The hard-fighting jack that makes a San Pedro overnight worth the 2 a.m. alarm. Surface boils and yo-yo iron are the SoCal picture.
Open water near kelp paddies, offshore banks, and bait schools — typically a boat fish from 22nd Street, Long Beach, and Catalina.
CDFW lists yellowtail as Seriola dorsalis. Bag is ten; minimum 24 inches fork length, except up to five fish under 24 inches fork may be kept. Warm-water summers push fish onto the Catalina side and the San Pedro Channel. Surface iron, a yo-yo, and a fly-lined mackerel are the three local plays.
Fork length is tip of snout to the fork of the tail, not total length.
CDFW Southern ocean regs — yellowtail →
Independent-site disclaimer: this summary is for orientation only and can change in-season. Confirm with CDFW before you keep a fish. Fish in LA is not affiliated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
