Spearfishing Opah and Moonfish: San Diego’s Rare Pelagic Opportunities

Opah and moonfish are among the most exciting and elusive targets for San Diego spearfishers. These vibrant pelagic species appear sporadically in our waters, and when they do, they command attention. Both fish are prized for their size, fight, and the rarity of the encounter itself. Understanding their seasonal patterns, habitat preferences, and behavior will dramatically improve your odds of connecting with one.

What You’re Hunting: Opah vs. Moonfish

Opah (moonfish, Lampris guttatus) are unmistakable—massive, colorful, and built like a compressed pancake. They can reach 150+ pounds, with iridescent silver and blue bodies flecked with white spots. Their fins are bright red or orange. Opah are solitary hunters that feed on squid, small fish, and crustaceans. They’re strong, unpredictable, and dangerous when shot.

Moonfish (Selene vomer and Selene setapinnis) are smaller—typically 2–5 pounds—and shaped like a compressed coin. They’re silvery with dark backs and move in loose schools. While less impressive in size, they’re excellent table fare and can be abundant when conditions align.

Both species are temperature-sensitive and appear when offshore water masses shift, usually during specific windows in late spring and early fall.

Seasonal Windows: When to Hunt

Late May through June is prime opah season in San Diego. Warm-water eddies from the south bring opah north toward the continental shelf. This window coincides with the annual kelp bed bloom and increased bioluminescence activity. Water temperatures between 62°F and 68°F trigger opah movement into shallower offshore zones.

September through October sees moonfish aggregations, particularly around the 150-foot contour lines south of Point Loma and off the Coronado Islands. These schools often coincide with forage fish migrations and are predictable if you’re paying attention to water temperature and current patterns.

Opah can appear year-round in exceptional circumstances, but they’re most reliable during these seasonal sweet spots.

Where to Find Them

Opah prefer the continental shelf edge and open-water structures. Target areas:

• Off Point Loma: 4–8 miles offshore, around the 300–500-foot contour
• Coronado Islands (Los Coronados): The deeper channels between the islands and the seamounts to the south
• Kelp forests near La Jolla Cove: During rare inshore appearances in early summer
• San Clemente Basin: When water temperatures spike and nutrient-rich upwelling occurs

Moonfish are more predictable near structure:

• Kelp beds between Pacific Beach and Mission Beach: Spring and early summer
• The Finger, a rocky outcropping south of Point Loma
• Coronado Islands: Around deeper drop-offs and current breaks
• Shallow reefs near Torrey Pines: In September when bait is abundant

Hunting Strategy

For Opah

Opah hunting requires patience and preparation. They’re open-water hunters, so you’ll need a boat and the willingness to spend time scanning the surface. Look for:

• Surface disturbances: Opah often feed near the surface, creating splashes and swirls
• Baitfish aggregations: Gather where mackerel, sardines, or squid are present
• Current breaks: Warm-water eddies often concentrate prey

Approach slowly from downwind or downcurrent. Opah are wary but not panicked. A well-placed shot to the head or gills is essential—these fish fight hard and can break free if poorly secured. Use a strong float line and ensure your gun is loaded and ready. A 16mm+ speargun with a good shaft is minimum; many San Diego hunters prefer 18mm or 20mm setups for opah.

For Moonfish

Moonfish hunting is more accessible. Freedive or snorkel over moonfish schools in shallow water. They’re curious and will investigate movement. Use a smaller speargun (12–14mm) and aim for precision rather than power. Multiple shots are common—moonfish schools often stay in the area even after one is taken.

Preparation and Regulations

Check California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before heading out. Opah have no size limit, but moonfish are subject to daily bag limits (verify current limits). Both species require a valid sport fishing license.

Bring:

• GPS and detailed offshore charts
• Water temperature gauge
• Strong float lines and gear
• Backup shafts and bands
• First aid kit (opah fights can be intense)

The Reality Check

Opah and moonfish hunts are not guaranteed. You may spend three trips spotting nothing. But when conditions align—warm water, baitfish presence, right season—the payoff is exceptional. These are trophy moments in San Diego spearfishing, the kind of hunts that define a season.

Stay dialed into water temperature, current patterns, and seasonal cues. Use the Element app to track offshore conditions and plan your trips strategically.

Track real-time water temperatures, current patterns, and seasonal conditions with Element to maximize your offshore hunting success.