Nov 2018
California Yellowtail
Madregal rabo amarillo · also Jurel
Seriola dorsalis · Carangidae
- Category
- Yellowtail & Jacks
- Found in
- Pacific Baja, Sea of Cortez
- IUCN status
- Least Concern
- Mexico fish counts
- 16,351 counted, 75 so far in 2026
About California Yellowtail in Mexico
How to recognize it
Yellowtail are long, muscular jacks with a bright yellow tail, a brassy stripe running from eye to tail, and an olive-blue back over a silver belly. There are no scutes along the tail like those of other jacks. Size varies widely: smaller fish are common, while large adults in northern Baja and the Sea of Cortez can weigh 30 pounds and more.
Where and when in Mexico
Officially named madregal rabo amarillo, the fish is called jurel by most Mexican anglers. On the Pacific side it is the star of the Coronado Islands, Ensenada, Todos Santos Island, San Quintín and Isla de Cedros, often best spring through fall. In the Sea of Cortez, winter into spring is prime time around Loreto, Bahía de los Ángeles and the Midriff islands. Mexico Fish Reports' counts show more than eleven thousand from San Felipe boats in 2006–2009, nearly five thousand from Ensenada, and a smaller number from Cabo San Lucas.
How it's fished
Northern Baja sportboats fish yellowtail on kelp paddies and around islands with fly-lined sardines and mackerel, surface iron and yo-yo jigs. In the Sea of Cortez, pangas often drop live mackerel or dropper-loop rigs on rocky high spots, or slow-troll baits along reefs and points. Expect strong runs toward rocks, so heavier tackle is wise.
Good to know
Yellowtail are excellent as sashimi, grilled or smoked. In the gulf, timing and locations can vary greatly from year to year.
Fishing rules in Mexico
- General limit: 10 fish per angler per day, max 5 of one species
Source: NOM-017-PESC-1994 §4.9.1 (2013 mod.). Rules change; confirm current limits, seasons and permits with CONAPESCA before you fish.
Where California Yellowtail are caught in Mexico
- San Felipe 11,175 counted · last Oct 2009
- Ensenada 4,819 counted · last Oct 2026
- Cabo San Lucas 357 counted · last May 2019
Fish counts by year
| Year | Kept | Released | Trips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (so far) | 75 | 0 | 24 |
| 2025 | 50 | 0 | 22 |
| 2024 | 235 | 0 | 26 |
| 2023 | 6 | 0 | 3 |
| 2022 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 2021 | 433 | 0 | 47 |
| 2020 | 81 | 0 | 17 |
| 2019 | 243 | 0 | 48 |
| 2013 | 19 | 12 | 4 |
| 2012 | 12 | 0 | 6 |
| 2011 | 53 | 0 | 15 |
| 2010 | 13 | 0 | 3 |
From fish counts posted by the Mexican landings on Mexico Fish Reports. Years with no posted counts are not shown.
Boats catching California Yellowtail (2025–2026)
- No Limitz Ensenada 54 counted on 14 trips
- El Cazador Ensenada 17 counted on 8 trips
- Coco Loco Ensenada 12 counted on 5 trips
- Horse Ensenada 9 counted on 2 trips
- Sammy Ensenada 9 counted on 5 trips
- Ultimate (MX) Ensenada 6 counted on 3 trips
- Super Panga Ensenada 5 counted on 1 trip
- Don Jesus I Ensenada 4 counted on 2 trips
California Yellowtail photos from Mexico
Photo: La Bocana staff
Photo: La Bocana staff
Photo: Javier Mata
Photo: Courtesy of El Budster Sportfishing
Photo: Joel
Photo: Captain Mike Slater-Ortiz
Photo: Courtesy of Cedros Sportfishing
Photo: Kristi Bon
Photo: Domingo
Photo: Courtesy of Determined Sportfishing
Recent California Yellowtail reports
John with a healthy Homeguard! Captain Martin #cedrossportfishingwithrosie #cedrossportfishingbcm #cedrossportfishing
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First day of the season…. The Boyz of Curtin Maritime found a few yellowtail, half day fishing at its finest. #cedrossportfishingwithrosie #cedrossportfishingbcm #cedrossportfishing Captain Javier
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Our boat captain, Enrique at La Bocana, Baja California Sur took out some very happy anglers. The yellowtail are still biting as long as you can get out there to…
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Today Capitan Joel tool out 4 very lucky anglers. They all caught their limits of yellowtail on surface and yo-yo jigs. The fish are not that deep in the winter…
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Today the Lucore Family scored some medium size yellowtail. A total of 10 family member brought in 17 yound yellowtail. The kids were totally happy with their catches. La Bocana,…
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This winter, when the seas allow our guys to get out and fish, the fishing is phenomenal! Nice size yellowtail are near La Bocana shores. Our local friend and captain…
(More…)More Yellowtail & Jacks
Full California Yellowtail species profile on FishDatabase.com »