Southern California is in its best stretch of the year. Bluefin tuna are within range of both private boats and the day-and-a-half fleet, the kelp paddies are holding yellowtail and dorado, and the inshore bass fishing has been steady for anyone who does not want to make the long run.
What’s Hitting
Bluefin tuna are the headline, with a wide size range from footballs up to serious cow-class fish. The bite has been best at gray light and on the meter marks. Yellowtail are on the kelp paddies and around the Coronado Islands. Dorado are showing in the warmer water offshore — a good sign for August. Yellowfin are in the mix on the longer runs. Inshore, calico and sand bass are on the kelp and structure, and there are bonito and barracuda around.
Where to Find Them
The bluefin have been holding offshore in the 60- to 90-mile range, with some closer meter marks reported. Yellowtail are on drifting kelp paddies anywhere from 15 miles out and around the Coronado Islands. Dorado are with the paddies in the warmest water you can find. Inshore, work the La Jolla kelp, Point Loma kelp, and the structure off Imperial Beach for calicos and bonito.
Tides & Conditions
Tides are moderate this week off the full moon. Surface temps are 68 to 70 inshore and climbing into the low 70s offshore in the warm-water lobes. Morning conditions have been light with an afternoon breeze. The offshore run has been comfortable most days but check the forecast — this fishery lives and dies on the wind.
Tackle & Tactics
Bluefin want either a flat-fall jig fished on the meter marks or a live sardine on a fluorocarbon leader as light as you dare — 40-pound gets bites when 60 does not. Yellowtail on paddies take a surface iron, a live mackerel, or a heavy jig dropped under the fish. Dorado eat almost anything pitched at a paddy. Inshore calicos want a swimbait or a plastic on a lead head worked along the kelp edge.
Local Intel This Week
The Shelter Island launch ramp and the Chula Vista Marina ramp are the main public launches. Landings at Point Loma and H&M run the day trips if you would rather not take your own boat offshore. Fish are concentrating on the paddies and the offshore temp breaks this week. Mexican waters require a valid Mexican fishing license, and bluefin limits differ between US and Mexican zones — check current CDFW and Mexican regulations before keeping any fish.
This Week’s Tip
When you find a kelp paddy, do not run right up to it. Shut down 100 yards up-current and drift in while throwing a few live baits ahead of the boat. Yellowtail under a paddy scatter deep the moment they hear an engine directly overhead.