Jigs
Spro Bucktail Jigs
Durable hair jigs for stripers, fluke, and anything that eats baitfish.
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Saltwater & Coast
Spin, Cast & Bait
Monterey Bay (Santa Cruz) Fishing Guide
California
Northern Monterey Bay off Santa Cruz Harbor, where anglers fish for California halibut, salmon, and striped bass.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Monterey Bay (Santa Cruz) for chinook salmon, striped bass and california halibut. In October, chinook salmon and striped bass are in season, and Walking Topwater, Paddle-Tail Swimbait and Bucktail Jig are a good place to start. There are 8 shops within 25 miles (1 fly, 7 bait and tackle); the closest is Bayside Marine in Santa Cruz, under a mile away. San Francisco Bay is about 61 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Season at a Glance
Chinook Salmon
Striped Bass
California Halibut
JFMAMJJASOND
What You'll Catch
Monterey Bay (Santa Cruz) Species
Chinook Salmon
Prime NowJ
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best: May to Oct
Striped Bass
Prime NowJ
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best: Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov
California Halibut
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best: Mar to Aug
Images: Michael Humling, USFWS; Duane Raver, USFWS. Public domain.
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
4 picks for October. marks species in season in October.
Paddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · California Halibut, Striped Bass
Shop This LureWalking Topwater 4 to 5 in
LureTopwater · Striped Bass · Surface blitzes.
Shop This LureBucktail Jig 1/4 to 2 oz
LureJig · Striped Bass
Shop This LureLive Pinfish and Mullet 3 to 6 in
BaitLive Bait · California Halibut · Live anchovies or sardines.
Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Chinook Salmon
Fly 10 ft 9 or 10 wt rod, sink-tip line, 15 to 20 lb leader.
Spin / Cast 9 to 10.5 ft medium-heavy casting rod, line-counter or levelwind reel, 20 to 30 lb line.
Striped Bass
Fly 9 ft 9 wt rod, intermediate or sinking line, 20 lb leader. Clousers and Deceivers.
Spin / Cast 7 to 8 ft medium-heavy spinning rod, 4000 to 5000 reel, 30 lb braid with a 20 to 30 lb leader.
California Halibut
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning or casting rod, 20 lb line, swimbaits or a live bait drift rig.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Monterey Bay (Santa Cruz)
Reels
Penn Battle III Spinning Reel
A metal-bodied reel built to survive saltwater and big runs.
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Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod
A medium inshore rod for jigs, popping corks, and live bait.
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PowerPro Spectra Braided Line
Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.
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Heddon Zara Spook
The walk-the-dog topwater that works in fresh and salt.
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Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ
A tough, stretchy paddle tail that survives toothy fish.
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Within 25 Miles
Shops Near Monterey Bay (Santa Cruz)
Bait & Tackle
Coyote Bait & Tackle
Coyote, California· 23 mi
Operates a bait-and-tackle shop on Monterey Road.
Within 25 Miles
Guides and Charters Near Monterey Bay (Santa Cruz)
Charter
Barbarossa Fishing Charters
Santa Cruz, California· Under 1 mi
135 5th Ave 925-813-0379
Per their website: Offshore
Charter
Santa Cruz Coastal Charters
Santa Cruz, California· Under 1 mi
S-Dock Slip, 333 Lake Ave #5 831-419-0093
Charter
Chartle Charters
Santa Cruz, California· Under 1 mi
Slip S-25, 345 lake Ave 831-252-1777
Per their website: Offshore
Charter
Stagnaro Charter Boats
Santa Cruz, California· 1 mi
1718 Brommer St 831-427-2334
Per their website: Half-Day Trips
Make It a Trip