If you’re familiar with West Coast fishing, and have spent any time in California or Baja California, you’ve probably seen one or two of these before.

For everyone else, let me introduce you to Seriola dorsalis, aka “yellowtail”, aka “jurel”.

The yellowtail, commonly known as “jurel” in Spanish, is a favorite for many anglers on the Pacific coast. You can find yellowtail in Japan, off the coast of Baja California in the Pacific and in the Sea of Cortez, as well as Brazil, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Chile. Although there is some genetic diversity between these fish depending on where they are found, they are all still considered Seriola.

Yellowtail feed on a variety of fish and shellfish. Often, you will find mackerel, sardines and anchovies in their stomach. They also feed on crabs and squid. You will find them throughout the water column from the surface to the very bottom. This is why “jigging” is such an effective way to catch one (or two, or three, or more).

In the summertime, look for them in and around floating kelp paddies off Southern California and Baja California. Look for them around rocky areas, and offshore islands.