Monday, May 29, 2023 at 6:40 PM

     It was a nice day out on the water today with some breeze and chop.  It was cloudy for much of the day here in Point Loma. 

     The NOAA Coastal Waters forecast for Tuesday covering the area from Point San Mateo to the Mexican Border and out to 30 Nautical Miles calls for a west wind of 10 to 15 knots.  There is a slight chance of rain with patchy drizzle after midnight tonight.  There is a chance of rain with patchy drizzle on Tuesday morning and a slight chance of rain on Tuesday afternoon.

     On the NOAA Outer Waters forecast for the same sector but out between 30 and 60 nautical miles offshore including San Clemente Island calls for a west wind of wind of 10 knots that will be gusting to 15 knots during the afternoon.  There is a slight chance of rain with patchy drizzle after midnight tonight.  There is a chance of rain with patchy drizzle on Tuesday morning and areas of drizzle on Tuesday afternoon.

      As always, be sure to check the latest marine weather forecast before you go boating or fishing.

     The Mexican authorities have been checking for the proper paperwork when in Mexican waters.  As always, make sure all your paperwork is in order and that you are in compliance with all fishing and boating regulations.

      San Diego Bay and Mission Bay Bait Report:

     The most recent Facebook posting for Mission Bay on Everingham Brothers Bait Company’s Facebook page was on 5-18-23 at 11:56 AM and it indicated that they had 5 to 7 inch sardines available for bait.  The most recent report for San Diego Bay was also on 5-18-23 at 11:53 AM indicating that they had 4 to 6 inch sardines available for bait.

     A report for Dana Point posted at 11:58 AM on 5-18-23 says they have 5 to 8 inch sardines available for bait.

     You can check the Everingham Brothers Facebook page for the latest bait information at:  https://www.facebook.com/everinghambros.baitco/

    Offshore Tuna and Offshore Yellowtail Report:

   I hope you enjoyed Memorial Day and hope you had time to reflect upon all the people who have given their lives in serving this great country. I give my most humble and sincere thanks for their service and sacrifice. God Bless America!

It was another scratchy day of bluefin fishing out on the tune grounds but the good thing is that most of the tuna being caught are in the 60 to 150-plus pound range. Last night there were a lot of boats working the region below the 371 Bank but during daylight hours most of the boats were working the tuna pen region below the 425 Bank.  The kelp-paddy yellowtail fishing has turned more hit or miss and scratchy the past couple of days as well. There is no hot bite area that I know of at the moment but the region below the 425 Bank and the region below the 371 Bank are providing a chance at a trophy sized bluefin tuna..

     The best bluefin bites have been during the dark but daylight hours have been producing similar results the past couple of days.

     On a separate offshore topic, there were some mako sharks biting around bait balls found outside of the La Jolla Cove on Sunday.  I have no reports from that area today.                  

     H&M Landing reports that the Constitution got home from an overnight trip that saw 23 anglers catch 4 bluefin tuna that ranged in size to 150 pounds.  The Grande got back from a full day trip that saw 21 anglers catch 1 bluefin tuna.  The Daiwa Pacific got back this morning from a 1.5 day trip that saw 14 anglers catch 8 bluefin tuna, 6 Spanish Jack, 14 yellowtail and 100 rockfish.  The Top Gun 80 got home from a 3.5 day trip that saw 19 anglers catch 8 bluefin tuna, 7 bonito, 4 sheephead, 3 lingcod and 180 rockfish.

    Fisherman’s Landing had the Liberty out on a full day trip that is returning with 2 of the 160 pound bluefin tuna.  They also had the Pegasus out on an overnight trip they reported having caught 4 bluefin tuna..  Their catch of 4 bluefin was made up of 2 of the 30 pounds class fish, one fish of 150 pounds and another fish that was up at 180 pounds.  Fisherman’s Landing also had the Condor yet home this morning from a 1.5 day trip with 3 bluefin tuna.  They had one bluefin that was 140 pounds and another bluefin that was at 180 pounds.

