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Monterey Bay Fishing

Monterey Bay Fishing

Located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California, Monterey Bay is a diverse ecosystem. From the rocky coastline to the Monterey Canyon, one of the largest underwater canyons in the world, Monterey Bay is a unique fishing destination. The history of Monterey Bay, California dates back to the indigenous Ohlone people, who lived in the area for thousands of years before the arrival of Spanish explorers in the late 18th century. Spanish colonial rule was established in Monterey in 1770, and it became the capital of Alta California. In 1848, following the Mexican-American War, California became a part of the United States, and Monterey Bay became a hub for the booming maritime and fishing industries. During World War II, the area was a center for military activity and was later transformed into a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and diverse wildlife. Today, Monterey Bay remains a popular destination for visitors and a center for environmental conservation efforts.

Monterey Bay fishing offers a plethora of popular species for all depths of fishing. Types of fish you could catch while inshore fishing include Albacore Tuna. Bluefin Tuna, Cabezon, Halibut, Lingcod, and Rockfish (Pacific snapper). King Salmon (Chinook Salmon) is a popular species that you have a chance catching nearshore. You can also catch Silver Salmon (Coho Salmon) in some of the same areas. Several record fish have been caught at Monterey Bay, including a 78-pound White Sea Bass and a 220-pound Bluefin Tuna.



Monterey Bay Fishing Forecast

Target Species of Fish

Based on historical data for fishing Monterey Bay, you should target one of the following species for this time of year:
  1. Kelp Rockfish

  2. Kelp Rockfish

    There is a 18.81% catch rate for Kelp Rockfish, based on 19 Kelp Rockfish counted.

    Monterey Bay Kelp Rockfish Counts Chart
    Kelp

    ENLARGE MONTEREY BAY KELP ROCKFISH COUNTS CHART


  3. Giant Sea Bass

  4. Giant Sea Bass

    There is a 17.82% catch rate for Giant Sea Bass, based on 18 Giant Sea Bass counted.

    Monterey Bay Giant Sea Bass Counts Chart
    Giant

    ENLARGE MONTEREY BAY GIANT SEA BASS COUNTS CHART


  5. Cabezon

  6. Cabezon

    There is a 12.87% catch rate for Cabezon, based on 13 Cabezon counted.

    Monterey Bay Cabezon Counts Chart
    Cabezon

    ENLARGE MONTEREY BAY CABEZON COUNTS CHART


  7. Lingcod

  8. Lingcod

    There is a 10.89% catch rate for Lingcod, based on 11 Lingcod counted.

    Monterey Bay Lingcod Counts Chart
    Lingcod

    ENLARGE MONTEREY BAY LINGCOD COUNTS CHART


  9. Striped Bass

  10. Striped Bass

    There is a 7.92% catch rate for Striped Bass, based on 8 Striped Bass counted.

    Monterey Bay Striped Bass Counts Chart
    Striped

    ENLARGE MONTEREY BAY STRIPED BASS COUNTS CHART


  11. Black Rockfish

  12. Black Rockfish

    There is a 5.94% catch rate for Black Rockfish, based on 6 Black Rockfish counted.

    Monterey Bay Black Rockfish Counts Chart
    Black

    ENLARGE MONTEREY BAY BLACK ROCKFISH COUNTS CHART


  13. Anchovy

  14. Anchovy

    There is a 3.96% catch rate for Anchovy, based on 4 Anchovy counted.

    Monterey Bay Anchovy Counts Chart
    Anchovy

    ENLARGE MONTEREY BAY ANCHOVY COUNTS CHART


  15. Bocaccio

  16. Bocaccio

    There is a 2.97% catch rate for Bocaccio, based on 3 Bocaccio counted.

    Monterey Bay Bocaccio Counts Chart
    Bocaccio

    ENLARGE MONTEREY BAY BOCACCIO COUNTS CHART


  17. California Sheephead

  18. California Sheephead

    There is a 2.97% catch rate for California Sheephead, based on 3 California Sheephead counted.

    Monterey Bay California Sheephead Counts Chart
    California

    ENLARGE MONTEREY BAY CALIFORNIA SHEEPHEAD COUNTS CHART


  19. Thresher Shark

  20. Thresher Shark

    There is a 2.97% catch rate for Thresher Shark, based on 3 Thresher Shark counted.

