San Diego is heating up as the summer season builds. Yellowtail are stacking on the kelp and the banks, the first bluefin tuna of the season have arrived offshore, and the inshore bass and bonito bite is steady. Here is the week’s outlook.
What’s Biting
Yellowtail are the headline, building on the kelp paddies, the Coronado Islands, and the offshore banks. The first bluefin tuna have shown on the offshore grounds, with more pushing in as the water warms. Calico and sand bass are biting the kelp and the structure inshore, bonito are around, and the first yellowfin and dorado are not far off. Rockfish and lingcod fill out the deeper bottom.
Where to Find Them
Look for yellowtail on the kelp paddies offshore, around the Coronado Islands, and on the banks like the 425 and the 9-Mile. Bluefin are showing on the offshore meter marks and the foamers — watch for working birds and breaking fish. Calico bass are tight to the kelp and the structure inshore. Rockfish are on the deeper hard bottom.
Tides & Conditions
Settled spring weather has the offshore grounds fishable — pick your window for the longer runs. Water is warming through the 60s offshore. Early morning is prime for the inshore bass and the surface tuna bite. Watch the marine layer and the wind for the offshore runs.
Tackle & Tactics
For yellowtail, fly-line a live sardine or mackerel on the kelp paddies, or drop a yo-yo iron on the banks. Bluefin want long fluorocarbon leaders, small flat-fall jigs, and the sardine when they are up. Calicos eat swimbaits and plastics tight to the kelp. Drop shrimp flies and bait for the rockfish.
This Week’s Tip
For early-season bluefin, downsize your leader and lighten up. These fish are line-shy, especially in the calm, clear conditions. A 30–40 pound fluorocarbon leader, a small flat-fall jig, and a quiet drift onto a meter mark will draw bites when heavy gear gets ignored. Keep the boat off the school and make long casts.