   Fisherman’s Landing has been suggesting using a 30 pound test outfit with a #2 Owner Mutu hook for fishing bluefin flylined sardines in the daytime.  If you want to try a jig in the daytime they are suggesting a 100 or 130 gram size Colt Sniper or Zakana jig fished on a 50 or a 60 pound test outfit.  For the night time fishing they are suggesting 80 to 100 pound test outfits for the jig fishing with 130 to 200 pound leaders and 300 to 400 gram sized jigs (knife jigs).  Those same 80 to 100 pound test outfits would also work well for fishing the sinker rigged sardines during the daylight or night time hours.

   Point Loma Sportfishing had the New Lo-An get home this morning from a 3 day trip with 21 anglers that caught 27 yellowtail that went to 25 pounds and 14 bluefin tuna that went to 150 pounds.

    Seaforth Sportfishing had the San Diego out on a full day trip with 32 anglers who caught 3 bluefin tuna that ranged in size to 150 pounds.  On Friday they reported that Captain Matt recommended having a 30 to 40 pound test rig for flylining sardines and a 60 to 100 pound rig for fishing sinker rigged sardines or the knife style jigs.

     Seaforth Sportfishing also had the Sea Watch out on a full day trip with 12 anglers who caught 2 bluefin tuna.  Seaforth Sportfishing has been reporting that Captain Ryan has been saying that a sinker rigged sardine fished on a 100 pound test outfit with an 8 to 12 ounce torpedo sinker and a size 2/0 to 4/0 hook has been the best setup for a large bluefin.

   Seaforth Sportfishing had the Aztec get home from a 3 day trip with 15 anglers having caught 17 bluefin tuna, 12 yellowtail and 1 halibut.  The Pacific Voyager get back from a 2.5 day trip that saw 15 anglers catch 49 bluefin tuna and 1 yellowtail.  The Polaris Supreme got home from a 3 day trip with a catch of 26 bluefin tuna.

     The best bluefin fishing continues to come from stopping on sonar marks or meter marks that are found in the dark but there are also some bluefin to be caught during daylight hours as well.  During daylight hours bluefin stops are coming from stopping on meter marks, sonar marks, spots of breezing fish and the occasional trolling strike.  

     The past couple of days have seen the best fishing coming from finding a meter mark or sonar mark to stop in the region of the tuna pens below the 425 Bank and then drifting using sinker rigged sardines.  Knife jigs might also be worth a try.

     Trolled Nomad Madmac jigs have been producing an occasional bluefin on the troll and every once in a while there is a bluefin bite reported on a spreader bar rig.  There has also been an occasional bluefin caught on slow trolled sardines.

     Bluefin have at times been metered around whales. Boats with scanning sonar have a distinct advantage in being able to locate the bluefin with the electronics.  Productive water temperatures have ranged from 60 to 62.5 degrees.

     Best bet during the dark has been using knife jigs or flat fall jigs fished on 80 to 100 pound test. Suggested sizes have been the 200 to 400 gram size knife jigs and flat fall jigs.  Sinker rigs fished with sardines have also been hooking some of the night time bluefin using 80 to 100 pound test line with 8 or 12 ounce sinkers.

      During daylight hours try flylined sardines fished on 30 to 40 pound test but better yet in recent days has been using sinker rigged fished sardines fished on 60 to 100 pound test using an 8 or 12 ounce sinker.  Knife jigs fished on 60 to 100 pound test have also been effective. Dart jigs and Salas 6X Jr. jigs in blue and chrome have also been working when dropped down to bluefin meter marks or sonar marks found during daylight hours.

     Here are latitude and longitude coordinates from today’s fishing.  These coordinates are listed in order by their latitude from north to south:

Latitude & Longitude            Course & Distance From Point Loma.

