Yellowfin Tuna in California
Bag rules, records and waters: yellowfin tuna.
- 10 a daydaily bag
- 265 lbs., 0 oz.record
About California yellowfin tuna
CDFW groups Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) with its tunas species, on salt water. Anglers may keep 10 a day (Statewide), size none.
The state record weighed 265 lbs., 0 oz., taken at Oceanside in 2017. It shows up along the central and south coast, per CDFW.
The CDFW profile of yellowfin tuna
“Widely distributed in the Pacific Ocean. In the eastern Pacific, yellowfin tuna occur from Point Buchon, California to Chile. They occasionally enter California waters when ocean temperatures are warm.”
“Pelagic, open ocean. They usually are not taken in waters less than 21° Celsius (70° Fahrenheit) with best catches occurring in waters above 23° Celsius (74° Fahrenheit).”
- SizeYellowfin can reach up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) long and 181 kilograms (400 pounds). For state angling and diving records, see our Fishing and Diving Records web page
- SeasonFishery open year-round.
- GearMostly recreational hook and line by troll and with live bait. Commercial fishermen mostly use purse seines, but troll, and hook-and-line are also used. Outside the U.S. EEZ, pelagic longlines are used.
- Where fishedThe warmest waters in Southern California during the summer months.
- Other namesAllison tuna, ahi, Pacific yellowfin
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
Bag limits for yellowfin tuna
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 10 a day | none | Year round |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
The yellowfin tuna record
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean angling | Lure | 265 lbs., 0 oz. | Oceanside | 2017 |
| Ocean diving | Free | 66 lbs., 0 oz. | 43 Fathom Bank | 2016 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Party boats and yellowfin tuna
- Dana Wharf Sportfishingsportfishing landing / party boat, Dana Point, (949) 496-5794
- Fisherman's Landingsportfishing landing / party boat, San Diego, (619) 221-8500
- H&M Landingsportfishing landing / party boat, San Diego, (619) 222-1144
- Newport Landingsportfishing landing / party boat, Newport Beach, (949) 675-0550
- Oceanside Sea Centersportfishing landing / party boat, Oceanside, (760) 450-0403
- Point Loma Sportfishingsportfishing landing / party boat, San Diego, (619) 223-1627
- Seaforth Sportfishingsportfishing landing / party boat, San Diego, (619) 224-3383
- LA Waterfront Cruises and Sportfishingcharter boat operator, San Pedro
Top species in sportfishingreport.com dock totals, October 2025 to October 2026.
Other fish like yellowfin tuna
- Albacore TunaTunas
- Bigeye TunaTunas
- Pacific Bluefin TunaTunas
- Pacific BonitoTunas
- Skipjack TunaTunas
- YellowtailTunas
yellowfin tuna in California: what people ask
What are the rules for keeping yellowfin tuna?
10 a day (Statewide), size none.
What is the California record yellowfin tuna?
265 lbs., 0 oz. from Oceanside (2017).
Which California lakes hold yellowfin tuna?
The warmest waters in Southern California during the summer months.
Does CDFW stock yellowfin tuna?
No 2026 plants are listed.
What Latin name does CDFW use for yellowfin tuna?
Yellowfin can reach up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) long and 181 kilograms (400 pounds). For state angling and diving records, see our Fishing and Diving Records web page
When is the season for yellowfin tuna?
Year round
Which license do I buy for yellowfin tuna?
License from 16 ($64.54); some species need report cards too.
Which charters catch yellowfin tuna?
8 operators list it in their counts, including Dana Wharf Sportfishing.