If you’re looking for a fun and exciting fishing experience, consider taking a charter trip to Monterey. There are many different charters to choose from, each with its own unique style and approach to fishing.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, there’s sure to be a trip that suits your needs. So gear up and get ready for some serious fun on the water!
Santa Cruz Charters
Phone: (831) 419-0093
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The Knot Alone is a 6-person Deep Sea fishing charter boat conveniently located in Santa Cruz Harbor. She is a 35′ long and 12′ wide Maine Cruiser lobster-style boat with a ton of fishing room.
There is not a better or more comfortable ride out of Monterey Bay. They fish for King Salmon, Halibut, White Sea Bass, Rock cod, Lingcod, Dungeness Crab, and Albacore Tuna.
They provide all Rods, Reels, Tackle and Bait needed. They are very knowledgeable of the best fishing spots on Monterey Bay, for whatever species of fish is in season. The captain has been fishing the Monterey bay since he was a kid.
Captain Rodney has now been running his own charter for 7 years. He has been commercial fishing and charter fishing for the past 15 years. He has captained other charter businesses as well as commercial crab boats.
Barbarossa Fishing
Phone: (925) 813-0379
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Barbarossa Fishing is a Bay Area fishing charter based out of South San Francisco and Santa Cruz, California. Come and enjoy a day in nature as you explore the area’s beautiful and fish-rich nearshore and offshore waters.
Barbarossa Fishing specializes in private 6-Pack fishing charters to catch Salmon, Sturgeon,Tuna, Halibut, Rockfish, Lingcod, and Crab from Monterey Bay to San Francisco.
They will provide you with all the rods, reels, tackle, bait, and lures. You only need to bring fishing licenses, sturgeon/crab tags when applicable, and the food and drinks of your choice.
Stagnaro Charter Boats
Phone: (831) 427-2334
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The Stagnaro family has been serving the Santa Cruz area for over a century, ever since Italian patriarch Cottardo Stagnaro settled in Santa Cruz in 1879.
This historical landmark business is still leading the way in ocean fun at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. There is something for everyone: Fishing Trips, Scenic Bay Cruises, Whale & Dolphin Watching, and Private Parties for any occasion.
Whichever your choice, today’s fourth-generation Stagnaro Charter Boats will surely make your trip fun and memorable. And be sure to dine at Gilda Stagnaro’s Family Restaurant before or after your ocean adventure.
J & M Sportfishing
Phone: (831) 372-7440
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John and Mat are both licensed captains and co-owners of the business. They both have over 25 years of experience on the ocean with a passion for fishing.
Both men grew up on the Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf and coming together to own a business on the wharf has been a dream come true.
Their Captains are highly trained in the latest regulations and technologies in the sport fishing industry. They strive to put you on the highest quality fish each day while operating safely and making the trip enjoyable for everyone.
Chartle Charters
Phone: (831) 336-2244
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This is my 100-word guide/charter description. It’s important to write about the type of fish they target. Write about where their boat is located, the neighborhood, marina, landmarks nearby, cross streets, etc. Check the About page on the charter website, do they have a well-known captain/guide? Years of experience? Mention what types of boat or boats they have, equipment they use, affiliations or awards they have.
What types of trips do they offer? Full day, half day? Inshore, off shore, what pricing ranges are they?
Chris’ Fishing and Whale Watching
Phone: (831) 375-5951
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King Salmon is the most desired game fish they have in the Monterey Bay area. They have been Sport and Commercially fishing them since 1972. Their bay has one of the largest biomass of bait anywhere in the world, bringing hungry Salmon by the thousands.
They use the same system in their sport fishing as they do commercial just with a handful of fishing rods. This puts their presentation right where the fish are actively feeding every time.
Go Fish Santa Cruz Charters
Phone: (831) 234-6155
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Captain JT has fished the waters of Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay for over 15 years. He holds a master captain’s license with the U.S. Coast Guard. JT will find the fish for you, whether it is salmon, halibut, rock cod, sea bass, or tuna.
Miss Beth is a 30′ island hopper sports fishing boat fully equipped for any fishing adventure on Monterey Bay. Charters can range from San Francisco to Monterey.
Depending on the season they go fish for salmon, rock cod/lingcod, sea bass, and halibut as well as albacore and bluefin tuna. Miss Beth features 100 square feet of unobstructed deck space that gives six anglers plenty of fishing room with an open state of the art electronics floor plan.
They have something for everyone – Fishing trips, scenic bay cruises, whale and dolphin watching, and crab and rock cod combos. You will have a blast out on your day fishing the beautiful Monterey Bay and scenic Santa Cruz.
Monterey Fishing Charter FAQs
How much is a fishing charter in Monterey?
The average price in Monterey for a half-day fishing trip of about 4 hours is around $500, and the price of a full-day trip will run you about $1000.
Of course, there are many factors that may play into the cost of your Monterey fishing experience like the number of anglers in your party, trip length, the type and size of the boat, as well as the fishing technique you’ll be using.
What are the top species of fish to catch in Monterey?
Guides in Monterey target a number of popular fish species, so it all depends on where you want to fish and what you want to catch.
Some Monterey fishing charters will take you to explore the inshore areas like bays and flats for smaller game fish such as redfish, trout, snook, and tarpon.
On the other hand, you can book a deep sea fishing charter that will target larger game fish like marlin, grouper, mahi-mahi, red snapper, and maybe even swordfish.
What’s the difference between deep sea, inshore, and offshore fishing in Monterey?
There are many different ways to experience fishing in Monterey. When it comes to fishing guides, you typically have three options: inshore, offshore, and deep sea fishing charters.
Inshore fishing means you’ll be staying in relatively shallow waters, fishing back bays, grass flats or within a few miles of the beaches for popular sport fish species. The method is usually casting lures or using live baits.
Offshore fishing is basically the same as deep sea fishing where the charter boat will take you out to open water where it gets much deeper. Depth could range from 100 feet up to a few thousand feet deep. You will target fish species like tuna, mahi-mahi, marlin, snapper and grouper. Typically the method of fishing is trolling, but sometimes you can deep drop bait onto reefs or shipwrecks.
Can You Keep Your Catch?
Most of the time, yes! If you’re wondering about keeping the fish you catch on your charter, then don’t worry because you will almost always be allowed to take your fish home.
Usually, the charter crew will fillet your fish for you once you arrive back at the dock, so that you can simply take it home and cook it up any way you like.
Depending on the guide you book, they may even take you to a nearby restaurant that will cook your catch for you in a number of different ways, as well.
Which fishing charters in Monterey are good for families?
If you’re planning a fishing trip in Monterey for the family, you should make sure that the charter caters to families, especially if you are bringing children along.
Luckily, many captains and their crew will be happy to accommodate families with children, and lots of them take pleasure in teaching kids all about fishing.
Final Thoughts
Have you ever gone fishing in Monterey? If not, you’re missing out! The fishing here is absolutely amazing, and the charter boats are top-notch. You can’t go wrong with a trip to Monterey for some world-class fishing. Give it a shot – you won’t regret it!
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