Yellowtail Fishing at Catalina Island: Kelp Lines, Surface Iron & Island Tactics
Chase yellowtail around Catalina Island with this guide to the best kelp lines, surface iron techniques, live bait appro...
Read MoreCalifornia · Southern California
CATALINA ISLAND
FISHING CHARTERS
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Fishing Types
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Species
Catalina Island, CA
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About
Catalina Island Fishing
Catalina Island sits 22 miles off the Southern California coast, surrounded by crystal-clear waters that hold trophy calico bass, yellowtail, white seabass, and seasonal bluefin tuna. The island's kelp forests and rocky reefs create outstanding habitat, while Avalon and Two Harbors provide scenic bases for multi-day fishing trips. Accessible by charter from Long Beach, Newport, and Dana Point.
Fishing Calendar
What's Biting in Catalina Island?
See which species are available each month, color-coded by activity level.
Color Key
Peak
Good
Fair
Off Season
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bottom Fishing
|
F | F | G | G | P | P | P | P | G | G | F | F |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | G | P | P | P | G | - | - | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | F | P | P | P | P | G | G | F | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | G | P | P | G | F | - | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | G | P | P | G | G | F | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | G | P | G | F | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | F | G | G | F | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | P | P | G | - |
Species Glossary
View Full Species Guide
Catalina Island Fish Species
8+ species organized by fishing type. Click any species to learn more.
Nearshore Species
Target reefs, wrecks, and structure within a few miles of land.
Deep Sea Fishing Species
Head to deep water for big game and bottom species.
Bottom Fishing Species
Charter Guide
Fishing Charter Types in Catalina Island
Understanding the different charter types will help you book the perfect trip for your group.
INSHORE
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
View Inshore ChartersNEARSHORE
Fish the reefs, wrecks, and structure 1-9 miles offshore. Target snapper, grouper, cobia and more over natural and artificial reefs.
View Nearshore ChartersDEEP SEA FISHING
Deep sea fishing 20+ miles out. Chase tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and other pelagic gamefish in blue water.
View Deep Sea Fishing ChartersTROLLING
Cover water by dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat to target pelagic species.
View Trolling ChartersBOTTOM FISHING
Drop baits to the ocean floor to target snapper, grouper, and other reef dwellers.
View Bottom Fishing ChartersFLY FISHING
Sight-cast with fly rods on the flats for redfish, trout, and tarpon.
View Fly Fishing ChartersSURF FISHING
Fish from the beach or wade into the surf to target pompano, whiting, and redfish.
View Surf Fishing ChartersKAYAK FISHING
Paddle out for a more intimate fishing experience on bays and nearshore waters.
View Kayak Fishing Charters
Fishing Tips & Guides
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Catalina Island Fishing Blog
Local insights, seasonal reports, and expert tips for fishing in Catalina Island.
Guest Reviews
4.7
based on 3 reviews
Catalina Island Fishing Reviews
Yellowtail Boiling at the East End
Anchored on the East End of Catalina and yellowtail were boiling on squid right at sunrise. Fly-lined live sardines into the frenzy and every rod went off simultaneously. Twelve yellowtail from 20 to 35 pounds hit the deck in under two hours. The island delivered big time today.
C
Captain Nate Harrington
July 2025
Yellowtail
White Seabass Haunting the Kelp
Slow-trolled live squid through Catalina's dense kelp beds at first light and connected with two trophy white seabass — 48 and 52 pounds. These fish pulled drag like freight trains in the kelp and required every bit of finesse to land. Also boated nice calico bass to 5 pounds throughout the morning.
C
Captain Adriana Santos
May 2025
White Seabass
Calico Bass
Calico Bass and Bluefin Surprise
Fished the Catalina kelp for calico bass on swimbaits and had 15 quality fish to 6 pounds by midmorning. On the way home, spotted bluefin tuna crashing on the surface two miles off the backside. Made a quick set with flat-falls and boated a 70-pound bluefin — the bonus fish of a lifetime.
C
Captain Pete Rasmussen
September 2025
Calico Bass
Bluefin Tuna
Start Your Adventure
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