Updated: Thursday, October 29, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 5, 2026
This San Diego fishing report is a seasonal outlook for the kelp beds off Point Loma, San Diego Bay and the Coronado Islands. Late October keeps warm-water species within reach, with yellowtail and bonito near the kelp, calico bass on the structure and halibut on the sandy flats. Water temperature is the key variable, since a change of a few degrees can move fish quickly.
What’s Hitting
Yellowtail and bonito are around the kelp beds and the Coronado Islands, calico bass are on the kelp and rocky structure, and halibut are on the sand in San Diego Bay and along the beaches. Longer trips may find tuna in warm water, and rockfish hold on deeper reefs. Barracuda and sand bass are available near the bay and the kelp beds. Shore anglers can also find halibut and sand bass along the beaches near Imperial Beach and Mission Bay on calm mornings.
Where to Find Them
The kelp beds off Point Loma and La Jolla hold calico bass and yellowtail. San Diego Bay’s flats near Coronado and Shelter Island hold halibut, and the Coronado Islands offer bigger fish when conditions allow. Mission Bay and the Oceanside Harbor area provide protected options, and the La Jolla Cove kelp offers shore-accessible fishing. La Jolla Cove and the Scripps Pier area offer shore access for those without a boat, and the Embarcadero waterfront gives access to bay structure.
Tides & Conditions
With the moon waning, tidal movement is easing. Moving water around the kelp edges and bay channels is best. Calm mornings are the most productive offshore, and a building afternoon breeze often limits comfort. Check the marine forecast and swell, because winter swell can arrive suddenly. Local swell can reshape the beach breaks and the entrance to the bay, so verify the surf report before launching.
Tackle & Tactics
Live sardines or anchovies are the standard for yellowtail and calico bass. Iron jigs handle yellowtail and bonito, swimbaits cover calico bass, and live bait or a Carolina rig works for halibut. Use fluorocarbon leader around the kelp and set drags to turn fish away from cover. A drop-shot rig with a swimbait tail is productive for halibut along sand edges, and a surface iron cast into a bait ball can trigger a bonito blitz.
Local Intel This Week
Public access includes Shelter Island, Dana Landing and Oceanside Harbor, plus the Point Loma Sportfishing landings. Fish concentrate along kelp edges and on sand near bay channels. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish, and make sure your license and any required report cards are in order.
This Week’s Tip
Buy fresh bait on the way out. Lively sardines make the difference on a slow day. Keep the bait lively with an aerated tank, since dead bait is often ignored.
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