With sheltered waters inshore and an ocean of opportunities offshore, Morro Bay has it all. It's the ideal starting point for anyone looking to experience the incredible angling Central California has on offer. All you need to do to begin your adventure is to hop aboard one of the many Morro Bay fishing charters.
The fishing grounds along this part of the West Coast are renowned for their Rockfish angling. You'll find various spots both up and down the coast where you'll be able to catch these delicious fish. The species you can encounter include Cabezon, Boccaccio, Copper, Vermilion Rockfish, and more.
Besides Rockfish, there are other bottom fish, such as Lingcod and Halibut, that call these waters their home. And once you've caught your fill of these deep-dwellers, you'll also have the option to head offshore and fish for big game species such as Bluefin Tuna. Finally, if you visit between April and July, you'll also get to target Chinook Salmon as they make their run along the coast.
There are several marinas around Morro Bay that serve as departure points for local fishing charters. If you want to stay relatively close to shore and just reel in a few fish for dinner, a half day trip will do the trick. For those among you aiming to go offshore or catch trophy-sized fish, you'll need to hop on a full day charter.
Rules & Regulations
Before you can cast a line in Morro Bay, you'll need to get a fishing license. This applies to anglers 16 and older, although a few exceptions exist. Also, many species such as Lingcod and Rockfish can't be targeted from boats before April 1. So if you want to experience everything Morro Bay has to offer, it's better to visit when the groundfish season opens.