3240 and 11742                       24 miles 263 degrees……coordinates for the 182 Spot…….a Skipper who was fishing around and about the 182 Spot reported slow fishing

3213 and 11735                       32 miles 205 degrees……there was bluefin tuna activity and a chance at yellowtail in this area below the 371 Bank

3213 and 11733                       31 miles 202 degrees……there was bluefin tuna activity and a chance at yellowtail in this area below the 371 Bank

3213 and 11732                       30 miles 201 degrees……there was bluefin tuna activity and a chance at yellowtail in this area below the 371 Bank

3213 and 11723                       26 miles 187 degrees…….there was bluefin tuna activity and a chance at yellowtail in this tuna pens area below the 425 Bank

3213 and 11720                       27 miles 182 degrees…….there was bluefin tuna activity and a chance at yellowtail in this tuna pens area below the 425 Bank

3212 and 11722                       27 miles 185 degrees…….there was bluefin tuna activity and a chance at yellowtail in this tuna pens area below the 425 Bank

3212 and 11721                       27 miles 183 degrees…….there was bluefin tuna activity and a chance at yellowtail in this tuna pens area below the 425 Bank

3211 and 11738                       35 miles 206 degrees……there was bluefin tuna activity and a chance at yellowtail in this area below the 371 Bank

3211 and 11731                       32 miles 197 degrees……there was bluefin tuna activity and a chance at yellowtail in this area below the 371 Bank

3211 and 11722                       28 miles 184 degrees…….there was bluefin tuna activity and a chance at yellowtail in this tuna pens area below the 425 Bank

3210 and 11725                       30 miles 188 degrees…….there was bluefin tuna activity and a chance at yellowtail in this tuna pens area below the 425 Bank

3209 and 11723                       30 miles 186 degrees…….there was bluefin tuna activity and a chance at yellowtail in this tuna pens area below the 425 Bank

Here also are coordinates from Sunday’s Fishing:

3243 and 11815                     53 miles 236 degrees ……… There was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the southeast of Pyramid Head at San Clemente Island

3243 and 11809                    47 miles 264 degrees……… There was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the west-northwest of the 43 Fathom Spot

3242 and 11813                     50 miles 262 degrees …… There was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the west 43 Fathom Spot

3242 and 11808                     36 miles 262 degrees …… There was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the west of the 43 Fathom Spot

3240 and 11833                     68 miles 260 degrees ……… There was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the east of the 381 Spot off the back side of San Clemente Island

3213 and 11733                      30 miles 203 degrees……there was bluefin and yellowtail activity in this area below the 371 Bank…..this was an active area late in the day

3240 and 11814                    51 miles 260 degrees……… There was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the west-northwest of the 43 Fathom Spot

3238 and 11809                     47 miles 257 degrees …….. There was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the west-southwest of the 43 Fathom Spot

3235 and 11724                    10 miles 236 degrees…….. Generic coordinates for the outside of the part of the 9 Mile Bank…… A Skipper who said he was fishing at the 9 Mile Bank reported having caught a few yellowtail kelp paddies in the area

3231 and 11802                    42 miles 249 degrees …….. There was some bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the north of the San Clemente Basin Weather Buoy…… This also puts you to the south of the 43 Fathom Spot

3231 and 11755                     36 miles 246 degrees …… There was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the east San Clemente Basin Weather Buoy

3226 and 11732                    20 miles 222 degrees……….. A Skipper who said he was fishing inside of the 302 Spot reported having and lost 2 bluefin tuna from a kelp paddie in the area

3214 and 11734                      30 miles 205 degrees……there was bluefin and yellowtail activity in this area below the 371 Bank…..this was an active area late in the day

3213 and 11733                      30 miles 203 degrees……there was bluefin and yellowtail activity in this area below the 371 Bank…..this was an active area late in the day

3213 and 11732                      30 miles 202 degrees……there was bluefin and yellowtail activity in this area below the 371 Bank…..this was an active area late in the day

3210 and 11726                    30 miles 189 degrees…….  There was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area about half way between the 425 Bank and the outside high spot at the Upper Bank

