Whether you’re coming for the stunning coastline or the call of the Pacific, Monterey is an angler’s dream. Picture yourself on a boat, surrounded by endless blue, deep sea fishing Monterey-style. The thrill of the catch, combined with gorgeous Californian views, makes for an unforgettable experience. And, thanks to the year-round mild weather, you can fish here anytime!
In this guide, we’ll show you what deep sea fishing in Monterey is all about. We’ll talk you through the prized species, best strategies, and top spots, We’ll also share some local secrets to give you an advantage when you head out. Ready to learn? Let’s dive right in!
Top Deep Sea Fishing Catches in Monterey
When you venture into Monterey’s deep blue waters, the hunt for exciting catches begins. Sharks like Mako, Blue, and Thresher dominate these waters, along with various types of Tuna and other predators. You should also keep an eye out for whales in the distance, dolphins in the waves, and seabirds above! Fishing here is truly magical, but let’s focus on your opponents…
Salmon
You wouldn’t normally consider Salmon a deep sea fishing target, but Monterey is full of surprises. The area’s unique underwater topography and rich upwellings create ideal conditions for Chinook “King” Salmon.
The Soquel Hole, a deep submarine canyon off the coast of Santa Cruz, attracts schools of bait fish, which, in turn, lure in Kings. For even more excitement, head 95 miles out to Monterey Canyon, one of the deepest underwater canyons on the West Coast. This is prime Salmon territory, especially during their migration periods from late April through July.
Trolling with downriggers is a tried-and-true method for landing these delectable fish, using lures and baits like herring and anchovies. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, try mooching—drifting with baited lines—when schools of Salmon are nearby.
Tuna
Tuna season in Monterey is a major highlight for anglers, running from July through October. During this period, Albacore, Bluefin, and Yellowfin Tuna traverse the deep waters off the coast.
These fast and powerful fish are typically targeted in the open ocean, especially around hotspots like Monterey Canyon, the 267 Spot, and the Soquel Hole. While Albacore are the most common species, you can find Bluefin and Yellowfin on longer-range trips further offshore. These journeys require more travel time but promise a highly rewarding experience for anglers seeking these pelagic giants.
Catching Tuna is no small feat and requires the right gear and techniques. Heavy-duty rods and reels are essential, paired with live bait such as sardines, anchovies, mackerel, or squid. Local anglers often go for chunking or chumming, where cut-up bait is thrown into the water to attract the fish. Trolling with artificial lures or surface plugs can also be highly effective.
Thresher Shark
If you’re after a deep sea fishing adventure full of thrils in Monterey, try your luck against Thresher Sharks. Known for their long tails and powerful fights, these monsters are a top target around hotspots like the Soquel Hole and other canyons.
Thresher Sharks usually stick to deep offshore waters but can venture closer to shore where there are steep drop-offs and plenty of bait fish. While you can target Threshers year-round, the best times are from late spring through early fall when mackerel and sardines are abundant.
Trolling with live bait or lures that mimic bait fish works wonders. Another effective method is drifting with live bait and setting up a chum line to attract them. Given their size and strength, you’ll need heavy tackle. And don’t forget a wire leader to keep those sharp teeth from cutting your line!
Rockfish
All along California’s coast, Rockfish are a go-to catch. And Monterey Bay is no different. With diverse species like Vermilion, Canary, Black, and Copper Rockfish, there’s something biting year-round.
Rockfish thrive in rocky areas, such as around reefs and underwater structures. The deep waters of Monterey Canyon and the Soquel Hole are perfect, packed with food and hiding spots. You can target Rockfish all year, but specific seasons and regulations can vary. Typically, the season kicks off in early spring and runs through late fall.
For catching Rockfish, bottom fishing is the go-to method. Drop baited hooks to the ocean floor where these fish hang out. Jigging with heavy lures that mimic bait fish also works well, while drift fishing over rocky areas is another solid technique. Gear up with medium to heavy-duty rods and reels with strong drag systems, and use braided lines for strength and sensitivity. Circle hooks, squid, anchovies, and artificial lures are common in local anglers’ arsenals.
Halibut
Halibut fishing in Monterey is a dream for both locals and visitors, especially from May through October. Spots with sandy and muddy bottoms near kelp beds and rocky structures attract both California Halibut and even the occasional Pacific Halibut.
For techniques, drift fishing with live bait like anchovies, sardines, or squid works well. Let the bait move naturally with the current. Bottom fishing with a weighted rig to keep bait near the ocean floor and vertical jigging with heavy jigs are also effective.
Landing Halibut, which can sometimes weigh over 100 pounds, takes patience and the right gear. Use medium to heavy-duty rods paired with conventional or spinning reels, braided lines, and a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader to handle their powerful runs.
Lingcod
Last but not least, Lingcod are known for their size, strength, and, of course, tasty filets. These aggressive predators hang out in areas similar to Halibut, preferring depths from 30 to 300 feet. This makes spots like Monterey Canyon and the Soquel Hole prime locations to reel them in during the Groundfish season—usually May through December.
When it comes to techniques, bottom fishing is your best bet. Drop baited hooks or jigs near the ocean floor using heavy lead sinkers to keep your bait in the strike zone. Vertical jigging with heavy metal jigs or soft plastics that mimic injured bait fish works wonders too.
For gear, medium to heavy-duty rods and conventional reels with a high line capacity and strong drag system are a must. Braided lines in the 50–80 lb test range offer the strength and sensitivity you need. Plus, a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader helps prevent abrasion from rocks. The rest is up to luck!
