Updated: Thursday, October 15, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, October 22, 2026
This San Diego fishing report covers mid-October, a prime fall stretch when warm water keeps yellowtail, dorado and tuna within reach of the day boats. Yellowtail are the lead target on the kelp beds off Point Loma and around the Coronado Islands, with bluefin tuna offshore and dorado under floating kelp paddies. The main conditions to plan around are water temperature and bait: warm, blue water and a good supply of live bait make the day, and both can shift quickly in the fall.
What’s Hitting
Yellowtail work Point Loma and the Coronado Islands, bluefin tuna are available offshore, and dorado hang around the kelp paddies. Calico bass and sand bass are in the kelp, and bonito run along the coast.
Warm water should keep yellowtail, dorado and tuna within range through October, though changes in water temperature and bait availability can shift the action fast.
Where to Find Them
Fish the kelp beds off Point Loma for yellowtail and calico bass, and run offshore for tuna and dorado around floating kelp. The bays hold halibut and sand bass.
With only a half day, the kelp beds close to Point Loma are the easiest way to get on calico bass and yellowtail without a long run. Longer trips to the Coronado Islands and the offshore banks offer a shot at larger yellowtail and tuna but take a full day and good weather. Floating kelp is often the only shade and structure for miles, so bait gathers beneath it and predators follow. Local landings post daily fish counts that show where the action is strongest.
Tides & Conditions
With the moon heading toward first quarter, tides ease through mid-October. Calm mornings give the best offshore conditions, so check the marine forecast and a tide chart before committing to a run.
Water temperature and clarity change often in the fall. Look for the warmer, bluer water where bait and predators gather; a break of even a degree or two can mark the edge where fish set up.
Tackle & Tactics
- Live sardines and anchovies for yellowtail and tuna.
- A surface iron for yellowtail feeding on top.
- Medium conventional or spinning gear with 25 to 40 pound line.
Fish the bait on light line with a long leader for wary yellowtail; lighter line lets a live bait swim naturally in clear blue water. Check kelp paddies offshore, as dorado often hold underneath.
Local Intel This Week
The Shelter Island Boat Ramp and Dana Landing at Mission Bay are the go-to launches for running to the Point Loma kelp, and Oceanside Harbor covers the north county coast. Sportboats run from H&M Landing and Fisherman’s Landing for anglers without a boat, and shore anglers can fish the Ocean Beach Pier. Expect fish to concentrate on the kelp beds and offshore paddies. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
Check bait supply. Live bait availability drives the day on San Diego water, so call ahead before committing to a trip. A tank of lively sardines or anchovies matters more than any lure in the box.
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