Moss Landing is the heart of Monterey Bay. You can find several fishing destinations abundant with game fish species in this place. Whether you are baitcasting, fly fishing, or net fishing, getting a barred surfperch, striped bass, and chinook salmon are high.
Moss Landing takes its name after the Texas ship captain Charles Moss, who, together with its partner, built a pier that became a whaling and fishing port. This port created opportunities for fish processing plants and canneries.
When the Moss Landing Harbor District was established in the 1940s, it built piers and eventually opened a power plant and marine laboratories years after. The effort of the then-Monterey County Supervisor to secure millions of federal grants to help cure the chronic water pollution in the area has contributed significantly to the bountiful fishing grounds that they have in Moss Landing today.
This place is not only a fishing haven but is also one of the unique ecosystems in the world. Although Moss Landing’s economic activities focus more on the importance of fishing ports and tourist destinations, their people are still working collectively on maintaining the natural beauty of both sea life and wildlife. This place is truly a hidden gem with plenty of recreational activities you will surely enjoy. And if you are a fishing enthusiast, you should grab your favorite fishing rod and head out to the great fishing destinations in Moss Landing Harbor.
If you are searching for a beautiful place to go fishing, Moss Landing is the right one. With a bountiful number of fish species and fishing spots, it rests assured that your trip will be a memorable one.
The Sacramento River is one of the famous and incredible fishing destinations in Moss Landing. Its connection to the Pacific Ocean and being the longest river in the state creates a year-round fishing opportunity for local and tourist anglers. Furthermore, the vast estuaries make the river a spawning ground for fish species like steelhead, striped bass, and salmon. Some of the biggest catches of steelhead are caught towards the end of the season in February and March, while October is the best month to catch a trophy chinook salmon.
It doesn’t matter what time of the year you will visit this spot because you can expect that there will always be something exciting to catch in the Sacramento River. Rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and even the other fish species that are not that enticing to anglers are said to be present every day.
Another great destination is San Francisco Bay. As you explore this bay and the other water areas surrounding it, you may find California halibut, striped bass, steelhead trout, salmon, rockfish, and leopard shark. Although, you need to have a valid fishing license if you are fishing from a boat or the surf.
Moss Landing is known for its abundant sea life, where you can catch your favorite fish species without even a doubt. But more than that, it has one of the unique ecosystems globally with a scenic view and fascinating beauty that has yet to be discovered.
Here are some places you can visit to see the hidden beauty of Moss Landing:
Visiting this 1,700-acre Ramsar site will give you an up-close view of the beauty of Elkhorn Slough. Bird watching and wildlife viewing activities promoting environmental education and appreciation for visitors are the best sellers. Seals, sea otters, and other marine mammals could surround visitors' boats, making it easy for picture-perfect moments.
It is best to grab a meal in this all-time favorite Mexican restaurant in Moss Landing after the tiring yet enjoyable nature tour with your family. The Whole Enchilada is loaded with landlubber Mexican favorites and a variety of seafood dishes with a Mexican twist that you’ll surely love.