After fishing the last couple of weeks on a PB and one day on a mothership/PB out to the 9 mile bank. I can definitely echo the words
that the schools are closer then you think. My friend Gabe caught a small dorado 2 weeks ago on his kayak at the 9 mile bank and if the bait had not rolled we could of easily continued with both kayaks in the water. Just for your information the 9 mile bank is 14 miles out. Up on returning home we stopped on a kelp 4 miles off the point of Point Loma that was holding dorado's. This would of been a very easy paddle for most of individuals. If you are heading off shore, go to the 9 mile bank and fish around it
. If you find a kelp holding dorados don't be fooled to think that there is not something bigger. Last Thursday at the 9 mile, we ran into two kelps holding doritos at first. Next pass it opened to dorado's. Our last pass ended with YFT upto 40lbs and bigger sized dorados (15 lbs). If you are lucky enough to get infront of a school of breezing porposes, flyline sardines and hold on for the onslaught on YFT. Check weather and take precautions if you are heading off shore by bringing along a friend or two. Handhelds VHF, PDF's and GPS are a must. If you can leave really, really, really early your chances will improve. Just make sure you have navagational lights if in the dark. Bring a squid jig just in case. Also mako's have been active recently especially by patties.
Good Luck.
Jimmy