How to Go Deep Sea Fishing in Monterey
Before you cast your line, there are a few essentials you need to sort out. First, you’ll need a boat to reach the offshore playgrounds. Then, it’s all about the right equipment to reel in your prized catch. For most anglers, the easiest way to handle this is by hopping on a deep sea fishing charter. Your captain will provide everything you need, from the boat to the gear—not forgetting that all-important local knowledge.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know what to expect. Here are a few tips to surprise your guide with:
Trolling
In contrast to targeting a specific spot, trolling is all about constant movement. The boat keeps moving with a trolling spread of rods fixed at the back. Here, you only grab your rod when a fish bites.
Don’t think trolling is an easy task just because it lacks casting, though. Reeling in your catch is where the real test of strength lies. Naturally, it makes the moment you haul a Salmon or Tuna onto the boat all the more rewarding. For an added challenge, consider combining it with kite fishing. This technique targets surface-feeding fish, adding even more dynamic to your trolling experience.
Chumming and Mooching
Chumming and mooching are highly effective techniques for attracting Monterey’s deep sea fish. Chumming creates a scent trail by tossing chopped-up bait like fish parts into the water, drawing predatory fish closer to your boat. This method is particularly useful for attracting Sharks and large pelagic fish. The scent trail stimulates the fish’s natural feeding instincts, making them more likely to bite.
Mooching, on the other hand, is similar to drift fishing. You hold the rod and keep the bait in motion, mimicking the natural movements of prey. This technique is especially effective for catching Salmon, which are attracted to baits such as shrimp, squid, and sardines. Mooching allows for a more interactive experience, as you can feel the bait’s movement and detect more subtle bites.
Bottom Fishing
Bottom fishing is a tried-and-true method for catching Rockfish, Halibut, and Lingcod in Monterey’s deep waters. Using baitcasters with live bait like anchovies and mackerel or frozen squid is common among locals. When fresh bait is scarce, swimbaits on spinning gear work well.
Finding the right spot is crucial for bottom fishing. Essentially, you’ll be dropping the bait directly on top of your target and waiting for a bite. While it sounds simple, skill and finesse are key to success. Verticality plays a significant role, especially near deep structures. Anchoring can be challenging, so most anglers prefer drifting over their chosen spots. Some captains throttle their engines to maintain position, keeping lines steady without drifting too far.
Monterey Deep Sea Fishing Seasons
Thanks to the favorable climate and rich marine life, deep sea fishing conditions in Monterey are good throughout the year. While spring marks the beginning of the Rockfish and Lingcod seasons, summer is the prime time for big catches. This is when pelagic species like Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna migrate just slightly closer to shore.
However, the fishing action doesn’t stop when summer ends! Tuna and Lingcod can be found through mid-fall, while the winter months offer some good bottom fishing, too. Chumming for Sharks is another popular winter activity, adding to the variety of experiences available.
Monterey Deep Sea Fishing Spots
As you might have already guessed, Monterey offers some great deep sea fishing opportunities along the central California coast. While a lot of captains have a list of their own honey holes, some spots are particularly popular among locals. Some may sound familiar but there’s no harm in repeating them…
- The Soquel Hole. Located off the coast of Santa Cruz, this deep submarine canyon is renowned for its nutrient-rich upwellings. It attracts large schools of bait fish, which in turn draw in predators like King Salmon, Tuna, and Halibut. The unique underwater topography, with depths of over 2,000 feet, makes it an ideal spot for targeting a variety of species.
- Monterey Canyon. One of the deepest underwater canyons on the West Coast, it extends over 95 miles out to sea and reaches depths of more than 10,000 feet. This deepwater trench is a prime location for catching Swordfish, Sharks, and various species of Tuna, especially during their migration periods.
- The 267 Spot. Here, anglers can expect to catch species like Rockfish, Lingcod, and Halibut. The area is characterized by its rocky bottom and deep structures—hotspots for Californian deep sea bottom-dwellers.
- Carmel Canyon. This is another deep underwater trench just south of Monterey. Similar to Monterey Canyon, it’s home to large pelagic fish like Tuna and Swordfish, as well as Rockfish and Halibut.
- Point Sur. Located further south, Point Sur is known for its rugged coastline and deep waters. This area is ideal for targeting Tuna, Rockfish, and Lingcod. The steep drop-offs and underwater structures are especially productive during the summer months when pelagic species are more active.
Monterey Deep Sea Fishing Regulations
Before you venture into Monterey’s deep seas, it’s essential to ensure you comply with the necessary regulations. Most anglers aged 16 and older must have a California fishing license. There are a few exceptions, which you can read about in our dedicated California Fishing License guide. It’s also wise to visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website to familiarize yourself with the latest fish regulations, along with size and bag limits.
Monterey Deep Sea Fishing: California Is Calling
Monterey’s deep sea fishing scene promises excitement for any angler. Whether you’re reeling in a large Tuna above Monterey Canyon or battling a Lingcod at the Soquel Hole, each trip offers a new thrill and plenty of action. Ready to dive into the fishing frenzy? Grab your gear, book a charter with some of the best local captains, and set sail. Feel the rush, embrace the excitement, and create stories you’ll be sharing for years. Monterey is calling—are you in?
Have you ever been deep sea fishing in Monterey? What’s your favorite target? Head to the comments below and let us know!
