California · Southern California
PACIFIC BLUEFIN TUNA FISHING
IN CATALINA ISLAND
Catalina Island is an excellent destination for pacific bluefin tuna fishing, with peak season in July, August and good catches in June, September. Book a charter and target pacific bluefin tuna with local experts.
About Pacific Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Catalina Island
Pacific bluefin tuna are apex ocean predators that have surged in Southern California waters in recent years, with fish regularly exceeding 200 pounds caught off San Diego. The most valuable fish in the sea pound-for-pound, Pacific bluefin deliver brutal, tackle-testing battles and premium sashimi-grade flesh.
Pacific Bluefin Tuna are apex ocean predators and the most valuable fish in the sea — individual specimens have sold for millions of dollars at Japanese fish markets. In recent years, these magnificent fish have surged in Southern California waters, with fish regularly exceeding 200 pounds caught within 50 miles of San Diego. Bluefin have a football-shaped body with a dark blue-black back, silver-gray sides, and short pectoral fins (distinguishing them from albacore). They are incredibly powerful swimmers capable of speeds exceeding 40 mph and can regulate their body temperature, allowing them to dive to extreme depths.
Scientific name: Thunnus orientalis
Pacific Bluefin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Catalina Island
Month-by-month availability for pacific bluefin tuna in Catalina Island, CA.
How to Catch Pacific Bluefin Tuna in Catalina Island
Techniques & Bait
Chunk fishing (drifting with cut sardine, anchovy, or squid chunks) on fluorocarbon leaders is the primary technique when fish are found on sonar. Kite fishing with live mackerel or sardines is deadly for surface-feeding fish. Trolling cedar plugs and spreader bars to locate schools, then stopping to fish with bait. Popping — casting large stickbaits and poppers to surfacing fish — produces heart-stopping topwater strikes on trophy fish. Night fishing with sardines around light sticks can produce monster bluefin.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy stand-up: 5'6"-6'6" 60-130 lb class rod, large lever-drag reel (Shimano Tiagra 50, Penn International), 80-130 lb line for fish over 100 lbs. Medium: 30-50 lb class gear for "school" bluefin under 80 lbs. Fluorocarbon leader (60-130 lb) is essential — bluefin are line-shy. Fights can last hours on big fish.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Catalina Island
Top spots where local captains target pacific bluefin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
Farnsworth Bank
Farnsworth Bank is a submerged seamount two miles off Catalina's leeward coast that rises from 300 feet to within 55 feet of the surface, creating one of the premier fishing destinations in Southern California. Trophy yellowtail, giant black sea bass, white seabass, and calico bass concentrate over the bank's rocky pinnacles and purple hydrocoral gardens.
Catalina's East End
Catalina's East End features deep rock walls and pinnacles that drop into the San Pedro Channel, holding yellowtail, white seabass, bluefin tuna, and calico bass. The east end's currents push baitfish along the rocky coastline, creating feeding lanes that charter boats intercept with live bait.
China Point
China Point on Catalina's windward side features exposed deep-water structure where yellowtail, barracuda, bonito, and white seabass patrol the current-swept rocky coast. The point's position in the prevailing current means it consistently holds baitfish concentrations that attract pelagic predators.
Ben Weston Point
Ben Weston Point on Catalina's south shore faces the open Pacific where deep water comes close to shore, attracting yellowtail, white seabass, and bluefin tuna along the rocky coast. The point's exposure to open-ocean currents brings in pelagic species not commonly found on the island's sheltered leeward side.
Other Species in Catalina Island
More fish you can target while visiting Catalina Island.
Pacific Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Catalina Island — FAQ
The peak months for Pacific Bluefin Tuna fishing in Catalina Island are July, August. During these months, Pacific Bluefin Tuna are most active and abundant in the Catalina Island area.
Pacific Bluefin Tuna fishing charters in Catalina Island are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Chunk fishing (drifting with cut sardine, anchovy, or squid chunks) on fluorocarbon leaders is the primary technique when fish are found on sonar. Kite fishing with live mackerel or sardines is deadly for surface-feeding fish. Trolling cedar plugs and spreader bars to locate schools, then stopping to fish with bait. Popping — casting large stickbaits and poppers to surfacing fish — produces heart-stopping topwater strikes on trophy fish. Night fishing with sardines around light sticks can produce monster bluefin.
No — when you book a charter in Catalina Island, your captain provides all required California fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Pacific Bluefin Tuna regulations in California include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Pacific Bluefin Tuna in Catalina Island, you may also catch Rockfish, Yellowtail, White Seabass, Yellowfin Tuna, Striped Marlin. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Pacific Bluefin Tuna in Catalina Island?
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