Book Your Fishing Charter in Capitola, CA

Capitola is a Californian beach town that offers one of the best fishing in the region. Book your fishing trip in Capitola, CA now!

Book Your Fishing Charter in Capitola, CA
Book Your Fishing Charter in Capitola, CA
Team Guidesly

August 24, 2021, 3 min read

Updated on June 19, 2023

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The city of Capitola is not your typical California beach town. Yes, it has that same stretches of sandy beaches; same warm sunny weather; same terrific view of the sea—but the similarities end there. Unlike other beach towns in the state that are usually riddled with five-star resorts with manicured frontages, deluxe restaurants, and beaches that are mostly overcrowded, Capitola has that quaint small-town feel to it. Truly, a perfect getaway for those wanting some peace and quiet on their vacation. The best thing about Capitola is that although it seems like you’re thousands of miles away from the city, the fact is it‘s just two hours’ drive south of San Francisco.

All About Capitola Fishing

Capitola is located just on the northern edge of Monterey Bay—a well-known fishing spot because it’s practically teeming with all sorts of favorite angling targets. The beautiful coastal city is also a great launching point for deep-sea fishing in the Pacific. Given these facts, Capitola is quite popular among sportfishing enthusiasts. Many actually come here just to experience the best fishing on the West Coast.

We highly recommend hiring a guide or maybe even join a fishing party. This way, you’ll be able to experience Capitola fishing the best possible way. It’s because hiring a guide or a fishing charter allows you to go straight to where the best fish can be caught. Aside from taking you to the best fishing spots, a seasoned guide can teach you everything they have learned from all their years of experience fishing the waters around the city.

Fishing in Capitola can be done in different ways. Anglers can try to catch some fish straight from the beach for some surfcasting action. There’s also a pier and a jetty where folks can cast their lines a bit farther from the shore without having to set foot on a boat. Speaking of boats, anglers can also paddle to fishing spots in the bay via a kayak and enjoy a day of fishing while fully immersing in the natural beauty of the waters around the city away from the crowds. For inshore and nearshore fishing, anglers can expect to catch different fish species including surfperch, rockfish, salmon, halibut, lingcod, white sea perch, sanddab, sand sole, albacore, rays, and sharks. Thrill-seekers, on the other hand, will definitely not be disappointed fishing the deeper parts of the bay; or maybe even head out to the Pacific for some exciting deep-sea fishing experience. This is where anglers can catch some real rod-benders such as tuna, rockfish, sharks, and rays.

If you’re planning a fishing trip in Capitola, the best months to go fishing here are from May to October as these months are when most fish species are actively biting. 

Fun in Capitola: Top 3 Activities in the Oldest Cali Beach Town

Besides fishing, there are, of course, other ways to enjoy your stay in this Californian beach paradise. Here are the top 3 activities you shouldn’t miss on your visit to Capitola:

1. Beach Bumming

What better way to fully enjoy your stay in a beach town like Capitola than just relax on a beach the whole day and just do nothing but enjoy the sun, sand, and the sea. With easy access to scenic beaches such as New Brighton State Beach, Trees Beach, Capitola Beach, and Hooper Beach, one just can’t help but bask under the golden Californian sun. And while you’re at it, you might as well stay longer on the beach to catch the magnificent view of the sunset.    

2. Surf’s Up!

Yup, surfing is quite popular in Capitola. If you haven’t tried riding the waves yet, you don’t have to worry as many surf shops along the beaches offer lessons and rentals for all your surfing needs. You may also want to try out paddleboarding—a popular water sport that allows you to take in the picturesque view around you while gliding across the calm water.

3. Whale Watching

There’s just something about witnessing these majestic creatures (and other marine life) swimming in their natural environment that can truly alter your perspective in life. Yes, you can enjoy watching these gentle giants of the sea via the whale watching tours offered by several organizations.

Fish in Capitola and beyond.