4 Healthy Fish to Catch and Eat in San Diego

Summer has finally arrived, warming up the water and bringing in the fish. Whether you prefer taking a day trip on a charter or casting your line off a pier, there is great fishing in both the bays and off the coast of San Diego year-round.

Fish have a wide range of health benefits that come from being an excellent source of protein and vitamins. Serve the best seafood in San Diego in your very own home—no fish is fresher than a fish you’ve caught yourself, so get out onto the San Diego waters and catch a healthy meal!

Grab your bait and tackle: Below are four healthy fish you can catch in San Diego’s local waters.

1. Yellowfin tuna

Yellowfin, also known as ahi tuna, is commonly found in San Diego waters, and it’s also a popular game fish for anglers. It has a mild flavor with a firm texture, and many people enjoy it grilled, seared, or baked. It’s also used in raw fish dishes like sashimi, but use caution when preparing raw or rare fish.

Yellowfin tuna is good for your health because it is rich in essential fatty acids, such as omega-3. These help prevent inflammation that can cause chronic illnesses such as arthritis or cardiovascular disease. The essential fatty acids also lower cholesterol, blood pressure and decrease your risk of having a heart attack.

2. California yellowtail

Another popular fish targeted by anglers year-round in San Diego is yellowtail. They can be difficult to catch because they’re fighters, not to mention picky eaters—they won’t take just any bait. But yellowtail are worth the effort: They make for delicious and slightly sweet fillets when cooked.

As with the other fish on this list, one of the biggest health benefits of California yellowtail is that it is an excellent source of lean protein. Yellowtail has a whopping 43 grams of protein and only 10 grams of fat per serving. Eating lean protein such as this is an excellent way to reduce the risk of heart disease.

3. The Pacific rockfish

Commonly marketed as the Pacific snapper, Rockfish can be caught year-round. Growing anywhere between one and 40 pounds, rockfish is a staple in restaurants and grocery stores on the West Coast.

Rockfish are an excellent source of selenium and vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance against certain diseases. Bake, saute, or broil this sweet and flaky fish. . For a simple rockfish recipe, cook with a little garlic and lemon for a healthy, flavorful meal.

4. California halibut

The most frequently caught Southern California groundfish in sport fishing is the California halibut. In California, halibut must be at least 22 inches long for you to keep your catch.

A local favorite in many restaurants, San Diegans enjoy the health benefits of halibut’s lean protein, which is essential to building and repairing nearly every tissue in your body. Halibut is mild and tasty no matter how you cook it, and most halibut recipes suggest baking, broiling, or sauteing for your healthiest bet. Halibut tacos are always a local favorite!

With so many local healthy fish in season all year long, you’re bound to get a lucky catch or two. Turn your catch of the day into a delicious, heart-healthy meal for everyone to enjoy!