Ocean Kayak Fishing in Northern California
Description
We offer one-of-a-kind kayak fishing excursions for a variety of fish species, including: king salmon, California halibut, lingcod, rockfish, cabezon, greenling (known as the RCG complex), and even leopard shark. Trips are primarily in Humboldt, Mendocino, and Del Norte counties but we are always chasing the fish and conditions.
List of some of the locations we fish (from North to South): Crescent City, Trinidad, Eureka/Humboldt Bay, the Lost Coast, Shelter Cove, Caspar, and Albion.
What to Expect
King (Chinook) Salmon:
Catching and landing salmon from a kayak is one of the most exciting angling experiences. Places to fish for king salmon are diminishing every year as the population of salmon ebb. There are even fewer places you can be successful from a kayak. Northern California is unique because there are certain areas that salmon congregate close enough to shore for the kayak-based angler to target them. When kayakers can reach the salmon grounds it's no secret that it can be extremely effective – often out-fishing nearby motorboat anglers. There are a few basic methods of salmon fishing: mooching, trolling, and a combination of the two called trooching. When the fish are schooled up in an area it's most productive to mooch or trooch. If the fish are spread out, trolling can be better to locate schools of fish. We use whatever method that will put fish in the kayak, often changing things up throughout the day.
2022 Seasons:
KMZ: May 1 – 31, August 1 – September 5
Fort Bragg/ Southern Humboldt: May 1 – July 4, July 22 – September 5
Daily Bag Limit: 2 king salmon
Please see regulations for more specific details on seasons, size limits, and bag limits.
California Halibut:
Halibut can be caught incidental to bottomfishing or salmon fishing but to target them its most productive to focus on sand and mud flats. Drifting bait along the bottom, swimbaits, and trolling all work. We prefer to use fresh bait when it's available. Once one halibut is caught there is always more in the area. While the season runs all year, the fishing is best during the warmer months (May – September) when the halibut come into the protected bays and coves.
2022 Season: Year-long
Daily Bag Limit: 3 CA halibut
Bottomfish:
We start early in the morning as the sun is rising and head to known rocky reefs, pinnacles, and kelp beds. It's common to use lead jigs and shrimp flies for bottomfish but we like to also catch our own bait or use fresh frozen bait to target the big lingcod. Drifts are made over areas until a concentration of fish are found. Once we find the schools of fish, we will focus our effort over the area and usually it won't be long before you feel a ling take your bait and head for the nearest rock crevice.
2022 Season: May 1 – December 31
Daily Bag Limit: 2 lingcod; 10 RCG in combination with sub-limits
Leopard Shark:
We fish for leopard sharks on Humboldt Bay during times of year when other fishing seasons are closed or when conditions are too rough to access the open ocean. There is very little pressure for sharks in Humboldt Bay and plenty of large leopard sharks. Shark fishing can be done effectively from shore as well. When cleaned properly they are delicious on the table.
2022 Season: Year-long in Humboldt Bay
Daily Bag Limit: 3 leopard sharks
Ocean trips are subject to cancelation based on the swell, wind, and weather. There are places to tuck into during inclement seas but sometimes we must call a trip. Safety is always the highest concern.
Pricing Details
Rate chart for California ocean kayak fishing trips below. We are happy to provide lodging accommodations but you are also welcome to arrange your own. These are some common trip lengths.
Rates are per person.
Half Day = $200
Full Day = $375
1 day/ 1 night = $575
2 day/ 1 night = $950
2 day/ 2 night = $1,150
2 day/ 3 night = $1,350
3 day/3 night = $1,725
Extra nights = $200
Extra days = $375
What's included:
A knowledgeable and experienced guide.
Transportation from a pre-arranged meeting location to the field.
Kayak, paddle, and safety equipment. Guests may bring their own if properly equipped. Rod, reel, and tackle. Guests are welcome to bring their own.
Lunch for paid days – usually simple foods and snacks, such as, sandwiches, jerky, salami, pepperoni sticks, fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, trail mix, and candy bars. Please let us know of any allergies or preferences.
Breakfast and dinner if we provide lodging accommodations.
Lodging for paid nights.
Filleting/steaking of fish.
What's not included:
Fishing license and applicable stamps/validations.
Wetsuit or drysuit, can be rented locally. We will help you plan and prepare for the trip and what to bring to stay comfortable. If you need something let us know and we can usually work with you.
Alcohol or tobacco products.
Lodging and meals for before and after the trip.
Transportation to the pre-arranged meeting location.
Packaging and storage of fillets after the trip. Please bring an ice chest if possible.
Terms & Conditions
50% non-refundable deposit due to book and reserve a trip.
Remainder due upon arrival.
Deposit will be refunded only in special circumstances.
A trip agreement will be given to guests as part of the booking process.
Permit & Tag Application Process
Fishing license