San Diego fishing report for the week of September 24, 2026. San Diego’s offshore season is still going strong as we head into fall. The tuna are offshore, the yellowtail are at the islands, and the kelp beds are holding plenty of calico bass. This is a great time of year for anglers of all skill levels.
What’s Hitting
What’s hot this week is tuna. Bluefin and yellowfin are offshore for the sportfishing fleet, and there are still some dorado around. Yellowtail are feeding around the Coronado Islands. Closer to shore, calico bass and sand bass are active in the kelp beds and on the reefs, and there are also some white seabass around.
Where to Find Them
Tuna are offshore on the banks and around kelp paddies. Yellowtail are at the Coronado Islands and along the coast. Calico bass are in the kelp beds off Point Loma and La Jolla. Sand bass are on the reefs and sandy bottom, and bay anglers are catching spotted bay bass in Mission Bay and San Diego Bay.
Tides & Conditions
With the full moon on Saturday, the tides are strong, which can affect the fishing in the bays. The water is warm, and the weather has been generally good. Watch for the swell to change as fall storms start to develop in the North Pacific.
Tackle & Tactics
For tuna, use flylined sardines, sinker rigs, or kite-trolled baits. Kite-flown flying fish and poppers are effective for bluefin. For yellowtail, use surface irons, yo-yo jigs, or live bait. For calico bass, use swimbaits or live bait in the kelp.
Half-day and three-quarter-day boats are also doing well on the local kelp and reef species, with limits of calico and sand bass common on the better days, plus a few rockfish and sculpin mixed in on the deeper structure. It’s a good option for families or anyone who doesn’t want to commit to a long offshore run. Book ahead on the weekends.
Local Intel This Week
San Diego has a large sportfishing fleet, with many boats running out of Point Loma. Public piers include Ocean Beach Pier and Shelter Island Pier. The Shelter Island ramp and the Mission Bay ramps are good options for private boaters. Fish are concentrating offshore and around the islands. Trips to the Coronado Islands require Mexican fishing permits and documentation, so check current California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Mexican regulations before you go.
This Week’s Tip
When fishing for calico bass in the kelp, cast your swimbait or live bait right up against the kelp. The fish are often hiding in the kelp and will ambush baitfish that swim by.
More San Diego Resources
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