To me, the yellowtail represents the best in Southern California fishing. This hard-fighting cousin of the amberjack can be caught year-round. Depending on location, time of year, and conditions on the water, they require the angler to be adept at a variety of fishing techniques in order to be successful. It’s also a great eating fish — hamachi anyone? Any time you catch one, it’s a win and gives you bragging rights for weeks.
San Diego’s International Yellowtail Derby celebrated this fish for a 28-year-run from the mid-40s to the early 70s. Recently, the derby was resurrected and has been an unqualified success. This year’s edition will run from May 4 to June 8 and is open to all comers. You can find the details here at InternationalYellowtailDerby.com
Miss Yellowtail Derby 1962
San Diego’s original Yellowtail Derby ran for 28 years, from 1946 to 1973. It was sponsored and produced by the San Diego Jaycees.
It was a multi-month event with qualifying periods and finals. Prizes ranged form cash to cars, trailers, trips and fishing gear. It built up to where every year more than 10,000 anglers competed and many from LA, Orange Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and often won.
In 2008, at the urging of Stephen Cushman, Chairman of San Diego’s Board of Port Commissioners, John Campbell took up the challenge and resurrected the Yellowtail Derby.
Mr. Campbell’s extensive experience in the fishing community made him an ideal candidate to resurrect the tradition of the Derby, including being the IGFA Representative for California 7 years, Sales Manager for South Coast Sportfishing Magazine, and originator of the fishing section of The Log Newspaper.
Photos: New Seaforth (top); International Yellowtail Derby (above)
