Winter bluefin: are they still around?
In recent years bluefin haven't always left when summer ends. What winter bluefin fishing off SoCal looks like, and what to do differently.
For a long time the SoCal tuna season ended in the fall. Boats came out of the water, rods went in the garage, and nobody thought about bluefin until spring. In recent years that’s changed. In several winters, bluefin have stuck around and boats that picked their weather have caught them, sometimes big ones.
Why they might stay
Pacific bluefin are born in the western Pacific, near Japan. Young fish cross the ocean and spend several years feeding off California and Baja before heading back. While they’re on this side, where they go depends on water temperature and food. If there’s bait and the water stays in a range they like, there’s no reason for them to leave.
So whether there are winter bluefin in any given year comes down to the same things as summer: water and bait. Some winters have them, some don’t.
Where to look
Winter fish have often been reported on the offshore banks off San Diego and in Mexican waters to the south, but they can turn up anywhere they find bait. Follow the reports and the water, not last year’s spot.
What’s different in winter
The weather
This is the big one. Winter brings storms, big swell, short days and cold water. Good days come in short windows between systems.
- Watch the forecast for several days ahead and go on the best day, not the day you planned.
- Plan to be back before dark. Daylight ends early.
- Leave a bigger fuel and time margin than you would in summer.
The fish
Winter bluefin often feed deeper and at night more than in summer, and many are bigger fish.
- Flat-fall and knife jigs fished on marks, especially in the dark or at first light.
- Sinker rigs to get live bait down to where the fish are holding.
- Heavier gear than you’d use on summer school fish.
The four bluefin rigs every boat should carry →
Staying safe
Cold water changes the stakes if someone goes over.
- Wear life jackets, especially at night and when moving around the deck.
- Dress in layers and bring dry clothes. Being wet and cold for hours wears people down.
- File a float plan every time.
- Carry an EPIRB or PLB that’s registered and in date.
Rules
Bluefin limits apply year-round, and rules change. Check the current CDFW regulations before every trip, and Mexico’s rules if you’ll cross the line.
Is it worth it?
On the right day, absolutely. There are few boats, the fish can be big and nobody else is on your school. On the wrong day, it’s cold, rough and long. Wait for the window, keep the margins big, and be happy to come home empty if the weather turns.