Most of the time the bait receivers don't carry small mackerel so you have to hopefully catch your own. Mackerel can be caught in sparse times around the deep water oil platforms up close to the pilings and very deep, sometimes 150 feet. Yes, yellowtail are very important to Southern California anglers. They are the number one targets for us all. Beware though, the new Fish and game regulations have new restrictions.
Fork length is a measurement from the tip of the nose, mouth closed, to the fork of the tail.
Not to the end of the tail. Filets must be a minimum of 17 inches in length except not more than 10 filets may be less than 17 inches. It s a good regulation. To have Georges' Weekly Fishing Column Emailed to you Free.