Yellowtail Shots Continue as Bonito Bite Blankets the SoCal Bight

What's biting

What's next

Both CO-OPS stations point to a low tide near 12:45 PM local this afternoon, with the moon in a waxing gibbous phase building toward full — expect tidal swings to grow over the next several days, which typically sharpens the bite around structure and current breaks on the outgoing stage. If the yellowtail pattern Western Outdoor News — Saltwater described holds, working areas with active bait through the week's stronger tides is the better bet for connecting.

Plan around the midday low for moving water, then work the turn into the afternoon push. With bigger tidal exchanges arriving into the weekend, look for more consistent bites on structure-oriented spots as current strengthens, rather than the slower fishing that comes with neap tides.

Context

Late September in the LA Bight and Channel Islands marks the seasonal handoff from peak summer pelagic action toward the fall pattern, with warm-water species like yellowtail and bonito still feeding before water temperatures begin their autumn slide. Readings in the mid-to-upper 70s are typical for this point in the calendar and on schedule for the region, consistent with the bite still being reported along the coast this week.