The management of China's pelagic fisheries has played a crucial role in the development of these fisheries. By examining the evolution of pelagic fisheries management in China from 1985 to 2024, this study aims to examine the changes in the development trends over time. The study of the pelagic fisheries management evolution involves data collection and content analysis. The pelagic fisheries management in China can be divided into three distinct phases in chronological order: the first period (1985–1997) with the focus on accelerating the development of pelagic fisheries, the second period (1998–2015) with the focus on progressively engaging in international fisheries governance, the third period (2016–2024) with the focus on the ecological advancement of the pelagic fisheries. Nevertheless, there are still some deficiencies in pelagic fisheries management, including inadequate management, unreasonable subsidies, outdated equipment and technology, limited stakeholders engaged in management, and conflicting maritime interests with other nations. To address these deficiencies, this paper emphasizes enhancing the management system, reforming fishery subsidies, prioritizing science and technology, promoting stakeholders' engagement in management, and strengthening international collaboration in fisheries.