Monterey Fishing Charters
Monterey fishing charters put anglers on prime offshore action for salmon, rockfish, and lingcod, along with year-round opportunities for inshore halibut and striper.
Top Rated Charters in Monterey
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Monterey, CA Fishing Guide
Fishing in Monterey gives anglers a rare combination of reliable offshore action and easily accessible inshore waters. Most charters offer half-day and full-day trips, making runs from the Monterey Municipal Wharf, Moss Landing, or nearby Fisherman’s Wharf. Launch points are close to productive fishing grounds, with average run times of only 20–40 minutes, allowing more lines in the water and less idle cruising.
Monterey Bay’s offshore fishery features nutrient-rich underwater canyons and reefs teeming with king salmon, lingcod, rockfish, and Dungeness crab. Deep sea trips typically target salmon with downriggers and trolled herring or hoochies, especially from April to September. Bottom fishing charters target lingcod and rockfish year-round with shrimp flies, jigs, or cut bait along the rocky reef structures.
Inshore fishing within Monterey Bay offers excellent action for California halibut, striped bass, and surfperch. Anglers frequently drift live bait rigs such as anchovies, sardines, or squid along sandy flats, drop-offs, and kelp beds. Local captains favor drifting near Del Monte Beach or along the protected waters around Cannery Row, offering great light-tackle action from spring through fall.
Seasonal bite patterns are distinct here. Salmon peak in late spring and early summer, while rockfish and lingcod consistently bite from April to December. Halibut fishing heats up from May through September, coinciding with calmer weather and warmer water. Winter trips shift focus to productive crab-potting combined with bottom fishing to keep anglers busy.
Fishing techniques vary depending on target species. Offshore anglers rely heavily on trolling and bottom jigging, while inshore trips favor drifting live bait or casting swimbaits. Whether seasoned anglers or first-timers, Monterey’s fisheries deliver accessible action with minimal run times and maximum productivity.
Fishing Seasons in Monterey
Spring
Spring fishing in Monterey kicks off the salmon season, typically starting strong in April as Chinook move into local offshore waters. Trolling hoochies and herring rigs around the Monterey Canyon edges produces solid early-season catches. Meanwhile, inshore anglers start seeing increasing action for California halibut and striped bass, especially on drifting live anchovies near beaches and kelp beds. Rockfish and lingcod bite steadily on bottom-fishing charters along nearshore reefs and rocky structure, making spring an exciting and productive season for anglers in this region.
Summer
Summer is prime time in Monterey, with all fisheries firing. Offshore salmon reach peak abundance from June through August, attracting anglers eager to troll near underwater structure and canyon edges. Halibut fishing in Monterey Bay heats up significantly, with larger fish often landed by drifting live bait along sandy bottom contours. Rockfish and lingcod continue steady action, providing consistent catches for deep sea charters working reefs with jigs and shrimp flies. Warm water and stable conditions make summer trips both comfortable and action-packed.
Fall
Fall fishing in Monterey offers excellent conditions and plenty of opportunity. Salmon fishing remains strong into September before gradually tapering off. Lingcod and rockfish stay highly active, offering consistent catches as deep sea charters continue targeting reefs and rocky pinnacles with jigs and bait rigs. Halibut fishing stays productive until late October, providing solid opportunities inshore. Fall also marks the beginning of Monterey’s Dungeness crab season in November, pairing nicely with bottom-fishing trips to round out cooler-weather adventures.
Winter
Winter fishing in Monterey shifts toward bottom species and crabbing due to rougher offshore conditions. Although salmon season closes, rockfish and lingcod fishing remains reliable, and charters regularly run trips to target these species around reefs and underwater pinnacles. Dungeness crab pots are frequently dropped on these trips, giving anglers bonus catches. Winter fishing means shorter days, so many anglers opt for half-day trips focused on nearby productive reefs. Inshore surfperch action picks up, providing additional options for anglers looking to fish calmer waters closer to shore.
Gamefish in Monterey
- King Salmon – 10–30 lbs April–September offshore trolling with hoochies or herring rigs near underwater canyons.
- Lingcod – 10–40 lbs Year-round bottom jigging and bait rigs around rocky reefs and pinnacles.
- Rockfish – 2–10 lbs Consistent catches year-round over rocky bottoms using shrimp flies, jigs, and squid strips.
- California Halibut – 10–35 lbs May–October drifting live bait rigs like anchovies or squid along sandy bottoms and kelp edges.
- Striped Bass – 5–25 lbs May–September drifting or casting live bait and swimbaits near beaches, kelp beds, and inshore structure.
- Dungeness Crab – 1–3 lbs November–February with crab pots dropped over sandy bottoms in Monterey Bay.
Monterey Fishing FAQs
What type of fishing charters are available in Monterey?
Monterey offers both inshore trips targeting halibut and striped bass and offshore deep sea charters for salmon, lingcod, and rockfish.
Where do Monterey fishing charters usually depart from?
Most charters depart from Monterey Municipal Wharf, Fisherman’s Wharf, or nearby Moss Landing.
What’s the best time of year for salmon fishing in Monterey?
Salmon fishing peaks from late spring to late summer, usually April through September.
Do I need my own gear for a Monterey fishing charter?
No, local captains typically provide all necessary rods, reels, bait, and tackle for the trip.
Are fishing licenses required for Monterey fishing charters?
Yes, California fishing licenses are required, but charter captains can assist with obtaining these.
Can beginners do well on fishing charters in Monterey?
Absolutely—charters in Monterey welcome beginners and provide guidance to ensure everyone has a successful trip.
What’s the typical run time to fishing grounds in Monterey Bay?
Fishing grounds are conveniently close, usually within a 20–40 minute boat ride from departure points.
Is there a good winter fishing season in Monterey?
Yes, winter fishing is excellent for rockfish, lingcod, and Dungeness crab.
What species can I catch on an inshore charter in Monterey?
Inshore trips commonly target California halibut, striped bass, and surfperch along beaches and kelp beds.
