Long-Range Fleet Off San Diego Lands Few Trophy Tuna, Solid Yellowtail

Long-range boats out of San Diego returned from a multiday trip that produced a few trophy-sized tuna alongside consistently solid yellowtail. Crews described the effort as slowly improving and "piecing it together," with intermittent shots at large tuna while other species offered steady action.

The fleet focused on classic long-range grounds well beyond the typical day-trip range. Fishing was described as spotty for big tuna, with only a handful of true trophy fish boated across the fleet. By contrast, yellowtail provided dependable bites and filled the coolers more predictably, giving boats something to show even when the bluefin bite was inconsistent.

This pattern matters for tournament teams and anglers planning long-range trips. Tournament rosters tracking big tuna availability should factor in the mixed results: occasional opportunities for game-changing fish exist, but they were not widespread on this outing. Meanwhile, anglers looking for more reliable angling and numbers can expect yellowtail to be the primary source of steady action, useful for limits and in-boat morale.

Operationally, captains reported a patient approach as the trip progressed. Crews rotated marks and worked different depths, alternating between targeting large tunas and staying in water productive for yellowtail. That balancing act allowed boats to capitalize on the better bite when it appeared and maintain consistent catch rates otherwise.

For crew and anglers, the takeaway is practical. Keep heavy tackle and standby gear ready for rare shots at trophy tuna, but plan a trip checklist that emphasizes mid-range tactics for yellowtail. Live bait and chunking presentations that have proven effective in recent months remain a sensible investment of time and resources. Expect periods of downtime interspersed with bursts of activity; flexibility on tactics and willingness to move among marks will pay off.

Local charters and tournament teams monitoring long-range availability should watch upcoming fleet reports closely. If the "piecing it together" trend continues, anglers might see incremental gains in bluefin numbers alongside a dependable yellowtail bite. That combination can make long-range outings worthwhile even when trophy tuna are few, and it offers a clearer picture for scheduling future trips and setting gear priorities.

Looking ahead, the pattern points to an ongoing rebuilding of consistent long-range bluefin opportunity, with yellowtail acting as the reliable staple. Monitor fleet updates and be prepared to adapt mid-trip — the next run could deliver the bigger tuna shots that turned up sporadically on this outing.