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Santa Cruz's diverse marine life, gorgeous scenery and accessible locations make for an unforgettable fishing experience. Whether you fish from the pier or embark on a deep-sea fishing charter, you can have an incredible time.
The following types of fishing in Santa Cruz offer different experiences and advantages.
Inshore fishing occurs in shallow saltwater within 15 miles of the shoreline. It is a fantastic option for families and beginners because it is accessible and requires less equipment than offshore fishing. You can enjoy some Santa Cruz Pier fishing, fish from a small boat or cast a line while hanging out at the beach.
Offshore fishing occurs in water that is over 100 feet deep. You typically need to travel about 20 miles or more for offshore fishing, and you can catch larger fish species such as tuna, mahi-mahi and marlin. This requires a larger boat and specialized equipment, making it the perfect option for experienced anglers.
Fishing charters and tours are perfect if you want to try offshore fishing but lack the experience and equipment. A fishing charter captain provides equipment, expertise and bait for an exciting day on the water. They can take you to the area’s best fishing spots, teach you helpful fishing techniques and increase your chances of catching amazing fish.
Try freshwater fishing in Santa Cruz’s lakes and rivers to catch species such as catfish, bass and trout. Freshwater fishing is another accessible form of fishing that is perfect for beginners and families. You can fish from a boat, but many anglers cast their lines directly from the shore.
Here are some of the best Santa Cruz fishing spots:
You can fish in Santa Cruz year-round, but each season offers its own advantages:
Santa Cruz is an exciting fishing destination with its inshore, offshore and freshwater options. Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday offers the perfect place to stay during your fishing adventure. The campground provides fun recreational activities and convenient amenities to make your stay comfortable. You can explore the area's best fishing spots and end each day roasting marshmallows over a crackling campfire. Reserve your stay to start your Santa Cruz fishing excursion.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.