SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND

San Clemente Island is a popular destination for sport fishing enthusiasts, offering ample opportunities for anglers to catch a variety of fish species, including tuna. Tuna fishing at San Clemente Island is particularly well-known for the Yellowfin Tuna, which can reach weights of up to 200 pounds and provide a thrilling fight for anglers. However, fishing for tuna at San Clemente Island can be a challenging and complex process, requiring preparation, knowledge, and skill. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about fishing for tuna at San Clemente Island, from the best times to go, the best tackle and gear, to the best techniques and strategies to maximize your chances of success.

Best Times to Fish for Tuna at San Clemente Island

Tuna fishing at San Clemente Island is best during the summer and early fall months, when water temperatures are warm and the tuna are actively feeding. The peak season for Yellowfin Tuna typically runs from June through October, with the largest fish typically caught in August and September. It's important to note that tuna migration patterns can vary from year to year, so it's always a good idea to check the latest fishing reports and speak with local experts to determine the best time to go.

This trip is in US waters and you do not require a passport.

CORONADO ISLANDS - MEXICO

The Coronado Islands, located off the coast of San Diego in Mexico, are a popular destination for sportfishing enthusiasts in search of big game fish like tuna, yellowtail, dorado, and more. The waters around these islands are known for their abundant marine life and scenic beauty, making them a perfect place for anglers to enjoy a day out on the water.

Geography and Climate

The Coronado Islands are a small archipelago located about 20 miles south of San Diego, California. The islands are composed of two main islands, North Island and South Island, as well as several smaller rocks and islets. The surrounding waters are rich in nutrients and teem with marine life, providing a perfect habitat for game fish like tuna, yellowtail, and dorado.

The climate in the area is temperate, with warm summers and mild winters. The waters around the Coronado Islands are typically calm and clear, making them ideal for fishing.

Fish Species

The Coronado Islands are home to a wide variety of fish species, but they are most well-known for their abundant tuna, yellowtail, and dorado populations. Tuna can be caught year-round, with peak seasons in the spring and fall. Yellowtail are also caught year-round, with the best fishing happening during the summer months. Dorado, also known as mahi-mahi, can be caught from June through September.

In addition to these big game species, anglers can also expect to catch smaller fish like rockfish, calico bass, and barracuda. The waters around the Coronado Islands are also home to several species of shark, including hammerhead, thresher, and Mako sharks.

You must have a passport to go on this trip!

MEXICAN WATERS

Sportfishing in the waters south of the border in Baja California, including Ensenada, the "Rock PIle", the outer Mexican Banks, Todos Santos, and the Hidden Banks, can offer some of the most exciting and diverse fishing experiences in the world. With abundant species such as yellowtail, dorado, wahoo, marlin, and many others, anglers have the opportunity to target a wide range of fish in a beautiful and pristine environment.

Fishing in Baja California is a year-round activity, but different species are more active during specific seasons. For example, yellowtail are most commonly caught from May to October, while dorado are caught year-round but are most abundant from June to September. Marlin are also caught year-round, but are most active from June to October. Wahoo are most commonly caught from November to April.

The most popular fishing grounds in Baja California include the Coronado Islands, Todos Santos Islands, and the Hidden Banks. These areas are known for their abundant populations of yellowtail, dorado, and other species. The Coronado Islands are particularly popular because of the large schools of yellowtail that gather there during the summer months.

These trips require a passport to go! 

INNER BANKS

The inner banks during the summer months can be wide open, even outfishing far flung secret spots a hundred miles to sea! Also, it is a short ride. On a four pack you can be there in 40 minutes!

Nine Mile Bank

The Nine Mile Bank is a renowned fishing spot located approximately nine miles off the coast of San Diego. It's a long, underwater ridge that rises up from the ocean floor and provides a perfect habitat for a variety of fish species. This area is known for its excellent deep-sea fishing opportunities, with common catches including yellowtail, tuna, dorado, and barracuda. The Nine Mile Bank is also a popular spot for sport fishing, as it offers challenging and rewarding fishing experiences for both novice and experienced anglers.

