California yellowtail fishing out of San Diego on a private boat centers on three kinds of water: the Coronado Islands, offshore waters and local kelp beds. These are the grounds the local fleet works. Point Loma Sportfishing, H&M Landing and Fisherman’s Landing all list California yellowtail, and San Diego is the port reference for everything below. The California yellowtail guide covers the species’ seasonal movement.
Where boats run out of San Diego
Point Loma Sportfishing describes its trips as running to the Coronado Islands, offshore waters and local kelp beds, and those three frame any run you plan from this port. For the wider picture of Southern California grounds, see the Pacific Southwest yellowtail guide (see also the Pacific Southwest region guide).
| Water | How it is described |
|---|---|
| Coronado Islands | A destination on Point Loma Sportfishing’s trip list |
| Offshore waters | Part of the same trip description |
| Local kelp beds | Named in the same description, with no individual beds listed |
Coronado Islands
The Coronado Islands are the only named ground in the local fleet’s listings, which makes them the natural starting point for chart work.
Offshore waters
Offshore waters appear in the same trip description as the islands. Plan them as a separate leg rather than an extension of the Coronado Islands run.
Local kelp beds
The fleet mentions kelp beds only in general terms, so you will need to pick out the beds that fit your run from your chart.
How yellowtail are fished locally
Point Loma Sportfishing’s site links a video titled "Yellowtail with Yo-Yo lures." That title is the only local pointer on method, and "yo-yo lures" is the term to search if you want to see the technique worked. Other offshore species are covered in the coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
Who fishes for yellowtail out of San Diego
Three landings list California yellowtail, and two tournaments run out of San Diego with yellowtail in play.
Landings
These San Diego operations list California yellowtail:
- H&M Landing
- Fisherman’s Landing in San Diego
- Point Loma Sportfishing
Tournaments
Two tournaments are built around yellowtail and the offshore bite:
- BD Outdoors Yellowtail Shootout, usually June
- Pelagic California Tuna Challenge, usually August
FAQ about California yellowtail fishing out of San Diego
Where do boats run for yellowtail out of San Diego?
Point Loma Sportfishing describes its trips as running to the Coronado Islands, offshore waters and local kelp beds.
Which San Diego landings list California yellowtail?
H&M Landing, Fisherman’s Landing and Point Loma Sportfishing all list California yellowtail.
When are yellowtail around San Diego?
The local listings state no season. The BD Outdoors Yellowtail Shootout is usually in June, and the Pelagic California Tuna Challenge is usually in August. For seasonal movement, see the species guide.
How are yellowtail fished out of San Diego?
Point Loma Sportfishing’s site links a video titled "Yellowtail with Yo-Yo lures."
Where do I find the rules for California yellowtail?
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife sets them. Check the agency’s page before you fish.
