Santa Cruz, CA Fishing Trip — April

Your Santa Cruz, CA Fishing Trip

April2 peopleFamily Trip
High 63°F / Low 47°F0.5" rain · 3 rainy daysMild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

What’s Biting in April

8 species
Striped BassExcellent
Striped Bass
Trolling · Casting
SteelheadExcellent
Steelhead
Various
LingcodGood
Lingcod
Various
Dungeness CrabGood
Dungeness Crab
Crab Traps · Ring Nets
Chinook SalmonGood
Chinook Salmon
Trolling · Fly Fishing
RockfishGood
Rockfish
Various
Coho SalmonGood
Coho Salmon
Various
HalibutGood
Halibut
Bottom Fishing · Trolling

April Weather in Santa Cruz

63°F
Avg High
47°F
Avg Low
0.5"
Rainfall
3
Rainy Days

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

12 Guides Matched

$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 inshore / freshwater Fishing

  • 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

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.

Steelhead
Season:Varies by river; check current regulations
Bag Limit:Varies by river; check current regulations
Size Limit:Varies by river; check current regulations

Regulations vary significantly by river system, including catch-and-release only sections and gear restrictions. A Steelhead Report Card is required in addition to a valid fishing license.

Lingcod
Season:Varies by zone; check regulations
Bag Limit:2 per day
Size Limit:22-inch minimum total length

Regulations vary by management area; check specific regulations for the area you intend to fish. Some areas may be closed.

Dungeness Crab
Season:Varies by zone; check current regulations
Bag Limit:10 per day
Size Limit:5 3/4-inch minimum shell width

Regulations vary between the North and Central Management Areas. Check for specific gear restrictions and potential season closures due to domoic acid.

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