Tuna & Offshore Fishing

Tuna and offshore fishing refers to the taking of seasonal migratory game fish that frequent Southern California. It also includes pelagic shark fishing. Some species are regular visitors to Southern California while others are relatively rare and only arrive in years when water conditions are suitable. Some of the most challenging and exciting fishing available in California, includes fishing for tuna and other offshore species.

While these species are often denizens of blue water, that is to say, very deep water areas, the most productive offshore spots are often over banks, or subsea mountain ranges. In these areas, upwellings bring rich, nutrient laden water to the surface feeding algae blooms attracting microscopic animals, which, in turn attract huge schools of small bait fish. Naturally, wherever there is an abundance of prey, predators aren’t far behind.

Map of Tuna and Offshore Fishing Spots with GPS Coordinates

Like on the shore, offshore are many submerged mountains that form the structure for upwellings that attract sea life, including the bulk of the offshore species. Here are the major fishing banks in Southern California:

The following table shows the approximate center of the main offshore fishing banks, both in US and in Mexican waters. They’re fairly large, some covering dozens of square miles, so locations are not as specific as, for instance, a sunken ship:

Best Times of Year for California Tuna and Offshore Fishing

Following is a chart of the commonly caught tuna and offshore fish, along with the time of year you’re likely to catch them. In addition, the best water temperatures to fish in is included. Be SURE to check with the California Department of Fish and Game for the latest regulations on closed seasons, closed areas, minimum size and maximum bag limits on any fish you plan to take. The regulations change often. This information is available on-line on the Cal DF&G; website at: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/

The Best Techniques to Catch Tuna and Offshore Fish

Nearly all offshore fishing is done by searching for schools of fish by trolling. Trolling lures are put out behind the boat and dragged at low to moderate speeds to locate schools of fish. Particular attention is made to areas with signs of free floating kelp paddies, diving birds, and feeding porposes. When a fish is hooked when trolling, live bait is generally generously sprinkled on the surface of the water to attract the feeding fish to the boat, then live bait flylined without sinkers to catch the fish. It is important to keep the baits fresh and lively, and to not fish with too heavy a line since these types of fish tend to be “line shy.”

Artificial lures are also an excellent way to catch tuna and offshore species. Hard metal lures cast and retrieved when tuna schools are in the area is an effective and popular technique. Rubber swim baits fished “on the slide” (when coasting to a stop after a jig strike) or cast and retrieved when the action is good, also produce well.

Mako Shark fishing is a specialized type of offshore fishing. Some trolled lures work well, but the most common method is to release a chum “slick” of ground fish offal and small pieces of bait. Into this slick, whole dead mackerel are floated below bobbers made of either a rubber balloon or a plastic water bottle.

Conclusion

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