3205 and 11722                     35 miles 182 degrees …… There was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the north of the inside high spot at the Upper Hidden Bank

3202 and 11720                     37 miles 179 degrees …….  There was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the northeast of the inside high spot at the Upper Hidden Bank

3158 and 11727                    42 miles 185 degrees……… There was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the south-southwest of the inside high spot of the Upper Hidden Bank

Here also are coordinates from Saturday’s Fishing:

3250 and 11841                      75 miles 267 degrees……there was some bluefin and yellowtail activity in this area outside of Seal Cove off the back side of San Clemente Island

3242 and 11845                      77 miles 261 degrees…..there was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the west of the 381 Spot off the back side of San Clemente Island

3241 and 11752                      33 miles 264 degrees…..there was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the northeast of the 43 Fathom Spot

3239 and 11806                      45 miles 259 degrees…..there was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the southwest of the 43 Fathom Spot

3239 and 11804                      43 miles 259 degrees…..there was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the southwest of the 43 Fathom Spot

3239 and 11801                      40 miles 259 degrees…..there was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the southwest of the 43 Fathom Spot

3239 and 11750                     31 miles 260 degrees…..there was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the east-northeast of the 43 Fathom Spot

3238 and 11833                     67 miles 258 degrees…….there was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the southeast of the 381 Spot off the back side of San Clemente Island

3238 and 11802                      41 miles 258 degrees…..there was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the south-southwest of the 43 Fathom Spot

3238 and 11801                      40 miles 258 degrees…..there was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the south-southwest of the 43 Fathom Spot

3238 and 11800                      39 miles 258 degrees…..there was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the south-southwest of the 43 Fathom Spot

3237 and 11750                      31 miles 256 degrees……there was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the southwest of the Corner                      

3236 and 11758                      38 miles 254 degrees……there was bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the south of the 43 Fathom Spot

3234 and 11748                      30 miles 249 degrees…….there was a large school of bluefin spotted with scanning sonar late this afternoon in this area to the southeast of the Corner…..I got some additional word that there were some schools of bluefin found in this same sector earlier in the day while working between the 11745 and 11750 longitude lines.

3209 and 11724                       30 miles 187 degrees……..there are some tuna pens in this area below the 425 Bank and further on down…..the information I have is that a  few large bluefin were scratched out on sinker rigged sardines from stopping on sonar marks or meter marks found in the region of the tuna pens

3208 and 11750                       44 miles 214 degrees…….there was a bit of bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area above the 390 Bank

3203 and 11747                       46 miles 208 degrees…..there was a bit of bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area to the southeast of the 390 Bank

3201 and 11802                       56 miles 217 degrees…..there was a bit of bluefin tuna and yellowtail activity in this area inside of the 60 Mile Bank

Sunday, November 4, 2018 at 9:20 PM

There was some scattered marlin action found by boats fishing around the eastern part of Catalina today but the show and bite was off today when compared to the fishing on Saturday and Saturday’s fishing was off from the fishing on Thursday and Friday. I did not hear of a marlin being caught and released in the Catalina region today.  There was some fog around again today and on Skipper did report seeing 2 sleepers in the fog this morning.  The fog could certainly have a limiting effect on what can be seen but the general opinion was that the showing of fish and the bite was on the decline for the second day in a row.

There was some marlin activity reported by a boat fishing off the Slide and there was a sleeper seen at the Avalon Bank in the area of 3324 and 11814. Another set of coordinates where there had been some marlin activity on Saturday and where there was a bit more marlin activity today was off the Can Dump region in the area of 3320 and 11815.  In general, the recent marlin activity has ranged from between the 40 fathom curve and the 100 fathom curve in an area ranging from being outside of Church Rock to fishing off the Slide.

Some more marlin seem to be showing up in closer to the coast. On Saturday there was a marlin caught by a boat fishing off Fashion Island off Newport Beach and today there was a marlin released by a boat fishing off Dana Point.  What is also interesting is that the same Captain that saw a marlin on Saturday morning in 35 fathoms of water outside of the breakwater at Dana Point saw 2 more marlin in that same zone this morning.

