Offshore fishing
in California.
1 departure port. Run distances to named structure, month-by-month bite windows for 3 species, and the rigs that land fish.
Explore seasonal bite windows by port →San Diego is a moving-water decision.
The 9 Mile Bank is the close offshore reference point in our San Diego guide. The Coronado Islands are another run, in Mexican waters. Check the destination and applicable rules before departing; the two runs are not interchangeable.
The local calendar puts bluefin and yellowfin at peak in June through August, with yellowtail running across a longer spring-to-fall window. Start with the tuna rig if that is the trip; keep the port guide open for the month-by-month switch to yellowtail and dorado.
Rig for the tuna run →Distances and month windows come from the sourced port guides below.
What bites, month by month
Combined from 1California port calendar. A mark means at least one listed port has that window. Open its port guide for the local months.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluefin Tuna | ◐ | ◐ | ◐ | ● | ● | ● | ◐ | ◐ | ◐ | ◐ | ||
| Yellowfin Tuna | ● | ● | ● | ◐ | ◐ | |||||||
| Dorado (Mahi) | ● | ● | ● | ● | ◐ |
● Peak at a listed port ◐ Shoulder at a listed port — No window listed
Regulations
State and federal regulations for California offshore fishing. Requirements change; verify before you depart.
FAQ: Offshore Fishing in California
What fish can you catch offshore in California?
California offshore fishing covers Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado (Mahi). Peak season varies by species and port.
How many offshore fishing ports are there in California?
OffshoreHookup covers 1 offshore departure port in California: San Diego.