The Seasonal Migration of Bonito Through San Diego: Timing Your Hunts
Bonito are the golden ticket of San Diego spearfishing. Fast, aggressive, and delicious, they drive hunters back to the water season after season. But bonito aren’t here year-round—they follow predictable migration patterns through our waters, and knowing these patterns is the difference between a productive day at Coronado Islands and coming home empty-handed.
Spring Arrival: April Through May
Bonito begin their northbound migration in April as water temperatures climb into the mid-60s. This is your first opportunity of the year, and it’s a golden window. Early arrivals tend to be larger fish moving from Baja California waters, and they’re hungry after the cooler months.
Target the Coronado Islands during this period—especially the kelp beds on the northwest side of North Island. Bonito stage here before pushing further north, and the transition zone between shallow kelp and open water is prime hunting ground. Water clarity improves through May, typically reaching 30–40 feet of visibility by month’s end. Work the edges of kelp forests where baitfish congregate. Use a 5–6mm wetsuit; water temps are still cool at 62–65°F.
The Coronado Islands peak in May. If you can only hunt bonito once this season, make it May at Coronado.
Early Summer: June Through July
By June, bonito have pushed further north and east along the coast. Point Loma and the Kelp Bass Reserves off Ocean Beach become prime zones. Water temperatures reach 68–70°F—excellent conditions—and bonito are actively feeding on anchovies and sardines.
July is peak season. Bonito are distributed from La Jolla Shores north to Torrey Pines and throughout the La Jolla Cove vicinity. Summer swells bring slightly reduced visibility (20–30 feet), but the abundance of baitfish and aggressive feeding behavior more than compensate. This is the easiest season to locate and land bonito. Hunt mornings before recreational boat traffic peaks, and focus on reefs and rocky outcrops where baitfish shelter.
Late Summer Plateau: August
August maintains good bonito numbers but introduces inconsistency. Water temps peak at 72–74°F, which is ideal, but summer thermal stratification can push bonito deeper during midday. Hunt early morning or late afternoon when bonito move into shallower water to feed. Visibility often drops to 15–25 feet as algal blooms develop.
The Underwater Park at La Jolla remains productive, as does the reef system off Bird Rock. Don’t neglect the South San Diego Bay areas near Cabrillo Point—bonito often stage here during late summer before beginning their southbound migration.
Fall Transition: September Through October
This is a critical window. As water temperatures begin cooling in September (still 70–72°F), bonito shift their feeding patterns and begin migrating south. They’re fattening up for the journey, making them aggressive and abundant.
September is underrated. Visibility improves to 30–40 feet, and bonito are concentrated before dispersing. Hunt Point Loma reefs, the Coronado Islands again, and the kelp forests off Sunset Cliffs. October sees the migration accelerate; fish are present but moving through quickly. Water temps drop to 65–68°F, and bonito become more selective hunters—they’re feeding with purpose, not desperation.
Winter Absence: November Through March
Bonito are largely absent from November through March. Water temperatures drop to 60–62°F, and the fish have migrated back to southern California and Baja waters. This is the season to pivot to other species or plan your spring hunts while reviewing your footage from the peak seasons.
A few late stragglers linger into early November, especially around the Coronado Islands, but don’t count on it.
Practical Timing Strategy
For maximum bonito encounters: Hunt May (spring peak), June–July (summer abundance), and September (fall feeding frenzy). If you can only hunt one month, choose July for sheer abundance and September for hunting quality.
For trophy bonito: April and May feature larger fish moving north. These are less numerous but more impressive.
For consistent conditions: June and July offer the most reliable visibility, water temperature, and bonito presence. Best for newer hunters or those prioritizing success rate.
Check water temperature and clarity daily using the Element app—bonito behavior shifts noticeably at 65°F and 70°F thresholds. Pair this with swell forecasts and tidal patterns to dial in your hunts.
Track bonito movement through the Element app’s conditions data, which updates hourly with water temps and visibility at all major San Diego breaks and reefs.