Costa Mesa, CA Fishing Trip — May

Your Costa Mesa, CA Fishing Trip

May2 peopleFamily Trip
High 69°F / Low 58°F0.2" rain · 2 rainy daysMild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

What’s Biting in May

5 species
Largemouth BassExcellent
Largemouth Bass
Spinning · Baitcasting
Channel CatfishExcellent
Channel Catfish
Bottom Fishing · Jug Fishing
CarpExcellent
Carp
Bottom Fishing · Fly Fishing
Striped BassExcellent
Striped Bass
Trolling · Casting
Spotted BassExcellent
Spotted Bass
Casting · Jigging

May Weather in Costa Mesa

69°F
Avg High
58°F
Avg Low
0.2"
Rainfall
2
Rainy Days

Mild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

62 Guides Near Costa Mesa

No guides are based in Costa Mesa, but these guides operate nearby.

View all guides
View all 62 guides
$910
Estimated total for 2 people
$455
per person
Charter $500
Tip $100
Licenses $60
Food $100
Lodging $150

Estimates based on local charter rates and averages. Contact guides for exact pricing.

What to Bring

Check with your guide about what gear is provided. Here's a recommended packing list:

Essentials

  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Hat or visor
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Non-marking shoes or deck shoes

Food & Personal

  • Water and drinks (stay hydrated)
  • Snacks or lunch
  • Cooler for your catch
  • Motion sickness medication (if needed)
  • Camera or phone (waterproof case recommended)
  • Valid fishing license (confirm with captain)

For offshore / freshwater / inshore Fishing

  • Rain jacket or windbreaker
  • Layered clothing (it gets cooler offshore)
  • Bug spray
  • Rain gear
  • Light rain jacket

California Fishing License

License Cost
Resident$54.00
Non-Resident$145.94
Requirements

Required for ages 16+. Ocean enhancement and report card stamps may be required.

Buy License Online — California

Species Regulations

Largemouth Bass
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:5 per day
Size Limit:12-inch minimum

Largemouth bass and Smallmouth bass count as one species group for the purposes of bag limits. Review specific water body regulations for exceptions.

Channel Catfish
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:No limit
Size Limit:No size limit

Check specific regulations for the water body you intend to fish, as some locations may have specific limits.

Carp
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:No limit
Size Limit:No size limit

Carp are considered a non-game fish in California.

Striped Bass
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:2 per day
Size Limit:18-inch minimum

Check specific regulations for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and other water bodies as special rules may apply.

Start Over