Yellowtail Fishing California

The California Yellowtail, also known as Amberjack, can be found off the California coast, from Santa Barbara down to Baja. They’re usually about 2-4 feet long, weigh about 5-20 pounds, and prefer water around 70-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This water temperature occurs naturally off the So Cal coast in the summer, which is why tons of people with all levels of experience go out fishing for yellowtails around this time of the year.

Because of their preference for rocky seabeds, reefs, and kelp forests, yellowtail have a special tool in getting away once hooked. By quickly taking shelter in jagged underwater formations they can often cut the line and free themselves. That’s why many fisherman keep their options open and cast their line out 50 feet or so from any kind of reef, rocks, etc… After all, just because yellowtail like those kinds of conditions doesn’t mean they never venture out from them. Just like with the tuna and halibut, yellowtails love live bait, especially squid. Squids, sardines, mackerels, and crabs are all tasty for yellowtails, which is why they are most commonly used as bait. Jigging is also a fun and popular way to catch yellowtail. This method involves using a jig, which is an ornamented hook which wiggles and moves under water.

Yellowtail are typically caught in waters 50-150 ft deep, and 5-8 miles out from shore. Typical equipment consists of 25-50 lb. tested line and thick hooks, because yellowtails are known to be fighters.