The week of May 11 to May 17 saw an exciting burst of activity in saltwater fishing, with 1,491 anglers embarking on 68 trips from San Diego landings.
The collective catch included 2 barracuda, 82 bluefin tuna reaching 180 pounds, 812 bonito, and numerous other species such as calico bass, rockfish, sand bass, and sheephead.
Remarkably, the bluefin tuna marked a turning point for many anglers, who had been eagerly waiting for this elusive catch.
Much of the excitement occurred towards the end of the week, coinciding with rough weather conditions that created challenges for anglers out at sea.
Even with limited trips, the reported catch of 82 bluefin does not fully reflect the potential of this ongoing bite, as boats on 2- and 3-day excursions continued to fish beyond the reporting window.
With calmer weather on the horizon for the upcoming week, there’s hope that the numbers of bluefin tuna caught will see a significant increase and further incentivize anglers to hit the waters.
Reports indicate that many fishing trips are nearly sold out, as demand surges following positive fishing feedback and last-minute bookings.
Finding availability may become increasingly difficult as the fishing conditions improve, although occasional cancellations and additional trips may still provide opportunities.
Captain Drew Card of the Pacific Queen reported an impressive haul during their recent 3-day trip, with 35 tuna caught weighing between 100 and 180 pounds, along with some smaller ones weighing 30 to 60 pounds.
He noted that while their immediate trips have some openings, bookings are filling up fast, and the boat is nearly sold out until fall.
This year’s early indications suggest a potential for an outstanding bluefin and yellowtail season ahead, with expectations that angler participation will remain strong, possibly reaching the typical summertime averages of 4,000 to 5,000 anglers per week.
May has often been seen as a transitional month along the Southern California coastline and the Baja Peninsula, especially from San Diego down to Guerrero Negro.
South of Guerrero, pelagic fishing tends to improve significantly toward the end of July due to cooler water trends persisting until the warmer waters arrive later in the summer.
As the weather warms, fishing for species like yellowtail continues effectively until late March, benefiting from a more stable temperature.
Cedros Island, known for its unique geography and conditions, officially kicked off its fishing season last weekend, promising excellent opportunities for anglers targeting yellowtail, halibut, white seabass, and calico bass.
Cedros Sportfishing, Toro’s, and Cedros Outdoor Adventures stand out as three primary operating companies that can facilitate successful fishing experiences on the island.
Cedros has a rich history dating back to at least 1539 with the arrival of a Spanish expedition led by Francisco de Ulloa, which encountered indigenous villages on the island.
The native population was relocated in 1732 as part of missionary efforts, while European influence led to the harvesting of seal and otter in the 1800s, and mining operations followed shortly after.
A fishing village and cannery were established at Puerto Cedros in 1920, and a fishing cooperative was formed in 1943, designed to bolster local fisheries.
Highlights include the deepwater salt dock, constructed in 1966 to facilitate salt shipments from Guerrero Negro, which is one of the largest salt operations globally.
Previously, fishing trips from San Diego to Cedros Island were quite common; however, since 2016, regulations have changed due to its designation as a biosphere reserve.
Now, inshore fishing can only be pursued through local operators, even for those traveling by boat.
This protection has allowed for healthier populations of endemic species such as broomtail grouper and black seabass at Cedros.
Anglers can anticipate exceptional halibut fishing, particularly on the calmer side of the island.
Packages for fishing trips to Cedros Island, starting from the Otay border crossing, include travel arrangements, meals, lodging, and daily panga rides for fishing, averaging around $650 per day with a four-day minimum commitment.
Rates decrease with longer packages, making it a popular choice for avid anglers.
In tandem with the excitement surrounding Cedros, surf fishing in San Quintin has started to pick up as conditions improve, mirroring trends from further north.
This coastal area typically experiences cooler water currents from Punta Banda to El Rosario, which can make fishing sluggish until the waters warm.
Despite this, offshore opportunities have been good, with local fishermen reporting impressive catches, including a 200-pound bluefin tuna caught back in February.
Even though the past few weeks have been particularly windy, the upcoming week looks promising for both offshore and beach fishing adventures.
As the fishing season unfolds, both areas are expected to provide exciting opportunities for avid anglers to connect with a variety of species.
image source from：https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2025/may/20/fish-report-book-now-as-bluefin-begin-biting/
