Fernandez Charters
Species guide
Skipjack Tuna
Katsuwonus pelamis
Nonstop offshore action and premium big-game bait
Skipjack often show first on the offshore grounds, blitzing kelp paddies and porpoise schools. They fight far above their weight and are frequently the fish that gets a chum line started for yellowfin and bluefin.
- Season
- July through November on warm water
- Best bite
- Midday on paddies and breaking schools
- Typical size
- 4–12 lb
- Where we fish
- Offshore blue water, kelp paddies, porpoise schools
How we catch them
- Trolling feathers and cedar plugs
- Fly-lining live sardine
- Casting small jigs into boils
Tackle we use
- 20–30 lb outfit
- Light fluorocarbon leader
- 1/0–3/0 circle hooks
Baits & lures
- Live sardine
- Live anchovy
- Trolling feathers
- Small metal jigs
Captain's tips
- Keep one hooked at the boat to hold the school.
- Bleed and ice right away or the meat softens fast.
- A fresh skipjack is the best bluefin bait on the boat.
Table quality
Good when bled and iced instantly — rich dark meat, excellent seared or smoked.
Regulations
No minimum size; check current bag limits before the trip.
Ready to target Skipjack Tuna?
Private charters aboard the Kate Elizabeth out of Seaforth Marina, Mission Bay.
(619) 431-3070