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Fishing Guide for San Francisco Bay Area, Carmel, Napa Valley, Central CA

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Fishing in Central California Coast: Fishing

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Fishing is a very popular pastime in the rural parts of the Golden State's central coast and virtually every city dotted along the shorelines of the Pacific Ocean offer some sort of boating service for those who want to head out to sea to fish. At the southern end of this region, blue fin, yellow fin, and skipjack tuna are particularly in abundance off the coast during the summer months. At the northern end of the central coast, the fish in abundance during those same summer months can include ocean salmon and halibut. During the fall months at the northern end of the central coast, the fish that can be reeled in include cod and rock fish.

Fishing around the San Francisco Bay Area

For those who want to go out to sea for a fishing trip, several operators offer daily excursions from Fisherman's Wharf and from across the bay in Berkeley. Fish that can be reeled in from the Pacific Ocean and Bay Area waters include rock fish and ling cod. From April-October (when salmon are in season), many fishing boat operators offer “salmon runs.” Most of the fishing boat operators require reservations for those wanting to take part in a fishing excursion and provide just about everything you need, from bait to fishing equipment, generally for a cost of around $70 per person. The best part is that anything you manage to catch, (for a small fee) the operator will clean it, fillet it, and then bag it all up so you can take it home.

If you're near Golden Gate Park you might want to swing by the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club. Casting pools were built in 1938 and were designed for both fly and plug casting. The club specializes in fly tying and rod design and anyone interested in the sport is welcome to stop by for a visit. The casting pools are considered by many to be some of the finest in the country.

Fishing in Big Sur, California

Fishing in Big Sur can yield some fantastic and fascinating catches. Steelhead fishing, for instance, is possible downstream from California Highway 1 along the Big Sur River to its mouth with the Pacific Ocean. Other fish that can reeled in include rainbow trout and, on occasion, rare halibut and salmon. An important note, for some inexplicable reason, the rainbow trout that venture into the waters near Big Sur have been described time and time again as “aggressive” and “spooky.” Places to go fishing in Big Sur are the ever popular Pfeiffer Beach, as well as Jade Cove, Sand Dollar Beach, and Point Lobos.

Fishing at Lake San Antonio, California

Situated in Monterey County, Lake San Antonio offers more than 60 miles of shoreline. For around $5 a day you can launch your own boat and it's roughly an additional $5 for a one-day permit to use the lake. There are tons of fish to catch here including large and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegills, catfish, and many more.

Fishing in Morro Bay, California

Morro Bay is a center for local fishing at the southern end of the central California coastal region. Fishing trips can be arranged from Virg's Landing in Morro Bay, but an open fishing license must be obtained beforehand (they can be bought at Virg's Landing). Daily trips cost around $30 for a half day, or about $40 for a whole day. If boating makes you seasick, another spot in the Morro Bay area that is considered ideal for reeling in sole, albacore, halibut, and rockfish is the long pier in Cayucos at Morro Bay's northern end.

Fishing in Pismo Beach, California

Pismo Beach is a great place for a fishing trip. For starters, there is absolutely no need for a fishing license if you're planning to fish off of the Pismo Beach Pier. Secondly, red snapper and ling cod can be reeled in from the Pacific Ocean. Thirdly, Pismo Beach is one of the best places in the United States to go clamming. Be aware, to go clamming for the famous “Pismo clam,” you will need to get a license from the local fishing offices.