These notes are fishing forecasts based on fishing reports, and assessments of weather and water conditions, fishing pressure, moon phase, etc., by our guides, moderators, and staff. Fishing Reports may be found on our Fishing Reports Forum.

Both coastal and offshore fishing in the San Diego area have been suffering through the Winter doldrums. Other than a short-lived (but spectacular) White Seabass bite in mid-February, fish have been few and far between this winter. Yellowtail have been spotted periodically in the La Jolla Canyon area and around the Coronados, but have not been staying up long enough for people to give them a good shot. And the winter bonito and barracuda runs never materialized

However! There is hope on the horizon. Water temperature have been hovering around the magical 60 degree mark for some time now, with occasional periods of 62 degree water, and there has been a lot of bait. Therefore...we should see some good showings of Thresher and Mako sharks soon, as well as bonito, barracuda and yellowtail. As the waters continue to warm, expect to see yellowtail on offshore paddies in mid- to late-April. See our Fishing Reports Forum for reports from readers.

Coastal fishing in the San Diego area continues at a good clip, with lots of the usual suspects up for grabs when the water conditions are good. Yellowtail have been making a good showing at the Coronados as well. Expect this to continue until late September.

Mako shark fishing continues at a good clip in the San Diego area, with Capt. Conway Bowman (Bowman Bluewater Guides and Outfitters), reporting some of the best fishing they've had in a while. including sight-fishing in calm weather, fish in the 200lb class, and even a 12 ft hammerhead hooked. They've also baited marlin and swordfish on conventional gear, but have yet to hook one. This fishery should also continue well into September.

Offshore fishing for tuna has been good at the banks 50 - 70 miles offshore (Butterfly, 60 Mile, 390), with albacore and some yellowfin showing. The albacore have been large (over 35lbs), according to Capt. Scott Leon of Paradigm Shift Charters. The main problem has been the weather, with wind and swells keeping many of the smaller private boats in closer to shore. Expect the fish to move closer to shore over the next few weeks, and as the weather calms down, become more accesible to the "mosquito fleet".

Kelp paddy fishing for dorado and yellowtail continues to be slow. Lots of fish seen, but not many active biters. Reports of massive amounts of pinhead sauries leaves everyone thinking the fish are just stuffed. We expect this type of fishing to improve as the waters continue to warm, and should stay solid, perhaps into October if the weather is good. See our Fishing Reports Forum for more reports.

Offshore: Albacore have appeared in force, with a number of private boaters reporting fish around the outer banks: the East Butterfly, the 390, and the 213. Occasional bluefin tuna are also being caught. Kelp paddies are still mostly dry, but motherlode paddies have been found occasionally. Water temps have been as high as the low 70s, so the albacore may not be around too much longer. We would expect the dorado and yellowfin tuna to start showing up within a month. Marlin have been spotted as well.

Coastal: Calico bass fishing should continue strong through the summer, as should barracuda fishing. Yellowtail inshore will be picked up occasionally. Keeping fish away from seals will continue to be an issue.

Captain Jeff Stock, of Stock Charters offered this San Diego area summary: "With all this "May Grey" and "June Gloom", the offshore temps are coming up very slowly. However they are coming up. The Rock Pile below the Coronados has slowed a little but is still a good bet for yellowtail. The most consistent yellowtail fishing is now the Middle Grounds of the Coronados. Yellowtail catches have been ranging from 8 - 25 lbs, and both areas have seen some good catches of bonito to 15 pounds as well."

"La Jolla has been great for barracuda and the occasional yellowtail. The yellows still seem to be concentrated on the outside of the point around the East Corner. The white seabass fishing has been slow, however, local divers keep seeing good-sized schools of big fish deep in the kelp. The barracuda are spread out everywhere, slashing at bait on the surface, and the bass in the kelp have been picking up big-time because the water temps are coming up."

"This is a great time of year to explore up and down the coast looking for bird schools. The patchy red tide seems to be disappearing and hopefully it's gone for the season."

Captain Jeff provides regular report on All Outdoors Radio (KCBQ 1170AM in San Diego) on Sunday Evenings, from 4:00 - 6:00pm