California · Southern California
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN CATALINA ISLAND
Catalina Island is an excellent destination for yellowfin tuna fishing, with peak season in July, August and good catches in June, September, October. Book a charter and target yellowfin tuna with local experts.
About Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Catalina Island
A powerful open-water predator prized for sashimi-grade flesh. Found in blue water near rips and structure.
Yellowfin Tuna are among the most powerful and prized offshore gamefish in the world. Their torpedo-shaped body is designed for sustained high-speed swimming, with a dark metallic blue back, silver-gold sides, and bright yellow finlets and fins that give them their name. Mature yellowfin develop extraordinarily long second dorsal and anal fins that sweep back like sickles. These warm-blooded fish (one of few fish that can maintain elevated body temperature) are found in deep blue water near oil rigs, floating debris, and temperature breaks. Their sashimi-grade flesh is among the finest seafood in the world.
Scientific name: Thunnus albacares
Yellowfin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Catalina Island
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Catalina Island, CA.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Catalina Island
Techniques & Bait
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy conventional rod, 50-80 lb class reel, 65-100 lb braid, 80-130 lb fluorocarbon leader (at least 15 feet), 7/0-9/0 circle hooks. For chunking: medium-heavy spinning with 40-65 lb braid. Stand-up gear for fish over 100 lbs.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Catalina Island
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin 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.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Catalina Island — FAQ
The peak months for Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Catalina Island are July, August. During these months, Yellowfin Tuna are most active and abundant in the Catalina Island area.
Yellowfin 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.
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
No — when you book a charter in Catalina Island, your captain provides all required California fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Yellowfin 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 Yellowfin Tuna in Catalina Island, you may also catch Rockfish, Yellowtail, White Seabass, Pacific Bluefin Tuna, Striped Marlin. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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