There was some scattered marlin action found by boats fishing around the eastern part of Catalina today but the show and bite was off today when compared to the fishing on Saturday and Saturday’s fishing was off from the fishing on Thursday and Friday. I did not hear of a marlin being caught and released in the Catalina region today.  There was some fog around again today and on Skipper did report seeing 2 sleepers in the fog this morning.  The fog could certainly have a limiting effect on what can be seen but the general opinion was that the showing of fish and the bite was on the decline for the second day in a row.

There was some marlin activity reported by a boat fishing off the Slide and there was a sleeper seen at the Avalon Bank in the area of 3324 and 11814. Another set of coordinates where there had been some marlin activity on Saturday and where there was a bit more marlin activity today was off the Can Dump region in the area of 3320 and 11815.  In general, the recent marlin activity has ranged from between the 40 fathom curve and the 100 fathom curve in an area ranging from being outside of Church Rock to fishing off the Slide.

Some more marlin seem to be showing up in closer to the coast. On Saturday there was a marlin caught by a boat fishing off Fashion Island off Newport Beach and today there was a marlin released by a boat fishing off Dana Point.  What is also interesting is that the same Captain that saw a marlin on Saturday morning in 35 fathoms of water outside of the breakwater at Dana Point saw 2 more marlin in that same zone this morning.

Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 5:40 PM

     I did not get any reports about marlin activity today.

Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 8:35 PM

    The Coronado Islands continue to produce very good mixed bag surface fishing for yellowtail, bonito, barracuda and calico bass.  It was very good near limit to limit yellowtail fishing again today.

The weather was reported to be nice today.  As always, be sure to check the latest marine weather forecast before you go boating or fishing.

The Mission Belle out of Point Loma Sportfishing had a full day trip with 35 anglers catch 154 yellowtail, 12 bonito and 15 barracuda.

The Liberty out of Fisherman’s Landing fished a full day trip with 47 anglers that caught 209 yellowtail, 23 bonito and 26 barracuda.

Seaforth Sportfishing had a full day trip aboard the San Diego fishing with 42 anglers that caught 210 yellowtail (limits), 45 barracuda, 2 halibut and 5 bonito.

There were several productive areas today with the Middle Grounds, the lighthouse at the south tip of South Island, the lee side of South Island and the South Kelp Ridge all producing action.  One of the better areas for larger sized yellowtail was reported to be off the lighthouse at the south tip of South Island.

The South Kelp Ridge was one of the best bite areas today.  Take a look in the area of 3221 and 11713.  A bit closer to the Island, take a look in the area of latitude and longitude coordinates 3222 and 11714.  Also look nearby in the area of 3222 and 11713.

In the lee of the lower part of South Island, take a look in the area of 3223 and 11714.  Inside of the north end of South Island to where you are also inside of the Middle Grounds, take a look in the area of 3225 and 11714.

Yellowtail action has been found from stopping on meter marks, sonar marks, spots of breaking fish, slow trolled live baits and from trolling strikes on trolled Rapalas.  Some of the good fishing has also come while sitting on the anchor in areas where meter marks or sonar marks are located.  A good Rapala for the yellowtail has been the blue mackerel color X-Rap Rapala in size 20 or size 30.

Once located, surface iron, yo-yo iron and sardines have been effective for yellowtail.  Sardines have been working the best.  The yellowtail have been running from 6 to 25 pounds with most in the 10 to 18 pound range.  If you want to try surface iron good choices would be Tady 45’s, Salas 7X lights or JRI surface iron in blue and white, mint and sardine colors.

There have been reports of halibut biting around the Coronados. Try drifting sandy bottom areas along the lee side of South Island.  The Middle Grounds has been one of the best areas for calico bass.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 6:35 PM

     I believe most boats stayed in port today because of the bad weather conditions and I have nothing new to report except for the fish count on the Tribute out of Seaforth Sportfishing that returned home this morning from a 1.5 day trip that fished on Tuesday with 22 anglers having caught 8 bluefin tuna.

