Southern California’s 2025 offshore season is delivering yet another productive year for big game anglers, with consistent catches of bluefin and yellowfin tuna and growing activity for marlin and swordfish. Though dorado counts remain lower than the banner season of 2019, recent trends point to a healthy summer offshore fishery across the Southern California Bight.
Bluefin tuna continue to be the most sought-after pelagic species for private boaters, charter captains, and long-range anglers. The fish are widespread, with schools reported from the backside of Catalina Island to waters off Santa Rosa and San Nicolas Islands, and throughout the deep basins between San Clemente and Santa Barbara Island. Captains are reporting a wide range of tuna activity, from fast-moving surface feeding frenzies to deep marks showing up on their sonar. The fish vary significantly in size, with smaller school-sized tuna in the 20- to 50-pound range and larger giants reaching 150 to even 200 pounds.
This season’s bluefin presence mirrors what anglers experienced in 2024: a combination of trophy-class fish requiring heavy gear and more cooperative mid-grade fish accessible on lighter tackle. Newer arrivals to the region, typically 25- to 40-pound fish, have begun biting during daylight hours, often responding to surface lures, stickbaits, and poppers. While the giants remain gear-shy, spreader bars, kite setups, and heavier leaders remain the ticket for successfully landing larger fish during the day.
Anglers targeting the larger bluefin. those in the 100- to 200-pound class, are still having the most success with deep jigging techniques or kite fishing setups. Knife jigs, bomb-style lures, and flat falls fished after dark continue to produce consistent results on the bigger fish.
Depth remains a critical factor. Party boats and private boaters alike are marking bluefin in water columns 200 to 450 feet deep. Successful anglers are using jigs matched to their line type and depth target, often opting for braid marked in 100-foot increments, such as Izorline MC Braid, to keep presentations in the strike zone. Whether dropping through the school or slowly winding up, precision remains essential.
In recent weeks, 1-day trips out of San Diego have posted dock totals exceeding 1,400 bluefin. Vessels running from Point Loma to San Pedro have reported success, with trips departing from landings such as 22nd Street Landing in San Pedro, Fisherman’s Landing in San Diego, and Dana Wharf Sportfishing in Orange County all reaching productive offshore zones. The tuna have stayed within striking distance, making them accessible to a wide range of recreational and sportfishing vessels.
Aside from bluefin, anglers are encountering solid numbers of yellowfin tuna — especially on long-range runs below the border. Boats fishing offshore banks along the Baja coast are connecting with 40- to 80-pound yellowfin, as well as with quality-grade yellowtail and a few early-season wahoo. The long-range fleet, including vessels like the Searcher, continues to post mixed-bag catches with quality fish and ample action on sardine bait, which has been unusually large this season.
Closer to home, kelp paddies are holding a mix of yellowtail and dorado. While the dorado bite hasn’t returned to the explosive levels seen in 2019, their seasonal appearance remains a welcome surprise when found under the right paddy. The majority of the yellowtail encountered are 8- to 20-pound fish, often willing to bite flylined anchovies or sardines. Notably, some bait receivers have had tanks filled mostly with large anchovy in recent weeks, making downsized hooks and lighter line essential additions to any offshore arsenal.
With this in mind, seasoned anglers are packing a range of gear: heavier 60- to 100-pound class tackle for nighttime jigging or kite rigs, as well as 20- to 30-pound setups for flylining live bait. Smaller circle hooks, twist-on sinkers, and long rods for casting jigs are smart additions to any offshore loadout. Surface lures and poppers are also getting action when the tuna are foaming.
Marlin season is also gaining momentum. While still early in its seasonal cycle, striped marlin have begun making appearances in the usual haunts. Reports indicate a decent showing, though most captains agree the bite will improve as water temperatures continue to climb through late summer. With favorable sea surface conditions and a steady influx of bait, expectations are high for a solid billfish season.
Swordfish, traditionally an elusive target, continue to be hooked with increasing regularity by deep-drop specialists using electric reels or buoy systems during daytime efforts. While still a niche fishery, the frequency of swordfish landings in Southern California has increased in recent years, a trend welcomed by adventurous anglers seeking variety in offshore opportunities.
As the season continues, the Southern California Bight remains a vibrant and active arena for offshore fishing. With fish scattered across the channel islands and into Mexican waters, this summer’s bite offers something for every level of angler — from those flylining live bait on half-day charters to hardcore veterans bouncing jigs in the dark, hoping for that telltale thump from a deep-swimming bluefin.
Whether targeting bluefin, yellowfin, dorado, marlin, or swordfish, one thing remains clear: the offshore opportunities in 2025 are well worth the fuel burn. Keep an eye on weather windows, stay rigged and ready, and always pack a healthy dose of patience and persistence. Big fish are out there! This summer, Southern California’s proving it.
