November 2025 — San Diego: Rockfish season, late wahoo and tuna. November is a late fall month with water in the 62-66°F range — transition to winter species; rockfish, halibut, sand bass. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — November 2025
Primary targets this month: Yellowtail, Rockfish, Calico Bass, Halibut.
Yellowtail
Yellowtail on the Coronado Islands, the 9 Mile Bank, the 14 Mile Bank, and the kelp lines off La Jolla and Point Loma — May through October peak. Live mackerel, sardines, or anchovies on 4/0-6/0 circle hooks. Slow-trolled or fly-lined. Heavy enough tackle (40-50 lb) to keep them out of the kelp.
Rockfish
Rockfish on the offshore reefs, the Coronado Islands, and rocky bottom in 100-300 feet. Drop 6-10 oz iron jigs or shrimp flies on a multi-hook rig to the bottom in 100-300 feet. Multiple species in a drop — vermilion, chili pepper, copper, china, and the occasional lingcod.
Calico Bass
Calico Bass on the kelp beds and rocky structure along the entire San Diego coast — Point Loma, La Jolla, Coronado. Plastic swimbaits (3-5″ MC Swimbaits, Big Hammer), live anchovies, or jigs around kelp and rock. Light tackle (15-25 lb) on spinning or baitcasting gear.
Halibut
California halibut on San Diego Bay, Mission Bay, the sandy nearshore — quality halibut in 30-100 feet. Live bait (anchovy, smelt) on Carolina rigs slow-trolled along sandy bottom; soft plastic swimbaits hopped along the bottom. 20-30 lb tackle.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 62-66°F. Transition to winter species; rockfish, halibut, sand bass. San Diego tides are 4-6 feet — significant for kelp and bay fishing. Bay halibut bite best on the moving tide. Kelp fishing for calicos peaks on slow current as kelp lays back. Offshore tuna driven by water temperature and current rather than tide.
Check the NOAA marine forecast and tide charts before launching. Wind direction often matters more than wind speed for inshore fishing — clean water beats churned water nine times out of ten.
Tactics & Tackle for This Month
- Water temperature is everything. Yellowtail like 64°F+, white seabass like 60-65°F squid spawns, bluefin tuna 68-72°F.
- Live bait priority. Bait quality determines success — buy active anchovies and sardines from the bait barge, use them quickly.
November Outlook
Late fall — final striper runs, flounder migration peaks, first sustained cold fronts.
Regulations Reminder
Yellowtail (CA): 24″ fork length minimum, 10 per day. Rockfish/Lingcod: CA seasons highly variable by depth zone — verify CDFW current rules. Lingcod 22″ minimum. Always verify current state regulations before each trip — slots, bag limits, and seasons change.
Local Resources
Bait & Tackle: Fisherman’s Landing tackle (Point Loma, 619-221-8500); H&M Landing (Point Loma); Squidco (Chula Vista); Discount Fishing Tackle (multiple SD locations).
Public Boat Ramps: Shelter Island Boat Launch (Point Loma — main public ramp), Mission Bay (Dana Landing, De Anza), Glorietta Bay (Coronado), Chula Vista Marina.
Charter Fishing: $200-$300/person walk-on day trips (Fisherman’s Landing, H&M Landing); $1,200-$2,500 private nearshore/Coronado Islands; $2,500-$6,000+ long-range overnight trips.
More San Diego Resources
San Diego Fishing Guide · San Diego Seasonal Calendar · All San Diego reports →
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