California · Southern California
YELLOWTAIL FISHING
IN CATALINA ISLAND
Catalina Island is an outstanding destination for yellowtail fishing, with peak season in May, June, July and good catches in September, October. Book a charter and target yellowtail with local experts.
About Yellowtail Fishing in Catalina Island
California yellowtail are powerful, fast-swimming amberjacks that patrol the kelp beds and islands from San Diego to the Channel Islands. These broad-shouldered fish are relentless fighters on conventional or fly tackle and are a staple of SoCal sportfishing, particularly during the warmer months from May through November.
California Yellowtail are powerful, fast-swimming amberjacks that patrol the kelp beds, islands, and offshore banks from San Diego to the Channel Islands and beyond. Named for their vivid yellow tail and lateral stripe, yellowtail have a sleek, muscular body built for speed and endurance. They are considered the signature gamefish of Southern California sportfishing, prized for their relentless, tackle-testing fights and excellent firm, white flesh. Yellowtail are the fish that Southern California anglers dream about from January through March, waiting for the first spring arrivals.
Scientific name: Seriola lalandi
Yellowtail Seasonal Calendar — Catalina Island
Month-by-month availability for yellowtail in Catalina Island, CA.
How to Catch Yellowtail in Catalina Island
Techniques & Bait
Live bait fishing with sardines, anchovies, or mackerel on a "flyline" (unweighted line with just a hook) is the quintessential SoCal yellowtail technique. Surface iron — casting heavy jigs (Salas 7X, Tady 45) on conventional gear and retrieving fast — is the classic artificial method and produces the most exciting strikes. Yo-yo iron (vertical jigging with heavy spoons) near underwater structure is deadly. Trolling Rapalas and cedar plugs works for covering water. Slow-pitch jigging with specialized flutter jigs is a growing technique.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-heavy conventional rod (6'6"-7'6"), lever-drag reel (Penn Squall, Shimano Trinidad), 30-50 lb mono or 50-65 lb braid, 25-40 lb fluorocarbon leader, 1/0-4/0 ringed hooks for live bait. Surface iron: 8-9 ft heavy "jig stick" rated 30-60 lb, high-speed conventional reel.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Catalina Island
Top spots where local captains target yellowtail and other nearshore species.
Ship Rock
Ship Rock off Catalina's western shore is one of the island's most iconic fishing spots, where a dramatic rock pinnacle rising from deep water concentrates calico bass, yellowtail, white seabass, and giant black sea bass. The rock's vertical structure and clear water create world-class sight-fishing opportunities for trophy bass and yellowtail.
Eagle Reef
Eagle Reef on Catalina's weather side features exposed rocky reef structure where yellowtail, white seabass, calico bass, and bonito patrol the kelp edges and rock walls. The reef's position in the island's current path means it receives fresh schools of baitfish and pelagic predators regularly.
Salta Verde Point
Salta Verde Point on Catalina's eastern shore features rocky reef and kelp beds where calico bass, sheephead, and barracuda hold in 30 to 80 feet of crystal-clear water. The point's position catches currents that sweep baitfish along the rocks, creating reliable fishing structure.
Italian Gardens
Italian Gardens is a rocky nearshore reef area on Catalina's leeward coast where calico bass, sheephead, and lobster hold in crevice-filled structure from 20 to 60 feet deep. The site's protected position provides calm fishing conditions and excellent visibility for sight-fishing.
Other Species in Catalina Island
More fish you can target while visiting Catalina Island.
Yellowtail Fishing in Catalina Island — FAQ
The peak months for Yellowtail fishing in Catalina Island are May, June, July, August. During these months, Yellowtail are most active and abundant in the Catalina Island area.
Yellowtail fishing charters in Catalina Island are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live bait fishing with sardines, anchovies, or mackerel on a "flyline" (unweighted line with just a hook) is the quintessential SoCal yellowtail technique. Surface iron — casting heavy jigs (Salas 7X, Tady 45) on conventional gear and retrieving fast — is the classic artificial method and produces the most exciting strikes. Yo-yo iron (vertical jigging with heavy spoons) near underwater structure is deadly. Trolling Rapalas and cedar plugs works for covering water. Slow-pitch jigging with specialized flutter jigs is a growing technique.
No — when you book a charter in Catalina Island, your captain provides all required California fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Yellowtail 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 Yellowtail in Catalina Island, you may also catch Rockfish, White Seabass, Yellowfin Tuna, Pacific Bluefin Tuna, Striped Marlin. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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