Fishing Charters in California
Browse fishing charters in California that can help you catch striped bass.
Sea Shift Sportfishing
Bodega Bay, California
Bodega Bay Sportfishing Center - Sea Shift , Fort Bragg and SF. Specializing in Salmon, Halibut, Crab, Tuna Rockfish and Lingcod. Fishing Reports Available
Rjs Fly Trips
Chico, California
Guiding Northern California’s Premier Trout, Steelhead, Striper, and Bass Fisheries. It is my goal to fill your memory bank with plenty of fish tales, big and small!
SalmonSacRiver.com
Photos of the 2023 spring striped bass run. On the Sacramento River and Feather River.
Prisoner Rock Charters
Prisoner Rock Charters for Trinidad, California Fishing Trips! Halibut, Rockfish, Lingcod, Greenling, Dungeness Crab, & more. Call (541) 749-0145
Full Throttle Sportfishing
Full Throttle Sportfishing is the #1 Fishing Charter service in Humboldt, located in Eureka, California. We catch salmon, rockfish, and halibut.
GATECRASHER FISHING ADVENTURES
Come join www.gatecrasherfishing.com for an epic guided saltwater fishing experience for Salmon, Halibut, Striped Bass, Shark, Sturgeon, Ling Cod, Rock Cod, Crab.
Bill's Sportfishing and Guide Service
San Francisco Bay Charter Fishing and Ocean,Delta, Bay Area Charter Fishing Sacramento and American Rivers Halibut,Salmon,Sturgeon,Steelhead,Striper,
Unforgettable Fishing Adventures
Unforgettable Fishing in the San Francisco Bay and Outside the Golden Gate. Fishing for King Salmon, Halibut, Striped Bass, Dungeness crab, Ling Cod, Rockfish and Sharks. Experience a world class Fishery with views of the Iconic Golden Gate Bridge and located in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, California.
North Bay Fishing Charters
North Bay Fishing Charters specializes in Charter Fishing Bodega Bay and Tomales Bay for Salmon, Bluefin Tuna, Albacore Tuna, Rockfish, Crab, Halibut and more
MacKenzie On The Fly - Guide Service
GUIDED FLY FISHING ON THE NAPA RIVER & THE SAN PABLO BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SPECIALIZING IN STRIPED BASS ON THE FLY
The CodFather Sportfishing
The CodFather offers offshore rock cod trips, salmon trolling, San Francisco bay Halibut, and Striper trips. Along with special occasions such as birthdays, proposals, and private bookings for events such as Fleet Week and the 4th of July. All gear and bait are provided for up to six guests.
Ventura Harbor Sportfishing
Deep sea sportfishing from Ventura California. Catch bass, rockfish, tuna, yellowtail, sheephead, whitefish, rockfish, and more, on modern Sport boats.
Best Time to Catch Striped Bass
Striped Bass can be caught year-round in Santa Cruz. Right now in May, activity is high.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Striped Bass
Striped Bass fishing near Santa Cruz requires understanding the unique coastal environment. While not as abundant as in other parts of California, persistent anglers can find success. Focus your efforts in the surf along sandy beaches and near the mouths of creeks and rivers that flow into Monterey Bay. Spring and fall migrations offer the best opportunities. Stripers follow schools of anchovies and other baitfish. Casting swimbaits, crankbaits, or using live bait like anchovies or pile worms are all effective. A crucial local tip: Pay attention to the tide; outgoing tides often concentrate baitfish, attracting stripers. Also, the area around the San Lorenzo River mouth can be productive, especially after a rain when the water is slightly stained. Be aware of surf conditions, as they can change rapidly. Respect the local marine environment and practice catch and release to help maintain the fishery.
Plan a Trip to Santa Cruz
See what's biting in Santa Cruz, find top-rated guides, and estimate charter costs.
How to Catch Striped Bass
Striped Bass Fishing Regulations in California
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
2 per day
Size Limit
18-inch minimum
License Required
Sport Fishing License
Check specific regulations for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and other water bodies as special rules may apply.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the California state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in California
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bait to use for striped bass in Santa Cruz?
Striped bass in the Santa Cruz area respond well to a variety of baits. Popular choices include live bait like anchovies or sardines, as well as artificial lures such as swimbaits, crankbaits, and topwater plugs.
What are some good spots to catch striped bass near Santa Cruz?
Some productive spots for striped bass near Santa Cruz include the beaches along Monterey Bay, the San Lorenzo River mouth, and various points along the coast. Focus on areas with structure or current.
What is the bag limit for striped bass in California?
In California, you can keep up to two striped bass per day. Be sure to check for any specific local regulations that may differ.
What size striped bass can I keep in California?
The minimum size limit for striped bass in California is 18 inches total length. Any striped bass you catch that is smaller than this must be released.
More Striped Bass Fishing in California
Other Species to Fish in Santa Cruz
Ready to Catch Striped Bass in Santa Cruz?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.