Saltwater · Mendocino
Tuna - Yellowfin
Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.
Species group
TUNA
Season
Open year around
Depth limit
No depth limit
Daily bag limit
The limit is 10. Unlike albacore and bluefin tuna, fish taken under this limit shall apply toward the overall general daily bag limit of 20 finfish
Minimum size
No size limit
Gear restrictions
May be taken only on hook-and-line or by hand. Any number of hooks and lines may be used
Identification
The second dorsal fin and the anal fin, as well as the finlets between those fins and the tail, are bright yellow, giving this fish its common name. The second dorsal and anal fins can be very long in mature specimens, reaching almost as far back as the tail and giving the appearance of sickles or scimitars. The pectoral fins are also longer than the related bluefin tuna, but not as long as those of the albacore. The main body is a very dark metallic blue, changing to silver on the belly, which has about 20 vertical lines.