Moss Landing, CA Fishing: The Busy Port of Monterey County

Moss Landing is in Monterey County, California. Archaeological evidence shows that Ohlone Indians are the earliest settlers in this area. In the 1700s, the Spanish began their colonization of the city and introduced cattle farming to the natives. Soon after, the Americans moved in and turned most wetlands into farming areas fit for crops. 

The earliest records show that the city's name was after Charles Moss, a Texas captain of an expeditionary ship. Charles Moss' crew built a pier in the city, and it soon became the busiest port in that part of California. Whaling, fishing, and antiquing became the main activities on Moss Landing. 

In the 1940s, dredging projects for water streams and channels began. Additional piers were built aside from the processing plants and canneries. After ten years, Moss Landing's government helped build the Moss Landing Power Plant and the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. Aside from utility facilities, the California State University helped create educational facilities and research centers such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. As the 1990s drew closer, the government helped build sanitary sewers and water conservation projects. Previous County Supervisor Marc Del Piero helped secure the funding for these projects.

Now, the waters of Monterey Bay hit the shores between Elkhorn Slough and the underwater Monterey Canyon, providing abundant fishing opportunities. Numerous bodies of water, such as the Pajaro River, Jetty Beach, and Salinas River, offer excellent fishing spots for anglers who want to visit one of the busiest ports in California. 

Moss Landing Fishing 

Moss Landing locals encourage visitors to visit fishing locations in this area. You can fill your schedule quickly by visiting the streams near Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough. Waters from a tidal slough and estuary often serve as passages for migratory fish. 

Fishing in Moss Landing requires a California fishing license, which you can purchase from local fishing supply stores all around the city. If you are planning to take your children with you, make sure to pack in winter gear because the winds in Moss Landing are cold.

Moreover, if you have a son or daughter who is 16 years or older, they must also have a fishing license. You must have them register for a permit before accompanying them to the fishing waters of Moss Landing. 

Visiting anglers can start fishing from Moss Landing State Beach, located just north of Moss Landing Harbor. The State Beach is known for its fishing spots filled with cold waters and fast currents. Anglers looking for a thrilling fishing experience will find it here on the beach, as it offers excellent views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Locals reported that the most frequent fish caught here were white sturgeon, green sturgeon, lake sturgeon, starry flounder, and rainbow smelt.

Another good location if you want to enjoy the fishing culture in Moss Landing, the Pajaro River near Elkhorn Slough, is an excellent place to explore. The river gets most of its water from the slough as it flows through mountain ranges, forming a unique watershed. 

Pajaro River's stream starts from the Diablo mountain range and flows through the Gabilan mountains, Santa Cruz mountains, and Mount Pajaro. Fishing reports show that chinook salmon, striped bass, redear sunfish, green sunfish, and shad are the most caught fish species in the river's streams. 

Drift fishing is a popular technique for Moss Landing anglers that you might notice when visiting the city's fishing waters. Thanks to the strong winds of California, drift fishing is simple enough that even a beginner can execute it. 

Moss Landing anglers use drift fishing so that their ship will travel further, and they have more chances of finding places where schools of fish gather. Since the wind sends your boat adrift on a natural current, reefs and underwater rock structures where fish live will soon bump into your ship.

Deep sea fishing is another technique used frequently by locals of Moss Landing. To execute this, you must be fishing on waters with at least 30 meters of depth. This fishing method is suitable for anglers looking for bigger prey. So if you want to increase your chances of catching trophies or heavyweight fish, you should try this technique. 

If you are not entirely familiar with this technique but want to try it out, you can do it in the morning to have plenty of time to go back to shore before the sun comes down. It is hard to get lost in the open ocean when it is dark out!

Top 10 Fish Species in Moss Landing, CA

The top 10 fish species to catch in Moss Landing, CA, are white sturgeon, green sturgeon, lake sturgeon, starry flounder, rainbow smelt, chinook salmon, striped bass, redear sunfish, green sunfish, and shad.  

Seasonal Fishing

Fishing on eligible sites is allowed all year round on Moss Landing, CA. Conservation sites and sanctuaries are off-limits, no matter the season, so make sure to steer clear from its waters, or you might face fines and even jail time if you get caught. 

If you want to fish in Moss Landing when fish activity and water visibility are at their highest, then you should visit in June, July, August, and September. Native fish in Moss Landing has increased appetite during these months because of warmer temperatures and reduced sea levels. They are persistent in finding food to survive and are easily attracted to hooks with live bait. 

On the cold days of December until February, Moss Landing fishing spots are filled with cold waters and hungry fish. During this time, fish are constantly searching for food to conserve their energy, so make sure to pack in bait with a pungent odor. 

Life in The Busy Port of Moss Landing

When you are not fishing in Moss Landing, exploring the city is an excellent way to make the most out of your vacation. These sites fill anglers with scenic views that your family and friends can enjoy. 

1. Sample the Local Cuisine at Sea Harvest 

Tasting the seafood in California is a must when you visit Moss Landing, and Sea Harvest is one of the best restaurants to do that. Fried and grilled fish are of excellent quality and offered at reasonable prices. 

If you are looking for excellent clam chowders, tacos, fish suppers, or shrimps, then Sea Harvest will not disappoint you. This place is perfect for family brunches, romantic dinners, or lunch-out with your friends over a couple of beers.

2. Go kayaking at Salinas River State Beach

Salinas River State Beach is located at the mouth of Salinas River and is open for public recreational activities. Nature watching, beachcombing, and scenic photography are the most common activities in this state beach. If you want to head over to the state beach, you can access it from the Potrero exit off Highway 1, Moss Landing. 

Even though the Salinas River State Beach looks like a perfect getaway spot for the family, make sure your children will not swim too far. Swimming in Salinas River State Beach is limited to only a few inches away from the shore. Fast currents and dangerous riptides are commonly found in deeper waters. 

3. Visit the Iconic Shakespeare Society of America

Since 1968, the Shakespeare Society of America has been a non-profit organization that educates and facilitates personal development by using the works of Shakespeare as inspiration. Themes such as history, culture, literature, theatre, and art are at the New Shakespeare Sanctuary located at 7981 Moss Landing Road. 

You can enter the Sanctuary for about 30 dollars, and you can bet that every dollar spent is worth it. Promos for large groups or families frequently happen, so make sure you do not miss it!