Offshore Bluefin and Yellowtail Running Hot as South Swell Slows the Beach

What's biting

What's next

The offshore pelagic bite is the most reliable play heading into the next several days. Western Outdoor News confirms bluefin tuna are showing in 1.5-day range roughly due west of Point Loma, with the night jigging bite producing the best shots at larger fish. That pattern should hold through the weekend, and First Quarter moon tides — moderate pushes that tend to concentrate baitfish near structure — favor active pelagic feeding. Anglers with the time and budget should note the Red Rooster III departs for a Cedros Island exclusive trip June 27, a known yellowtail and variety-species stronghold.

Inshore and near-shore, the pier-caught homeguard yellowtail reported by Western Outdoor News is a strong signal that fish have pushed into the LA Bight and San Diego coastal corridor. Work kelp edges, jetty points, and nearshore reef structure with live mackerel or iron jigs. These fish can be boat-shy in calm conditions but are actively feeding — keep moving until you find the school.

White seabass remain a legitimate near-shore target, particularly around Channel Islands kelp and the Santa Barbara Channel. The Gaviota kayak catch confirms fish are actively on the feed. Live squid or large sardines presented on the bottom near structure are the proven approach; early-morning and low-light windows historically produce best on seabass.

Surf conditions depend entirely on swell. Surf Fishing in So Cal identifies a second south-southwest swell building, which typically muddies the water and pushes surf-zone fish off their feeding lanes. Look for protected pocket beaches and points that block southern exposure. When the surf does settle, sand crabs are a go-to bait for corbina and yellowfin croaker. Before rigging any heavy surf gear for sharks, note the new emergency regulation — wire leaders and hooks over 1.5 inches are now prohibited for shark fishing along the entire Southern and Central California coast.

Context

Mid-to-late June is historically one of the strongest pelagic windows in Southern California. Bluefin tuna typically push into 1.5-day and longer-range waters as sea surface temperatures climb and bait concentrations build; yellowtail are usually near their seasonal peak from June through August. This year's reports from Western Outdoor News suggest the season is tracking on schedule — a pier-caught homeguard yellowtail exceeding 45 pounds is remarkable by any measure, but it fits the profile of a strong summer push when fish move unusually shallow chasing bait.

White seabass fishing in June typically overlaps with the tail end of the spring squid spawn around the Channel Islands, which draws fish into predictable kelp-edge zones. The Gaviota report fits that seasonal template well, and the Channel Islands corridor should remain productive as long as squid presence holds.

The persistent south swell is noteworthy. Surf Fishing in So Cal frames this as an extended rough stretch dating back to late May — longer than a typical early-June disruption. In most years, south swells from the southern hemisphere pulse through in shorter intervals and clear by mid-June, opening up productive corbina and halibut surf windows. If the current pattern finally breaks toward calmer conditions, expect a meaningful rebound in the beach game.

No historical comparison is available for the new shark regulation, which took effect June 17. It represents a structural change to how shore and surf anglers will need to rig — no comparable prior-year baseline exists to assess its impact on fish behavior or catch rates. Anglers targeting sharks should review the current rule carefully before heading out.