La Jolla Canyon

Located near the famous La Jolla Cove, the La Jolla Canyon is a popular fishing spot that's known for its abundant marine life and picturesque surroundings. This area is home to a variety of fish species, including halibut, rockfish, and kelp bass, and offers excellent fishing opportunities for both bottom fishing and trolling. The La Jolla Canyon is also a great place for snorkeling and diving, as its clear waters provide a breathtaking view of the diverse marine life and underwater formations in the area.

Half day, three quarter day, and full day trips are all a good choice for the Inner Banks.

All of these trips are in US waters and do not require a passport.

MIDDLE BANKS

Only about a 1.5 hour ride on your average six pack, the middle banks is generally the go to spot all summer long. You can run this trip on any four or six pack with a full day offshore trip. Wait until you hear the tuna are in town, and then go for it! This spot holds all pelagic species and when the bite is on, its hot. Favorite spots here include, the 101 302 182 425 371 230, and "the corner". All of these trips are in US waters and do not require a passport.

OUTER BANKS

The ultimate trip takes you to the back side of San Clemente to the Tanner and Cortez banks.  You either need a FAST four pack on a full day trip, or a six pack vessel on an overnight, 1.5 day, or multiday fishing charter to go to these spots. No passport required.

Tanner Bank

The Tanner Bank is a shallow seamount located approximately 60 miles off the coast of San Diego. This area is a popular spot for fishing, with an abundance of tuna, yellowtail, and other predatory fish species. The shallow waters of the Tanner Bank make it a perfect location for trolling and drift fishing.

Cortez Bank

The Cortez Bank, on the other hand, is a submerged mountain range located approximately 100 miles off the coast of San Diego. This area is known for its deep waters, which are ideal for fishing for big game species like tuna. The Cortez Bank is a popular location for deep-sea fishing, as it is known for its huge schools of tuna that can be caught year-round.

What species can I expect to catch off the coast of San Diego?

For a full seasonal fishing calendar, go here. 

Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in San Diego

Tuna is one of the most popular fish species to catch off the coast of San Diego. The warm waters of the Pacific Ocean are home to several species of tuna, including albacore, bluefin, and yellowfin. Tuna fishing in San Diego can be done year-round, but the best time to catch them is from June to September. During these months, the water is warmer and the tuna are more active, making them easier to catch.

Yellowtail Fishing in San Diego

Yellowtail is another popular fish species to catch in San Diego. Yellowtail are most commonly caught near the Coronado Islands, 9 Mile Bank, and Catalina Island. Yellowtail fishing in San Diego can also be done year-round, but the best time to catch them is from June to September. Yellowtail are known for their aggressive fighting style, making them a fun and challenging fish to catch.

Dorado Fishing in San Diego

Dorado, also known as mahi-mahi, is a brightly colored fish species that is often caught off the coast of San Diego. Dorado are most commonly caught near the Coronado Islands and Catalina Island. Dorado fishing in San Diego is best done from June to September, when the water is warmer and the fish are more active. Dorado are known for their delicious meat and their acrobatic jumps when hooked, making them a popular catch for both recreational and commercial fishing boats.

Bluefin Fishing in San Diego

Bluefin tuna is one of the largest fish species found in the Pacific Ocean. Bluefin fishing in San Diego is best done from June to September, when the water is warmer and the fish are more active. Bluefin tuna are often caught near the Coronado Islands and 9 Mile Bank. Bluefin tuna are known for their delicious meat and their strong fighting style, making them a popular catch for both recreational and commercial fishing boats.

Yellowfin Fishing in San Diego

Yellowfin tuna is another species of tuna that is commonly caught off the coast of San Diego. Yellowfin fishing in San Diego is best done from June to September, when the water is warmer and the fish are more active. Yellowfin tuna are often caught near the Coronado Islands and 9 Mile Bank. Yellowfin tuna are known for their delicious meat and their strong fighting style, making them a popular catch for both recreational and commercial fishing boats.