The San Diego sportfishing fleet is in its late-spring transition this week. Yellowtail are stacked on the local kelp paddies and at the Coronado Islands, the first bluefin tuna have arrived on the 60-mile water, and the local yellowtail-and-bass mix has been productive. Light onshore winds dominated the week.
Yellowtail — Local and Coronados
The local yellowtail bite has been productive. Schools are working the kelp paddies and structure from La Jolla south to Imperial Beach and at the Coronado Islands. Live sardines on a 2/0 short-shank live bait hook with 30-50 lb fluoro leader is the standard. Surface iron (Tady 45, Salas 6X) cast to surface schools produces the more visual catches.
The Coronado Islands have been the consistent producer for the bigger yellowtail (15-25 lb fish typical, with the occasional 30+ lb fish). The North Island and the South Island east kelp are the standard productive zones. Sportfishing landings at Point Loma are running multi-day trips with the Coronados as the primary destination.
Bluefin Tuna — First Arrivals
The first bluefin tuna of the season have arrived. Schools have been located on the 60-mile water and the 9-Mile Bank. Fish in the 60-150 lb class. The kite-fishing technique and dropper-loop setups with flying fish-pattern baits have produced. Overnight and 1.5-day trips have been the productive trip structure for tuna.
Volume of fish should build through June as the warm water pushes north. The peak window will be July-August.
Mahi-Mahi — Trickle In
A few mahi-mahi are starting to show on the inshore kelp paddies. Schoolie-class fish on light tackle. Live sardines or trolled feathers produce the bites.
Local Bass and Halibut
The local rockfish and calico bass fishery continues to produce on the inshore reefs and kelp beds. Light tackle with plastic swimbaits and live anchovies is the standard.
California halibut continue on the bay flats and the inshore structure in 30-60 feet of water. Live anchovies or Berkley Gulp! 5-inch Jerk Shads drifted along the bottom produce the action.
What’s Ahead
The summer pattern is approaching. Water temperatures climbing through the upper 60s nearshore, mid-70s offshore. Bluefin numbers will build through June. Yellowtail will hold strong through the summer. Yellowfin and mahi-mahi will push north into California waters through July.
For this weekend: Coronado Islands yellowtail trips, overnight trips for the first bluefin push, local bass and halibut in the calm windows.
Tight lines.