Year-End Yellowtail and Yellowfin Action Off the Coast

On December 29, Captain Brian Sims reported productive fishing that delivered "nice grade" yellowtail along the coast in the morning followed by a handful of yellowfin tuna found offshore in the afternoon. The mixed bite gave local anglers a rewarding end-of-year session, with one angler, Michelle Ralston, pictured with a yo-yo yellowtail that highlighted the day's catches.

The action was split by location and time: coastal waters yielded the stronger yellowtail presence early in the day, while the afternoon move farther offshore turned up yellowfin. That pattern matters for trip planning: target nearshore structure and kelp lines for morning yellowtail opportunities, and position boats to deeper water in the afternoon when yellowfin become more likely.

Sims also noted plans for the charter boat's schedule around the holiday. The vessel indicated it would be at the dock at 0700 the following morning and remain in until after the New Year, a sign operators were adjusting runs for holiday staffing and weather windows. Confirm schedules with your local operator before heading out, since lines and departure times may change around holidays and port closures.

Practical takeaways from the report include timing and expectations. Boats that worked close to shore early in the day caught yellowtail of good grade, so anglers seeking that species should prioritize early departures and bring gear suited to fast, aggressive nearshore bites. For those aiming for yellowfin, plan for longer runs and offshore tactics later in the day, and be prepared for more variable bite windows. Bring the appropriate tackle, extra bait, and contingency plans in case conditions or schedules shift.

Community relevance is straightforward: steady late-December catches help sustain charter bookings and keep local tackle shops stocked and active through the holiday season. Anglers planning trips for the first days of January should check with captains about dock times and trip availability, and expect operators to balance holiday downtime with demand.

This Dec. 29 snapshot confirms that both yellowtail and yellowfin remained on the menu for area anglers at year end, offering anglers clear clues for when and where to target each species as charters return to regular schedules after the holidays.