To catch California Yellowtail, it's recommended to use a heavy-duty saltwater fishing setup, such as a conventional reel paired with a sturdy rod, with a minimum line strength of 40-50 lb test. Popular fishing techniques include live bait fishing, jigging, and surface casting with topwater lures or poppers. Live bait options include sardines, anchovies, and mackerel, while effective lures include heavy jigs, swimbaits, and surface iron. It's important to have a variety of bait and lures on hand as Yellowtail can be finicky and may prefer different presentations on different days. It's also recommended to use a leader material of at least 50-60 lb test to withstand the Yellowtail's strong and agile movements.