Well, it's that time of the year again... long nights, no sleep, and biting fish. Nighttime fishing for Bluefin Tuna is proving yet again to be one of the most consistent and productive ways to target these fish in our local waters. Over the past few seasons, it always seems like the first big hits of the year have come from boats searching down South during the late Spring months and finding schools of biting fish after the sun has set.
Our local Southern California bluefin fishery, specifically with the emergence of the "cow" tuna, has seen drastic changes in the way we pursue and target these big fish over the past decade. Bar none, the most thrilling methods used to target big bluefin have to be those which allow anglers to witness a visual topwater bite. Whether that be casting into foaming fish, kite fishing, trolling through a breezing school, or drifting a flying fish (flyer) with a balloon rig through the big fish zone, I would challenge you to find an angler who would disagree.
As fishing techniques continue to evolve and become ever more effective, have you honed in your craft on the latest styles of fighting and landing big fish from a small boat? Over the past decade, Southern California has become the mecca for targeting trophy Pacific Bluefin Tuna. For both seasoned anglers and weekend warriors alike, catching that once-in-a-lifetime cow Bluefin Tuna has likely become a reality in recent years.
Hands down, some of the most fun you can have as a Southern California angler is fishing kelp paddies. The process is exciting, from hunting down the floating paddy, setting up your drift, discovering its jugged with gamefish and life, and finally getting into a wide-open bite.
In 2023 all depths will be open to targeting Rockfish and Groundfish, so ensure you are well-versed with depth restriction dates for the SoCal management area.
In 2023, significant changes to the restrictions & regulations for targeting Rockfish in California, providing great fishing potential for experts and novices.
Wintertime fishing in Southern California is a secret society. Yet the fishing can be quite good due to aggregations of bait fish due to upwelling. Because each one of these species during this time of year takes a little bit of specializing, we’ll be focusing on targeting wintertime yellowtail.
The most exciting way to fish for Pacific Bluefin Tuna in the Southern California Bight is with the application of a kite. If presented accurately and skillfully, you may have the opportunity to see one of these strikes, which will be a life-changing experience.
The Bluefin Tuna is arguably one of the most sought-after gamefish in the angling community. Regardless of where fishermen target this gamefish, the passion and pursuit seem equivalent, and fishermen tend to be addicted to this fishery.
