Middle Banks
The Middle banks provides premier pelagic fishing within a time budget. The second line of banks just off the San Diego coastline, you will find Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, and Yellowtail lurking in these waters. The most common methods of fishing here is patty hopping. The Captain will look for the patties floating on the water surface, hoping that underneath you will find what you are looking for. Other methods including trolling, kite fishing, balloon fishing, and freelining your bait on the boil.
If you are not looking to go on a 24 hour + trip, but still want to get on the tuna, this is your call.
Find the patties, watch for birds, mind the sonar.
Experience the Thrill of Sport Fishing on San Diego's Middle Banks
Located approximately 9 miles off the coast of San Diego, the middle banks, also known as the 9-Mile Bank, are a renowned fishing destination for both locals and tourists. This underwater ridge is a hotspot for an incredible variety of fish species, including yellowtail, tuna, dorado, halibut, marlin, and swordfish.
Targeting the Elusive Yellowtail
Yellowtail are one of the most sought-after species on the middle banks, and for good reason. These powerful fish can weigh up to 50 pounds and are known for their impressive runs and acrobatic jumps. Typically found at depths of 10 to 100 feet, yellowtail are a challenging and exciting catch for anglers of all skill levels.
Tuna: A Summer Favorite
During the summer months, the middle banks attract an abundance of bluefin and yellowfin tuna, with some fish weighing up to 200 pounds. These speedsters can be found at depths of up to 200 feet and are prized by experienced anglers for their endurance and strength. Interestingly, the middle banks often hold tuna when other areas further offshore are barren, making it a reliable spot for those seeking a trophy catch.
Dorado: A Colorful and Delicious Catch
Dorado, also known as mahi-mahi, are another popular species on the middle banks. These vibrant fish are typically found at depths of 50 to 100 feet and can weigh up to 40 pounds. Renowned for their acrobatic leaps and flavorful meat, dorado are a favorite among anglers seeking a fun and rewarding catch.
Fishing Methods and Techniques
Anglers on the middle banks employ a range of techniques to land their catch, including trolling, jigging, and live bait. Trolling involves dragging lures or live bait behind the boat at varying speeds and depths to attract fish. Jigging, on the other hand, requires a jigging rod and reel to drop a lure or live bait to the bottom, then retrieve it to mimic the movement of a baitfish. Live bait, such as anchovies or sardines, is often used to target larger species like yellowtail and tuna.
Our staff can help you!
Did you know that our staff have years of experiece helping anglers just like you book trips? We have THOUSANDS of charters under our belt. If you call us and know what you want, we can put you on the right boat with ease. If you do not know what you want exactly, let us help you!
Summer Species
(June to September)
- Bluefin Tuna
- Season: June to September
- Method: Trolling with lures or bait
- Size: 20-100 pounds
- Means: Bluefin tuna are a prized catch in the Middle Banks during the summer months. They are known for their strength and are often caught using trolling methods.
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Season: June to September
- Method: Trolling with lures or bait
- Size: 10-50 pounds
- Means: Yellowfin tuna are a common catch in the Middle Banks during the summer months. They are known for their bright yellow fins and are often caught using trolling methods.
- Albacore Tuna
- Season: June to September
- Method: Trolling with lures or bait
- Size: 10-30 pounds
- Means: Albacore tuna are a prized catch in the Middle Banks during the summer months. They are known for their meaty flesh and are often caught using trolling methods.
- Marlin
- Season: June to September
- Method: Trolling with lures or bait
- Size: 50-200 pounds
- Means: Marlin are a rare but prized catch in the Middle Banks during the summer months. They are known for their strength and are often caught using trolling methods.
- Dorado
- Season: June to September
- Method: Trolling with lures or bait
- Size: 10-30 pounds
- Means: Dorado are a colorful catch in the Middle Banks during the summer months. They are known for their vibrant blue and yellow stripes and are often caught using trolling methods.
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Spots We Fish
San Clemente Island.
If you want massive blue fin, this is one of, if not the MOST productive spot on the entire map. This place is almost always holding tuna. Most of our overnight and multiday trips start here. The backside is known for pre-dawn jig bites, and this is a lunching spot for the other nearby banks. During summer months is best.
Tanner & Cortez Banks.
These two spots represent the far end of a 1.5 day overnight trip, and is a common destination for all long range trips we offer. These banks come very close to the surface, even causing surfable waves at times.
The underwater structure attracts all types of large pelagic predators, which is exactly what we are looking for.
Mexican Outer Banks.
Mexican international waters means no passport for these multiday trips. Enjoy the outright crazy fishing on any of these deep banks that are south and south west of San Clemente island. Home of giant blue fin, yellow fin, and Dorado, you will likely find that you are one of only few boats fishing the unpressured spot.