We are a long way from the end of the surface fishing season, if the warm water event continues as predicted by oceanographers. They think San Diego will have warmer than normal temps all winter, so it seems likely that tuna will hang around for at least another month or two.

The best year for local yellowfin during the past four seasons was 2006, when 8,309 were caught by dayboats and recorded by Paul Morris, Fisherman's Landing manager. Right now the count stands at 10,566 and the local boats are making fine catches as I write. 2008 only produced 4,815 tuna, and 2007 was a bad year for yellowfin, with just 731 recorded.

If you've been waiting for fishing to get better, better not wait any longer. The weather's nice, the fish are close and this is the peak of the season. There's probably room on the boat of your choice, so you'll likely get all the action you need. Dorado and a few bluefin and albacore are biting, too. Get out there and get some!