How to Catch California Yellowtail

Known for their power and fighting durability, yellowtail are among the most popular saltwater sport fish in California. For most of the year, they live within the warm waters off the coast of Mexico. When California waters warm in the spring, they move north to the southern portion of the state. Yellowtail are quite aggressive, and landing the fish is often more of a challenge than enticing one to take the bait. Charter boats along the Southern California coast commonly feature day trips specifically designed to catch yellowtail.

Things You'll Need

  • Deep-sea fishing pole
  • 30- or 40-lb. test fishing line
  • #4 size fishing hook or size 2/0, 3/0, or 4/0 hooks
  • Spoon or jig
  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Monitor local weather reports to determine when the ocean temperature reaches at least 62 degrees, which typically occurs in early spring. Yellowtail migrate north from Mexican waters in search of schools of squid when water temperature reaches this level.

    • 2

      Equip a deep-sea fishing pole with 30- or 40-lb. test fishing line. Do not use a freshwater fishing pole because it will likely break under the force of the yellowtail.

    • 3

      Tie a fishing hook to the end of the fishing line unless you intend to use a lure. A #4 size hook is appropriate for most yellowtail. Use hook sizes 2/0, 3/0 or 4/0, depending on the size of the bait, if using live squid or live sardines.

    • 4

      Push the hook through the bait offering, unless you intend to use a lure. Push the hook through the nose of a live anchovy or, if fishing for a large yellowtail, a small mackerel. Use an anchovy or mackerel if fishing next to a kelp bed. A popular alternative bait is squid. Push the hook through the body of the squid. Retrieve the bait along the side of the kelp bed. Keep the bait offering close to the surface of the water by retrieving the bait quickly because Yellowtail are usually surface feeders.

    • 5

      Tie a spoon or jig to the end of the fishing line if not using bait. Jigs and spoons should be 4 to 5 inches in length, excluding the length of the hook. Chrome is a common finish for yellowtail, as are two-tone lures that feature either a green-and-yellow or a blue-and-white color scheme. Dart in and out of cover areas, such as where the ocean floor meets the bottom of jetties.

    • 6

      Measure each fish with a measuring tape to ensure that they meet the legal size limit. An angler may take a maximum of 10 yellowtail each day from California waters, and no more than five may be smaller than 24 inches in length.