San Diego’s Best Summer Spearfishing: Mackerel Runs and Bonito Behavior

Summer is spearfishing season in San Diego. Water temps climb to 65–70°F, baitfish move inshore, and the mackerel and bonito follow. If you know where and when to hunt, you’ll find consistent action from June through September.

Mackerel Runs: Timing and Patterns

Pacific mackerel (jack mackerel) arrive in predictable waves. July and August are peak months—that’s when schools move through shallow reefs and kelp forests in aggressive feeding patterns.

Mackerel follow baitfish migrations. In summer, anchovies and sardines concentrate along the coast, drawing mackerel into water 40–80 feet deep. This is the sweet spot for spearos.

La Jolla Kelp is the classic mackerel zone. The dense kelp forest near the Cove and Boomer Beach holds schools from early morning until mid-morning. Visibility runs 20–40 feet in summer, and mackerel are less spooky in thick kelp. Hunt the edges where kelp meets open water—mackerel patrol these transitions hard.

Point Loma Kelp and the reefs south toward Ocean Beach also see strong mackerel activity. The underwater topography here creates natural funnels for schooling fish. Early summer (June) tends to produce larger specimens; by late August, schools fragment into smaller groups.

Sunset Cliffs and the shallow reefs inshore hold smaller mackerel but in higher concentrations. If visibility is poor or you want a high-volume session, these spots deliver faster action.

Bonito Behavior and Where to Find Them

Bonito (California bonito) are summer sprinters. They arrive slightly later than mackerel—typically mid-June through August—and hunt aggressively in warmer water.

Bonito behavior shifts with time of day:

• Early morning (6–9 AM): Bonito hunt in shallower water, often within 30–50 feet. They’re fast and feeding hard before the day warms up.
• Mid-day (10 AM–2 PM): They drop deeper or move offshore, becoming harder to locate.
• Late afternoon (3–6 PM): They return to shallower zones as baitfish concentrate near the surface.

Crystal Pier and Pacific Beach reefs are bonito magnets. The mix of sand, rocks, and kelp creates ideal habitat. Bonito hunt here consistently through July and August. Water clarity is usually 25–40 feet.

Mission Beach kelp and the reefs off Ocean Beach Pier also hold bonito. These zones have slightly warmer water and are closer to shore, making them more accessible for day trips.

Coronado’s Zuniga Jetty area and the reefs further south see bonito activity, though water temps are slightly cooler. Hunt here when other spots are crowded.

Tactics for Summer Success

Spear selection matters. Mackerel are smaller and faster than bonito—a 5–6mm gun with a single-band setup works well. For bonito, which run 3–6 lbs on average, step up to a 6–7mm with a double-band. Both fish have soft mouths, so a short, sharp shaft is critical.

Approach is everything. Mackerel spook easily in open water. Use kelp, rocks, or natural cover to stalk. Move slowly and avoid sudden movements. Bonito are more aggressive but still wary—stay low and approach from downcurrent when possible.

Baitfish tracking is your friend. If you see sardine or anchovy schools, bonito and mackerel are close. Watch for surface activity, bird dives, or visible bait balls. Early mornings in July and August often produce visible feeding frenzies.

Timing beats everything. Plan your dives around tides. Slack tide is usually slower; running tides (1–2 hours before or after slack) concentrate fish. Check NOAA tide data for San Diego Bay and coastal zones.

Summer Spearfishing Calendar

• June: First bonito arrivals. Mackerel present but inconsistent. Visibility variable (15–30 feet).
• July: Peak mackerel and bonito. Best month for consistent action. Visibility improves mid-month (30–50 feet).
• August: Mackerel schools fragment, but bonito remain strong. Water warmest. Visibility excellent (40–60 feet).
• September: Action drops as water cools. Bonito depart. Last chance for summer runs.

Final Notes

Bring a second gun on summer dives—the pace is fast, and reload time matters. Wear a light wetsuit (3mm) to stay warm and mobile. Hunt with a buddy; summer crowds at popular spots mean safety in numbers.

Check Element for real-time water temps, visibility forecasts, and swell data before heading out. Plan around optimal conditions and you’ll put quality fish on the board all summer long.