    Monterey Bay Thresher Shark Counts Chart
    Thresher

    ENLARGE MONTEREY BAY THRESHER SHARK COUNTS CHART


Recommendations above based on 19 species of fish and 101 fish counted for December around Monterey Bay.

To date, there are 68 species of fish and a total of 107758 fish counted for Monterey Bay and within a 30 mile (48 km) radius since 1/1/1860 (163 years).

Last Update: 12/1/2023 12:25:20 PM

*** PLEASE NOTE ***
Please check local, state/province, and federal laws before fishing for any species found on this site. All data is based on historical data found for this area, and in some cases as far back as the year 1600.

View full Monterey Bay Fishing Forecast to see all species.

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Top Monterey Bay Fishing Spots

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The Top 10 Fishing Spots for Monterey Bay are the following:

  1. Soquel Hole
    Soquel Hole 36.52.00 / 121.57.00 Popular King Salmon and Silver Salmon hole for trolling and drifting. 


  2. Mulligan Hill
    Mulligan Hill 36.44.98 / 121.52.


  3. Soldier’s Club
    Soldier’s Club 36.41.14 / 121.52.28


  4. 601 South Rock
    601 South Rock 36.55.00 / 122.01.00


  5. Adams Reef


  6. Three Trees


  7. Manresa State Beach


  8. Three Trees


  9. Park Reef Kelp


  10. Moonglow Point


View more Top Monterey Bay Fishing Spots


Latest Monterey Bay Fishing Reports

  • November 21
    Big water today and big fish too for grandpa Tom and eight year-old grandson Tom (aka Hook). Great time. Lots of fish for the holiday. The post November 21 appeared first on


  • October 11
    Out to the deep for lings and things today. Got our bait then tried for lingcod but they weren’t biting. Ran up the coast for rockcod and did okay. Water was a wee bit bUmPy


  • November 1
    Out to the deep today with high hopes of big fish. Mother nature had other plans for us. East wind made fishing difficult but we did manage to knock out limits of chili peppe


  • October 29
    Out to the deep again for lingcod and rockcod. Water wasn’t very nice so it was a bumpy day. Got to the lingcod grounds and the mackerel have taken over the area. Mackerel we


  • October 28
    Ran out for lingcod today and made bait but the mackerel were thick! Turns out the lings already had their meal for the day so we headed up the coast and got into the chili p


  • October 22
    Out to the deep lingcod part of Jurassic Park today. After making bait we drop in our lines and picked away at the lings. Water and wind were ugly but we managed to get some


  • October 16
    The bluefin are now starting to show up in consistent numbers. My buddy Josh landed three and lost one in the past 48 hours. Other boats are also getting fish. We’re ready to


  • October 14
    Our first bluefin tuna trip of the season. Water was perfect. Quite a few boats fishing but not a lot of fish caught today. Water looked good so maybe the big tuna bite will


  • October 13
    Out to the deep again and we got into the fish right away. Variety of rockfish and a 17 pound lingcod. The post October 13 appeared first on Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Fishi


  • October 12
    Lingcod gear testing in the deep today. The lingcod were big too with an average of 15 pounds and the biggest went 18 pounds. The post October 12 appeared first on Monterey B


View Monterey Bay Fishing Reports

Top Monterey Bay Bait & Tackle Stores

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Top Monterey Bay Fishing Charters & Guides

  1. Monterey Bay Charters
    MEGA-BITE is the premier 6-pack charter boat located in the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and we fish the Monterey Bay. We provide all types of charters aboard our spacious 32x12 foot 630 horsepower Sport Sedan. We can take up to six people fishing for sa

  2. Capitola and Santa Cruz Boat Rentals
    Santa Cruz Boat Rentals and Capitola Boat and Bait have the only motorized ocean skiffs for rent on Monterey Bay, so if you want to get out there, you want to come here! Our shops are located on the Santa Cruz and Capitola wharves, making them the pe

  3. Fish Taxi Sportfishing Oceanside CA
    Fish Taxi 6-pack private deep sea fishing charter all-inclusive 1/2 day, full day and overnight excursions available. From sportfishing tournaments to kid-friendly outings, we've got you covered. Gear and refreshments provided.

View more Monterey Bay Charters & Guides

Top Monterey Bay Marinas

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