California Yellowtail
Seriola lalandi
At a Glance
Avg Length
40"
Avg Weight
30 lbs
World Record
114 lbs
Habitat
Pacific Kelp, Offshore Islands
About the California Yellowtail
California Yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) inhabits pacific kelp, offshore islands. Popular technique: iron jigging using live bait, iron jigs.
The California Yellowtail is one of the most recognizable saltwater species in North American waters, classified scientifically as <em>Seriola lalandi</em>. It belongs to the Amberjack group, most commonly found in pacific kelp, offshore islands environments. Anglers target this species for both sport and table fare, and it appears across a broad range of water bodies throughout the United States.
A typical California Yellowtail runs 40 inches in length and weighs around 30 pounds, though fish in prime habitat regularly exceed these averages. The all-tackle world record stands at 114 lbs, set at Alijos Rocks, Mexico, making it a legitimate target for anglers chasing personal bests. Conservation status varies by region — check local regulations before keeping fish, as some waters have slot limits or catch-and-release requirements in place.
Habitat & Range
Primary habitat: Pacific Kelp, Offshore Islands.
The California Yellowtail thrives across a wide range of saltwater environments throughout North America. Seasonal movements are driven by water temperature — fish tend to move into shallower water during spring and fall feeding periods, and push deeper or seek cover during the heat of summer and cold of winter. Understanding these patterns is critical to locating fish consistently across the season.
How to Fish for California Yellowtail
Best bait: Live Bait, Iron Jigs.
Technique: Iron Jigging.
Match your presentation to the season and conditions. In clear water, downsize your bait and slow your retrieve. In stained or muddy water, switch to high-contrast colors and add vibration. Early morning and evening are the most productive windows during summer months. During spawning season, fish become highly territorial and will strike out of aggression as well as hunger.
World Record
The all-tackle world record California Yellowtail weighed 114 lbs, caught at Alijos Rocks, Mexico. This record represents the upper end of what this species achieves under ideal conditions. Most anglers targeting personal bests focus on proven trophy waters with the right combination of habitat, forage base, and light fishing pressure.
State Regulations
Regulations vary by state and water body. Before fishing for California Yellowtail, verify current size limits, bag limits, and open seasons with your state fish and wildlife agency. Check your state's fishing license requirements and season dates at the FishLog Fishing License guide.
Log your California Yellowtail catches in FishLog
Record weight, length, GPS location, and photos. Build a personal record book across 375 species. Free for iOS and Android.
Free DownloadGear for California Yellowtail fishing
Find rods, reels, lures, and tackle for California Yellowtail fishing on Amazon.
Shop California Yellowtail gear on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.