Updated: Thursday, October 22, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, October 29, 2026
This San Diego fishing report covers late October, when warm fall water keeps both offshore and nearshore fishing active. Yellowtail are the lead target on the kelp beds off Point Loma and around the Coronado Islands, with bonito alongside, calico bass on the kelp and halibut on the sand in San Diego Bay. Plan around water temperature and tide: strengthening tides with the moon heading toward full help the kelp edges and the bay, and calm early mornings are the best window to run offshore.
What’s Hitting
Yellowtail and bonito work the Coronado Islands and the kelp beds off Point Loma. Calico bass hold on the kelp, and halibut sit in San Diego Bay and along the sand. On longer trips, bluefin and dorado may still be in range depending on water temperature.
Warm water usually keeps the action going into November, but a change in water temperature can shift fish quickly. Pelagics like yellowtail and bonito follow temperature breaks and bait, so a cooling trend can push them out of range in a few days.
Where to Find Them
Fish the kelp beds off Point Loma and La Jolla for calico bass and yellowtail. Work the sand flats and channels of San Diego Bay for halibut, and run to the Coronado Islands for bigger fish when conditions allow.
Kelp concentrates baitfish and gives predators cover to ambush from. Halibut ambush too, lying flat on sand along channel edges where moving water carries bait past them.
Tides & Conditions
Tides strengthen as the moon heads toward full. Moving water helps along the bay and the kelp edges, and calm early mornings are best offshore.
Current lays the kelp stalks over and pushes bait to the edges, which is where calicos and yellowtail tend to feed. Check a current tide chart and marine forecast before leaving the dock.
Tackle & Tactics
- Bait: live sardines or anchovies are the standard.
- Yellowtail and bonito: iron jigs.
- Calico bass: swimbaits.
- Halibut: live bait or a Carolina rig.
Use fluorocarbon leader around the kelp and keep drags set to turn fish away from cover. A yellowtail that reaches the stalks often wraps the line and breaks off, so the first few seconds of the fight matter most.
Local Intel This Week
Shelter Island, Dana Landing and Oceanside Harbor are the core public access points; use the Shelter Island and Dana Landing launches to reach the bay and Point Loma kelp on your own boat. The site’s location guide also lists H&M Landing, Fisherman’s Landing, the Ocean Beach Pier and the South Shores Boat Launch. The landings run sportfishing trips and sell bait, while the ramps and the pier serve anglers fishing on their own. Make sure your license and any required report cards are in order. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
Check the bait. Fresh live bait from a landing can make the difference on a slow day. Lively sardines and anchovies swim naturally and draw strikes from fish that ignore a tired bait, so look in the tank before you buy.
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