Santa Cruz, CA Fishing Trip — February

Your Santa Cruz, CA Fishing Trip

February2 peopleFamily Trip
High 61°F / Low 45°F8" rain · 10 rainy daysMild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

What’s Biting in February

8 species
Dungeness CrabExcellent
Dungeness Crab
Crab Traps · Ring Nets
Striped BassFair
Striped Bass
Trolling · Casting
LingcodFair
Lingcod
Various
RockfishFair
Rockfish
Various
SteelheadFair
Steelhead
Various
Chinook SalmonLow
Chinook Salmon
Trolling · Fly Fishing
Coho SalmonLow
Coho Salmon
Various
HalibutLow
Halibut
Bottom Fishing · Trolling

February Weather in Santa Cruz

61°F
Avg High
45°F
Avg Low
8"
Rainfall
10
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

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.

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.

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.

Rockfish
Season:Varies by zone; check regulations
Bag Limit:Varies by zone; check regulations
Size Limit:Varies by zone; check regulations

Regulations vary significantly by management area and species; check specific regulations for the area and species you intend to fish. There are sub-bag limits for certain rockfish species.

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