The Albacore is a truly amazing sport fish. Albacore begin to show up off the California coast during the month of May following the warming currents. They prefer water temperatures in the low to mid sixties as they migrate from Japan to the Baja Peninsula, finally arriving off the coast of San Diego. Schools can be found as little as twenty miles off shore but the bulk of the action will take place out a 100 miles or greater. This species is built for speed, its torpedo shaped body, smooth skin and streamlined fins allow the Albacore to reach speeds in excess of fifty miles per hour. The Albacore is considered to be mature between the ages of five and six years old, with an average life span of ten to twelve years, reaching a median length of 48 inches and a weight near 80 pounds, however, a typical catch is considered 10 to 40 pounds. The preferred forage of the Albacore consists primarily of Anchovies, sardines and squid. Their high metabolism allows them to consume an impressive 25% of their weight daily. Larger fish tend to be found deeper within the school and with the proper chumming technique, precise trolling speed and our local knowledge these fish can be brought to hand consistently.
Yellowtail are prevalent in Southern California and the Baja region of Mexico. Typically, they start to show up in the California region during the month of March and begin to move on in November. Yellowtail are highly migratory, ranging from Chile to southern Washington, letting water temperatures dictate their travels. The average Yellow will run 10 to 20 pounds, with some growing in excess of 60 inches and tipping the scales near 80 pounds, making them superior angling quarry that rarely disappoint. Fishing techniques vary depending where you are fishing for them. In the Southern California region Yellowtail can be quite spooky, therefore “fly lining” is one of the preferred methods. Live bait is placed on a small hook, with light line and no weight, giving the offering a natural appearance which makes it more enticing to the finicky yellows. When targeting Yellowtail in the Baja Region techniques vary dramatically. Here they are found in much deeper water, around structure, requiring heavily weighted rigs and tackle that can hold up to serious punishment.
The Dorado is a pelagic species that inhabit the tropical and sub-tropical waters of all oceans but prefer a water temperature above 68 degrees. The average lifespan of the Dorado is about five years although they are considered sexually mature at the age of five months. They can reach weights of thirty to forty pounds, although the average weight is around twenty pounds. Young Dorado prefer to swim in schools, however, as they age they tend to become more solitary. Their long dorsal fin extends the entire length of its body and the color pattern is quite a site to behold. The Dorado is known for its aerial displays and acrobatics, pound for pound it is certainly one of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. The most effective fishing method is trolling natural or artificial bait and “fly line” fishing.
Pacific Blue Fin Tuna are one of the largest and fastest fish that swim in the Pacific Ocean. The Blue Fin’s retractable fins and hydrodynamic body produce for a stream-lining effect, allowing them to reach speeds in excess of 50 miles per hour. Their historic range extends from Okinawa, Japan and Philippines to the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Blue Fin can be found off the coast of California from May through November. Forage consists of Mackerel, Squid, Red Crab, Krill and other various small fish. Blue Fin Tuna can reach weights of up to 2000 pounds. It takes a trained eye to spot the sometimes subtle hints that these fish leave in their wake as they prowl the canyons and ledges terrorizing bait fish. Birds can be a great indication that bait fish are present and if the bait is there then chances are good the Blue Fin are as well.
The Striped Marlin is a highly prized Billfish, as majestic as it is elusive. Dwelling within the Indio-Pacific oceans, it arrives off the coast of California in July to feed on plentiful schools of Mackerel, Tuna and Dorado. In late October the Striped Marlin makes its departure South, in search of more suitable water temperatures, solitude and clean ocean currents. The coloration of the Striped Marlin are stunning, a dark steely blue back lined with lavender stripes and a silvery white underside. When excited, or on the feed, the colors become extremely exaggerated as they become “lit up”, this is one of the moments in nature that one has to witness to truly appreciate. The Striped Marlin uses its long bill to slash at its prey, striking it from the side as opposed to impaling. They can reach twelve feet in length and weigh up to 500 pounds. Trolling artificial, hook-less squid teasers to raise the fish to the surface and switching it out for a hooked offering is the typical technique employed to be successful. Once hooked, screaming runs and outrageous acrobatics are the hallmark of the Striped Marlin.
Wahoo are part of the Mackerel family and arguably the fastest swimming fish in the sea. Found worldwide within tropical and sub-tropical waters year round, the Wahoo offers anglers off the coast of Baja a chance at a trophy during the summer and fall months, September thru November. Wahoo have a reputation as one of the most voracious predators in the sea, with an appetite that is insatiable. Their prey includes, but is not limited to, Sardiens, Flying Fish and Mackerel. Wahoo have a lifespan of up to nine years, allowing them to grow in excess of 150 pounds. Their razor sharp teeth often require the use of serious terminal tackle, such as steel leaders and stout hooks. Wahoo are capable of making several long, lightening fast runs, often peeling of more than 100 hundred yards or more of line each time. This predator primarily prefers solitude but in ideal conditions the Wahoo does have a tendency to school.
Yellowfin are a highly migratory game fish that are found in the Pacific Ocean between 40 degrees North and 40 degrees South latitudes. The majority of Yellowfin prefer the areas between 20 degrees North and 20 degrees South, as the prefer water temperatures between 64 to 88 degrees. This specie is rarely found within ten miles of shore and they are an Epipelagic surface dweller, with a life span of six to seven years. The Yellowfin is a large fish measuring over 100 inches and weighing up to 400 pounds, known to congregate around drifting flotsam, anchored buoys, large marine animals and dolphin. The Yellowfin is well respected in angling circles as a fierce fighter, notorious for their long battles and propensity for tackle busting runs.
The Success will be operating fishing, spearfishing, and surfing trips at the following locations. We will be in San Diego and Mag Bay. Please check our fish reports to stay up to date with the current fishing conditions.
