Fishing

A recreational fisherman standing along the shoreline casting a line. — Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities in the sanctuary. Photo: NOAA

Exciting fishing opportunities are supported by the rich and productive waters and habitats of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a popular destination for recreational fishing, with many chartered trips available out of local harbors and easily accessible wharves, piers, and shorelines for casting.

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is committed to supporting and collaborating with the recreational fishing community because of its importance and benefits to coastal economies. Each year, the sanctuary hosts Get Into Your Sanctuary [link to 1.2.2] events to promote ocean recreation activities including recreational fishing using NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries recreational fishing best practices.

Know Before You Go

Anyone 16 years and older must have a valid fishing license to take any kind of fish, algae, or invertebrate in California. State fishing regulations are available from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the agency responsible for the management and enforcement of related recreational, commercial, scientific, and educational uses in state waters, including a network of California state marine protected areas within the sanctuary.

Fishing from a public pier or wharf offers easy access and a fishing license is not required. Note that fishing in Monterey is allowed from the Breakwater (Coast Guard Pier) and Wharf II (Commercial Wharf), but not on Fisherman's Wharf. With a valid license and adherence to state marine protected area regulation, other opportunities to cast are by kayak fishing and shoreline fishing.

Sport Fishing with Charter Boat Operators

two women on a boat hold a large lingcod caught in Monterey Bay — Lingcod (*Ophiodon elongatus*) is a popular sport fish caught in sanctuary waters. Photo: NOAA

Boats depart daily, year-round for deep-sea fishing in the sanctuary. Depending on the current season, fishermen can try their luck at salmon, albacore, squid, lingcod, halibut, rockfish, and white seabass. Many charter boats offer fishing trips from local harbors with the option to rent gear and obtain a fishing license, making it easy to take a fishing trip. Before heading out, learn about NOAA Fisheries catch and release best practices and helpful resources for fishing.

Explore fishing boat charter operators from these harbors:

This is a listing of known fishing charters that visit the sanctuary. If you wish to book a trip, please contact the charter operators directly for details about their booking procedures. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary does not endorse any particular operator.