Yellowfin Tuna make up the bulk of San Diego Sportfish. The counts on this Tuna are much higher than Bluefin, Yellowtail, or Dorado. This migrational fish is present in our waters from about July through October, but they have been known to make surprise appearances.
Weighing in at an average of 25 to 45 lbs, with some specimens getting much larger, they can put up a fight you will not soon forget. Amazing acceleration and long runs on your drag are commonplace when fighting this Southern California favorite.
Yellowfin, also known as Ahi Tuna, are the most prolific pelagic sportfish in San Diego and Mexican waters, and will fill the bag of many angler over the hot summer months of Southern California. This species often feeds very close to the surface and so is easily found and able to be targeted by topwater techniques. Like other Tuna fish, the Yellowfin are also warm-blooded, which allows for agility and speed, and are one of the strongest fighters in the line up. They are often found schooling with other types of similar sized Tuna, as well as swimming alongside dolphins, porpoises, and whales. The most colorful of all Tuna fish, adults sometimes also have distinct sickle shaped yellow fins, making them easily identifiable.
Yellowfin, also known as Ahi Tuna, are the most prolific pelagic sportfish in San Diego and Mexican waters, and will fill the bag of many angler over the hot summer months of Southern California. This species often feeds very close to the surface and so is easily found and able to be targeted by topwater techniques.
The one that didn't get away.
Nice fish bro!
2 for 1 special.
That is a fat one!
Yellowfin are mostly caught by trolling baits or lures or, since they're often found topwater (if not, chumming will get them there), by sight casting or kite fishing. Rapallas, Top water jigs, the veneral cedar plug, and feathered trollers are the most popular choices. Recently the advent and popularity of Kite Fishing and Balloon fishing have shown great promise, and increase catch efficiency. On the Free Line rig; Anchovies and sardines will work for smaller fish, mackerel for larger ones.
The largest Yellowfin can be found on the Pacific coast of Mexico, San Diego, CA and the Baja Mexico peninsula. Yellowfin come closer to shore when the water temperature increases, so summertime is your best bet. July, August, September are the best!
If you are lucky enough to catch a few, ask one of our captains to make you some Yellowfin Sashimi on the way home. Of all of the Tuna species, many people prefer the meat of this fish above all others.
Like other Tuna fish, the Yellowfin are also warm-blooded, which allows for agility and speed, and are one of the strongest fighters in the line up. They are often found schooling with other types of similar sized Tuna, as well as swimming alongside dolphins, porpoises, and whales.
The most colorful of all Tuna fish, adults sometimes also have distinct sickle shaped yellow fins, making them easily identifable.
Another happy customer.
A beautiful catch.
Too many to count.
The gang is all here.
- YELLOWFIN FACT SHEET
Yellowfin tuna fishing in San Diego is a popular pastime for both recreational and commercial fishermen. The fish, also known as Thunnus albacares, are prized for their delicious meat and fighting ability when caught on a line.
San Diego is located on the coast of California and is known for its mild climate and clear waters. These conditions make it an ideal location for yellowfin tuna fishing. The fish are found in the Pacific Ocean and are typically found in waters that are around 60 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. They are a migratory species and can be found in the area from late spring through early fall.
Recreational fishermen can catch yellowfin tuna using a variety of methods, including trolling, casting, and jigging. Trolling is a method where a fisherman will use a boat to pull multiple lures or baits behind it in the hopes of attracting a yellowfin tuna. Casting involves casting a lure or bait into the water and waiting for a fish to bite. Jigging is a method where a fisherman will drop a jig, which is a type of lure, to the bottom of the ocean and then reel it back in.
Commercial fishermen also use these methods, but they also use purse seine nets to catch large numbers of fish at once. Purse seine nets are a type of fishing net that encloses a large area of the ocean, trapping the fish inside.
Yellowfin tuna are a highly sought after species due to their delicious meat and fighting ability. The fish are typically sold fresh, frozen, or canned. They are a popular ingredient in sushi and sashimi dishes and can also be grilled, seared, or smoked.
The population of yellowfin tuna in the Pacific Ocean has been impacted by overfishing and climate change. Conservation measures have been put in place to protect the species, such as limits on the number of fish that can be caught and size restrictions on the fish that can be kept.
In San Diego, the recreational fishing season for yellowfin tuna typically runs from May through September, with peak fishing in June and July. The minimum size limit for yellowfin tuna is 27 inches and the daily bag limit is two fish per person.
Yellowfin tuna fishing in San Diego is a popular pastime for both recreational and commercial fishermen. The fish are prized for their delicious meat and fighting ability, and can be caught using a variety of methods. However, conservation measures have been put in place to protect the species from overfishing and climate change. San Diego also offers many charter fishing trips where you can hire a boat and crew to take you out to sea to catch yellowfin tuna, which can be a great way for both experienced and novice anglers to catch fish and learn more about the sport.