two areas: Santa Monica Bay and the Palos Verdes coast. The half-day Redondo Special fishes both. For harbor, marina and conditions context, see the Redondo Beach port page.
| Area | What to know |
|---|---|
| Santa Monica Bay | Fished by the half-day Redondo Special |
| Palos Verdes coast | Rocky Point and the kelp beds lie minutes from King Harbor |
Santa Monica Bay
The Bay is the first area the half-day boat fishes. The artificial reefs and Redondo Canyon, covered in the next section, are the structure to look for here.
Palos Verdes coast
Rocky Point and the Palos Verdes kelp beds lie minutes from King Harbor. The short run leaves more of the trip for fishing.
Grounds and structure near Redondo Beach
Structure here ranges from artificial reefs at 55-60 ft to a canyon that drops to 2000 ft, with kelp and rock minutes from the harbor. Work it from near and shallow to deep.
Rocky Point and the Palos Verdes kelp
Both lie minutes from King Harbor on the Palos Verdes coast. They are the closest named grounds on that side of the run.
Artificial reefs
Two reefs near Redondo have published depths:
| Name | Depth (ft) |
|---|---|
| Hermosa Beach Artificial Reef | 55-60 |
| Redondo Beach streetcar reef | 60 |
The streetcar reef was a 1958 CDFW study site.
Redondo Canyon
Redondo Canyon runs to 2000 ft, the deep end of the local depth range, against reefs at 55-60 ft. The canyon edge and the reef depths show clearly on Chart Contours. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Other named structure
These are worth finding on a chart:
- Redondo artificial reef
- Palawan Wreck
- Redondo West Wall
How yellowtail are fished out of King Harbor
Fishing here centers on live bait, and the harbor has the supply.
Live bait and the harbor bait barge
The local landing fishes live bait on its boats. Private boats fill their tanks at a bait barge in King Harbor before running out.
Who fishes for yellowtail from this port
One landing out of King Harbor lists California yellowtail.
Redondo Beach Sportfishing
Redondo Beach Sportfishing lists California yellowtail. Its half-day boat, the Redondo Special, is 65 ft and carries up to 60 anglers. It fishes Santa Monica Bay and the Palos Verdes coast, the same water covered above.
FAQ: California yellowtail fishing out of Redondo Beach
How far are the yellowtail grounds from King Harbor?
Rocky Point and the Palos Verdes kelp beds lie minutes from King Harbor.
Where do private boats get bait in Redondo Beach?
There is a bait barge in King Harbor, and the local landing fishes live bait.
How deep is Redondo Canyon?
Redondo Canyon runs to 2000 ft. The Hermosa Beach Artificial Reef sits at 55-60 ft and the streetcar reef at 60 ft.
What boat fishes for yellowtail from the Redondo Beach landing?
The Redondo Special from Redondo Beach Sportfishing, a 65 ft boat that carries up to 60 anglers. It fishes Santa Monica Bay and the Palos Verdes coast.
What else can you target out of Redondo Beach?
The port’s grounds hold other coastal and offshore gamefish. See the coastal and offshore gamefish guides for the species picture.
