The San Diego saltwater scene is heating up nicely for summer. Yellowtail have been the inshore-to-offshore highlight, biting on the kelp paddies, the banks, and the Coronado Islands on the half- and three-quarter-day boats. Yo-yo iron, surface iron, and live bait (sardines and mackerel) have all produced when the fish are on the chew.
Offshore, the bluefin tuna are providing the big-fish excitement, with both the long-range and overnight boats finding fish on the kelps and the open-water schools. The bluefin have ranged from school-size up to genuine cows, rewarding the boats that put in the time on the troll and the sonar.
Inshore, the calico bass (kelp bass) are biting well around the kelp beds and structure on swimbaits and plastics, and the white seabass are a worthwhile target around the kelp on live squid and bait for anglers willing to grind. Barracuda and bonito are mixed into the inshore action.
On the bottom, the rockfish and sand bass have provided steady action and good eating for the bottom-fishing crowd. The bay and surf have held halibut, spotted bay bass, and corbina for the light-tackle anglers.
Conditions have been classic early-summer Southern California — light morning winds and improving water. The yellowtail and bluefin bite should keep building through June as the water continues to warm.
Spots & Access This Week
Yellowtail are building on the local kelp and around the Coronado Islands, and the first bluefin of the season are showing offshore, drawing the long-range and overnight boats. Shelter Island launch ramp on San Diego Bay is the main trailer-boat access for the bay, the kelp beds off Point Loma, and the run south toward the Islands. Mission Bay’s Dana Landing and De Anza Cove ramps serve anglers fishing the kelp and nearshore off Mission Beach, and the Chula Vista ramp reaches the south bay.
Inside the bay, bass and bonito provide steady action, while the kelp edges hold yellowtail, calico bass, and barracuda on the bait stops.
This Week’s Tip
For the kelp yellowtail, a flylined sardine or a surface iron worked over the bait schools is the go-to — keep a heavier setup rigged with a yo-yo iron for fish holding deep. For the early bluefin, scan for foamers and meter bait offshore, and don’t be afraid to throw a small surface iron or a flatfall to finicky fish. These bluefin are notoriously line-shy, so fluorocarbon leaders and patience pay. Always confirm current California regulations and any federal bluefin allocations before you head out.