California Yellowtail
Seriola lalandi
FR Sériole californienne · ES Pez limón (californiano) · PT Enxova-do-Pacífico (Sororoca-amarela)
Also known as: ArabaianaYellowtail KingfishYellowtail AmberjackMedregal Rabo AmarilloPez limón (californiano)Sériole californienneEnxova-do-Pacífico (Sororoca-amarela)
PelagicBoat
Gamefish
Score
—
Prime time
Summer–autumn; early morning bait/bird activity
Depth
10–150m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jun–SepGood May–Oct
Depth range
10–150mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Trolling60%
Sabiki under lights60%
Preferred seabed
RockMixed
Findr bio
Warm-current street racer – I blast along kelp lines and offshore banks, turning surface irons and live baits into sudden chaos.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Open seaRocky shoreShallow waterWreck reef
Recommended baits
Fish baitsSquidSoft plastics
Diet
Small fishMackerelSquidCrab
Effective techniques
SpinningJiggingBottom Fishing
Gear
Best times
DawnDayDuskMid flood
California yellowtail are actually a jack, not a true tuna, but they’ll happily empty a reel like one when they pin bait against a kelp line or reef edge.
Field notes
Where to find them
California offshore banks, kelp lines, islands
Where they hang out
Offshore banks and kelp lines, surface to 40 m
Prime time
Summer–autumn; early morning bait/bird activity
Tide game
Low; current edges and structure matter more
What they're into
Surface irons, yo-yo jigs, live bait
Temperature vibe
Prefers 20–28°C, pushes north as water warms
Fave weather
Calm-to-moderate seas with clear water best
Fun fact about me
Kelp-paddy commuter that hits like a freight train—bring strong tackle.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Size/bag limits common — check CDFW rulesCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
Looking after them
Least Concern
Other regions where you can target California Yellowtail