     There is still a Small Craft Advisory in effect that is forecasted to be in effect “through late tonight.”  As always, be sure to check the latest marine weather forecast before you go boating or fishing.

Friday, March 25, 2016 at 10:55 AM

     Here is a morning update on the yellowtail fishing below the Coronado Islands. Thursday’s fish counts were overall  scratchy and hit or miss on the yellowtail fishing with the Malihini posting a count that included 2 yellowtail, the Mission Belle posting a count that included 4 yellowtail and the San Diego posting a count that included 19 yellowtail.  Boats are on the yellows again this morning and I heard of a couple of stops that each produced 3 or 4 yellowtail so far this morning among the sportboats fishing the yellows below the Islands.

    The weather is described as being a bit lumpy with a good sized swell running but without much wind so far.  There is patchy fog out on the fishing grounds this morning and when the fog moves in Skippers are having a hard time looking for working birds to help locate the yellowtail.  The the inner waters forecast from San Diego to the Mexican border for Saturday is calling for a weather change with 10 to 15 knot SE winds gusting to 20 knots that turns to a west wind in the afternoon.  As always, be sure to check the latest marine weather forecast before you go boating or fishing.

      The yellows have been found on the clean water side of a water color break where the water goes from an off color greenish brown color to a cleaner green color.  The best area is at the upper part of the Finger Bank and latitude and longitude coordinates 3209 and 11706 on down and in to 3208 and 11705 is a central zone where most of the yellowtail activity is being reported this morning.

     The yellowtail have been located by finding spots of fish under working birds and have also been found by locating meter marks and sonar marks.  Surface iron and yo-yo iron have both been working for the yellowtail.  Use surface iron if you find fish up on top and can get the jig to them before they sound.  Try yo-yo iron when the fish are holding deep.  Other options that have also been producing some yellowtail have been using flylined sardines and sardines that are fished on a dropper loop rig.

     The yellowtail have been good sized fish with most running in the 15 to 25 pound range and with a few larger sized yellows to 35 pounds also in the mix.  Good choices for yo-yo iron have been Salas 7X heavy, Salas 6X and Tady 4/0 jigs in scrambled egg, blue & white and orange & red color combinations.  For surface iron, try Salas 7X lights and Tady 45’s in blue & white and  sardine colors.  Something with red and orange might also be worth a try with all the red crabs around and with that color combination working for yo-yo iron fishing.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 8:15 PM

    The good yellowtail bite continues around the Coronado Islands.  Some fish counts from today’s fishing start with the San Diego out of Seaforth Sportfishing that had a 3/4 day trip with 40 anglers catch 133 yellowtail.  The Mission Belle out of Point Loma Sportfishing had a 3/4 day trip with 29 anglers catch 14 bonito, 65 yellowtail, 1 lingcod and 2 rockfish.

     The best zone for the yellowtail fishing remains around the Rockpile.  Yellowtail reports have also been coming in from other areas with yellows also being reported at the Flats area below the Bull Ring and at spots around the Islands proper such as the lee side of South Island, the Middle Grounds and the weather side of North Island. 

     Yellowtail schools have been located by finding meter marks, sonar marks, spots of fish under working tern birds, trolling strikes on Rapalas and trolling strikes on slow trolled sardines.  Once yellows are located, the slow trolled sardines, flylined sardines, sardines fished on a dropper loop rig, surface iron and yo-yo iron have been producing action.  The yellowtail have been mostly nice sized fish that have been in the 15 to 20+ pound range.

      Good choices for surface iron are Tady 45’s and Salas 7X Lights in blue and white, sardine and mint colors.  For yo-yo iron good choices would be Salas 6/x Jr.s, Sumo Jr.s and Salas 6X jigs in blue and white, scrambled egg and blue and chrome colors.