California · Southern California
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN SAN DIEGO
San Diego 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 San Diego
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 — San Diego
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in San Diego, CA.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in San Diego
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 San Diego
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
9-Mile Bank
The 9-Mile Bank is a prominent offshore fishing ground west of Point Loma where a shallow underwater plateau rises from surrounding deep water, concentrating yellowtail, bluefin tuna, dorado, and yellowfin tuna. The bank is the premier offshore destination from San Diego and produces consistently through the warm-water season.
Coronado Islands
The Coronado Islands lie just south of the U.S.-Mexico border in Mexican waters, and their rocky reefs and kelp forests hold yellowtail, calico bass, barracuda, bonito, and bluefin tuna. San Diego charter boats make the short run to the Coronados for some of the most productive island fishing in the region.
La Jolla Canyon
La Jolla Canyon is a deep submarine canyon that comes remarkably close to the La Jolla coastline, creating upwelling that attracts swordfish, thresher sharks, mako sharks, and bluefin tuna. The canyon's proximity to San Diego makes it one of the most accessible deep-water fisheries in Southern California.
60-Mile Bank
The 60-Mile Bank is a distant offshore seamount that rises from the deep Pacific floor, concentrating yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, and wahoo over its peak during warm-water years. Long-range boats from San Diego target this bank for trophy tuna fishing on extended multi-day trips.
Other Species in San Diego
More fish you can target while visiting San Diego.
Rockfish
Yellowtail
White Seabass
Pacific Bluefin Tuna
Mahi Mahi
Striped Marlin
Lingcod
Albacore Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in San Diego — FAQ
The peak months for Yellowfin Tuna fishing in San Diego are July, August. During these months, Yellowfin Tuna are most active and abundant in the San Diego area.
Yellowfin Tuna fishing charters in San Diego 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego, you may also catch Rockfish, Yellowtail, White Seabass, Pacific Bluefin Tuna, Mahi Mahi. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in San Diego?
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