Fishing for Yellowtail is a challenging endeavor. Thus, they are one of the most popular fish targeted when out deep sea fishing. The California Yellowtail along with the Southern Yellowtail, which is its cousin, are Jack family members. Both are very tough customers for reel and rod.
Let's dive right in.
All About Fishing for Yellowtail
Where To Find Them
Yellowtail can be found from central California to down south into the tropical waters. In fact, this fish has been a staple in the Pacific fishery for a lot of years already.
How To Go Fishing for Yellowtail
Just like with most other kinds of fish, you have a variety of ways to choose from in able to go fishing for yellowtail. A number of lures and baits can be used such as squids, sardines, mackerels and the most preferred one, anchovy.
Jig Fishing Technique
Jig fishing for this fish can be very fun and is considered to be very productive by most people. The Yo-Yo jig can be done by using a four to twelve ounce candy-bar type of jig. Once you have the jig, drop it to the bottom, which is usually not any deeper than 200 feet.
When you feel that you have hit the bottom, try to lift your jig off of it for four to five feet. Repeat this several times, followed by a very fast retrieval all the way up to the surface.
Always Be Faster
It is important to remember that it doesn’t matter how fast you are cranking, since the yellowtail will always be much faster than you. Once you feel that you’re bit, then there’s no mistaking it. Once this
happens, don’t set the hook and just continue reeling.
Once you feel that your catch is swimming away from you, then that’s the time that you should set the hook.
Heavier Line
Jig fishing enables you to go fishing for Yellowtail using a much heavier line than your bait. A 30 to 50 lb. test usually works pretty well. When yellowtails are feeding on the surface or near it, they will sometimes take surface iron.
Surface Irons
Surface irons are jigs weighing 4 ounces or less. They are retrieved with a much slower speed than the other kinds of jigs. Using a live squid is the preferred bait with this kind of jig.
In fact, when yellowtails feed on squid, they have the tendency to ignore all the other baits.
Using A Fishing Squid when Fishing for Yellowtail
Using a fishing squid is quite simple while fishing for Yellowtail. All you have to do is either tie the hook directly to the line or make use of a sliding sinker which is right on the bait. However, the size of the weight you’ll be using is usually dictated by factors and conditions like currents and depth.
Find the pointed end of the squid and place the hook once through it. However, take note that when fishing with squid, even small yellowtails are able to swallow it quickly. That is why you should not let them swim far before you decide to set the hook.
Using Anchovies
If you’ll be using anchovy to go fishing for Yellowtail, then you should either hook through its nose or behind its gill. Specifically on its bony collar. They are weak swimmers, which is why you would want to make use of smaller line and hooks.
Using Sardines
When you’re fishing for Yellowtail using sardines, you can make use of the same rig. However, this time around, you should put your hook through the sardine’s nose or on its bottom, just behind its vent. Your bait will tend to swim deeper, if you hook it on its bottom.
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