California · Southern California
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN NEWPORT BEACH
Newport Beach is a solid destination for yellowfin tuna fishing, with peak season in August and good catches in June, July, September. Book a charter and target yellowfin tuna with local experts.
About Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Newport Beach
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 — Newport Beach
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Newport Beach, CA.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Newport Beach
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 Newport Beach
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
14-Mile Bank (Newport)
The 14-Mile Bank is a premier offshore destination from Newport Beach where an underwater ridge concentrates bluefin tuna, yellowtail, yellowfin tuna, and dorado over deep structure. The bank sits at the intersection of several current patterns that push baitfish over the rise, creating consistent pelagic fishing.
277 Spot
The 277 is a well-known offshore waypoint from Newport Beach where depth transitions and underwater structure concentrate yellowtail, bluefin tuna, and dorado during warm-water months. Charter boats from Newport target this spot with live bait and jigs for quality pelagic catches.
Newport Canyon
Newport Canyon is a submarine canyon offshore of Newport Beach where deep water comes relatively close to the coast, attracting swordfish, thresher sharks, and mako sharks. The canyon's proximity makes it accessible for half-day offshore trips targeting deep-water species.
San Clemente Island Zone
The waters around San Clemente Island offshore of Newport Beach hold yellowtail, calico bass, white seabass, and bluefin tuna over deep reefs and rocky structure. Overnight charter boats from Newport access the island for multi-day fishing trips targeting the island's diverse species.
Other Species in Newport Beach
More fish you can target while visiting Newport Beach.
Rockfish
Yellowtail
White Seabass
Pacific Bluefin Tuna
Lingcod
Albacore Tuna
Striped Marlin
Mahi Mahi
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Newport Beach — FAQ
The peak months for Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Newport Beach are August. During these months, Yellowfin Tuna are most active and abundant in the Newport Beach area.
Yellowfin Tuna fishing charters in Newport Beach 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 Newport Beach, 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 Newport Beach, you may also catch Rockfish, Yellowtail, White Seabass, Pacific Bluefin Tuna, Lingcod. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Newport Beach?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your yellowfin tuna fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes