Deep Sea 7 hour Cod Fishing Trip on Monterey Bay
Santa Cruz, CA
Duration: 7 hours I Season April/Oct/Dec 2025
This popular trip will surely yield plenty of fish for the frying pan!
Rates
- Adult: $117 (16 yrs+)
- Children (Ages 4-15): $82 - Ride Along: $82
- Plus $2/passenger Port Fee
Not suitable for children ages 5 and younger, nor for pregnant women.
About
Spend a relaxing day on the beautiful Monterey Bay, fishing for Snapper or one of the many species of Cod that inhabit our local waters. Cod is the common name for many species of fish. Ling Cod, Olives, Coppers, Vermilions and Rockfish are some of the most abundant species in the area. (The type of cod you catch will depend on the depth you are fishing). Our boats, the Velocity and Legacy comfortably carry about 30 fishermen aboard. Both boats feature a galley where you can buy snack items as well as your favorite beer. Whether you're a beginner or an old pro, our courteous crews will make your day both fun and memorable.
*catch up to 10 Rock Cod and 2 Ling Cod!
Duration
Trips usually lasts about 7 hours. The length of each trip depends heavily upon the "bite,” meaning if everyone catches their limit early, we will return early.
Note: If the legal limit of target species is reached the trip duration may be shorter than listed.
Meeting Location
Stagnaro's office; 1718 Brommer Street, Santa Cruz, CA 60 minutes prior to departure (or the day before)
Note: Murray St/Harbor bridge is closed westbound for construction 3/2025-1/2028. Expect delays.
What Is Not Included?
Fishing equipment, licenses, and fish cleaning services: Equipment and licenses can be rented/purchased at the shop prior to departure. Rod/Reel rental $16 + $9 for tackle set-up + $20.52 1-day fishing license (all as needed per person). Fish cleaning is approx. $20+ per Cod limit. NO BRAIDED LINE No spinning rods/reels
Fishing License regulations: Anyone 16 years of age or older (and who is fishing on the trip) is required to have a fishing license in their possession before getting on the boat. IF BOUGHT ONLINE at DFG YOU MUST PRINT YOUR LICENSE or shown on the APP; https://wildlife.ca.gov/LicenseApp.
Food and beverages: Both boats feature a galley, which sell snack items as well as your favorite cold beverages (including beer and wine). Previous guests who have enjoyed snacks aboard our boats have found $12 per person, cash or credit, to be sufficient. You many also bring your own food and drinks (but no outside alcohol!). Make sure your cooler is under 20 inches.
Gratuities: For parties of 8 or more on public trips we will collect a 10% gratuity at check-in. Smaller groups can pay on the boat or at check-in.
Other Policies
Note: If the legal limit of target species is reached, the trip duration may be shorter than listed.
Participants must have a fishing license before getting on the boat.
All participants 16 years of age or older (and who are fishing) are required to have a fishing license in their possession before getting on the boat. One-day licenses can be purchased in our shop for $20.52 prior to departure. (IF BOUGHT ONLINE YOUR LICENSE MUST BE PRINTED or on the APP: https://wildlife.ca.gov/LicenseApp)
FAQs
What has the catch been like lately?
FISH REPORT:
Fri. 4/11 5-hour Deep Sea Cod caught 6+ Cod per person + 1 Lingcod!
Sat. 4/12 7-hour Deep Sea Cod caught about 6 per person + 2 Lingcod.
Sat. 4/5: 7-hour Deep Sea Rock Cod caught LIMITS + 9 Petrale Sole!
Sun. 4/6: 5-hour Deep Sea Cod caught LIMITS! + 7 Petrale Sole!
Tues. 4/8: 5-hour Deep Sea Cod caught 184 Cod + 5 Petrale Sole & 1 Lingcod!
We had our first Deep Sea Cod trip today! 7-hours.
184 Rock Cod; chilis, vermilions, Boccaccio! 25 Petrale Sole! 3 Lingcod!
DFG 2025 Rock Cod Season: Deep Sea Cod: April. October. December. 300+ feet only.
Nearshore Cod: May-Sept 30 & November. 120 feet or less only.
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Advance purchase is strongly recommended, and trips often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please buy your tickets well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
If this trip is sold out can I get on a waiting list?
Unfortunately, we do not have waiting lists for our trips but check out our other fishing trips instead! We often have Half day Cod trips as well.
What happens if it rains?
We still go out. The rain is of no consequence; we are concerned with wind and sea conditions, and they are not necessarily bad during the rain. In fact, some of our best conditions can be on a rainy day, so dress appropriately. In the case of severe weather, we may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in which case you will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Anyone 16 years of age (and who is fishing) or older is REQUIRED to have a fishing license. It must be in your possession before getting on the boat. If you do not have one, one-day licenses are available for purchase online at the fish and game website: www.dfg.ca.gov the day prior to your trip. Remember to specify the date it will be valid for. The price of a one-day license is $20.52. (IF BOUGHT ONLINE YOUR LICENSE MUST BE PRINTED or shown on the APP: https://wildlife.ca.gov/LicenseApp)
How many fish can I keep?
Depends on what we are fishing for. If we are fishing for Cod, we can keep 10 Rock Cod and 2 Ling Cod. It is imperative that all regulations as governed by the DFG and PFMC be followed at all times. The crew members will remind each individual. DFG are constantly patrolling the area, whether it is on the water or on land. It is not worth the risk. The fines can be a substantial amount.
How big are the cod we catch?
There are around 50 different species of rock cod, and they are usually 8 to 16 inches long and weigh 3 to 4 pounds. The ling cod are a bigger variety, so they have to be at least 22 inches long in order for you to keep them and can weigh anywhere from 7 or 8 pounds up to 20 pounds.
What's the limit for a child under 16 with no fishing license?
Even though children under 16 years of age are allowed to fish on our trips without a license, they are allowed the same legal limit as an adult fisherman.
When do I buy my fishing license?
You can purchase your one-day fishing license, at our office, during check-in, on the day of your trip or before. The one-day licenses are $20.52 each. You can also buy a license online at dept. of Fish & Wildlife and show on the APP: https://wildlife.ca.gov/LicenseApp
I have never been fishing before. Is that okay?
Oh sure, nothing like a new experience! Our crew will assist you and, often times, some of the "seasoned" veterans are willing to offer advice.
Can you provide me with fishing gear, bait, and tackle?
Yes, you can rent (or purchase, depending on the item) the necessary gear along with your tickets. Rod & Reel Rental is $16.00 and a Tackle Kit is $9.00. You can also rent them from our office during check-in prior to departure. Bait is included in the fare.
What type of gear do I need?
We can supply you with all the gear you need! You can purchase a full equipment package when you book your tickets. You can also bring your own gear. However, even if you have some equipment at home, our rods and tackle are specific to the type of fish we will be catching. If you are a first-time fisherman, we recommend you purchase our equipment to ensure that you have all the best supplies!
NO BRAIDED LINE or Spinning Rods/reels
What is included in the tackle kit purchase?
The tackle kit includes a Rock Cod rig and one 10 ounce weight plus a burlap sack to put your fish in. Bait is included in the price of every trip, regardless of whether or not you buy the tackle kit. All participants must have tackle suitable for Rock Cod fishing to fish on the trip.
Are children allowed?
Due to the inherent motion of the boat, and for safety reasons, children ages 5 and younger are not allowed on the trip. If you'd like to take your young child on one of our cruises, check out our Whale Watches, Wildlife Trips or Scenic Bay Cruise.
Is this cruise suitable for pregnant women?
For safety reasons, this cruise is not suitable for pregnant women. If you are pregnant and would like to attend anyway, you must first consult and get permission from your doctor. We also have a waiver to sign at check-in.
Is my child too young to go fishing?
It depends on the child. You know your child best. Age 5-6 may be a good age to get a child oriented with this traditional sport. We do recommend starting out on a “Half Day Rock Cod” Fishing Trip as it is very likely that a child will catch something.
What types of food and beverages are available in the Galley:
We have chips & candy. Our drink selection includes soda, bottled water, beer, and wine. Cash & credit card ok.
Can I bring my own food and/or beverages?
Yes. You can bring your own food and beverages, but outside alcohol cannot be brought onto the boats. Please limit your cooler size to less than 20 inches. Beer and wine are available for purchase in the galley. NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL
Can I bring an ice chest?
Yes, for food & non-alcoholic beverages. Coolers longer than 20" are not allowed. Also, it is illegal to bring your own alcohol on board. But you can purchase beer and wine aboard the boat. Leave your fish cooler in your car.
How long will the fishing trip last?
There are many factors that determine the duration of your fishing trip. Typically, the trips last between 6 and 8 hours. If the fish are aggressive, and everyone has caught their limit, we may come in a little earlier. If the fish are more elusive, we'll stay out for a little longer if our schedule allows.
How early should I arrive to check in before my trip?
Please arrive an HOUR before your trip begins at the office: 1718 Brommer St, Santa Cruz. Before the trip you'll need to get your equipment, purchase your license, sign the U.S. Coastguard Manifest, and get directions to the boat. Remember to take traffic into account when making your plans.
Do you guarantee that fish will be caught?
We can guarantee fishing but not catching. The captain will do everything in his power to put you where the fish are. We cannot control what does or does not bite the hook.
Where will we be fishing?
Our captains use their intimate knowledge of the Santa Cruz area to locate Cod hotspots. On this trip we usually visit reefs with water depths ranging from 300+ feet. (Depending on Dept. of Fish & Game regulations)
What is the difference between the Deep Sea Cod Fishing Trip and the Twilight Cod Fishing Trip?
The main difference is the timing, duration & depth. The twilight trip lasts 4.5 hours and fishes nearshore (120 feet or less) in the afternoon, the 7-hr Deep Sea trip lasts between 6 and 8 hours, depending on bite, and might be fishing in different areas (300+ feet).
What do I do with the fish I have caught?
We recommend that you have the deckhand clean/fillet them - so much easier than having this mess at home. The cost of fish cleaning is not included in the price of your ticket. Fish cleaning is approx. $20+ per limit of Cod depending on size and amount (10 Rock Cod/2 Lingcod). cash or credit ok
Can I sell the fish I catch?
NO! It is illegal to sell fish that are caught by way of "Recreational Sport Fishing." If you are caught violating this law, you (along with Stagnaro Charter Boats) will be ordered to appear in court, fined, and items can be confiscated.
Will I get seasick?
We sure hope not. Unfortunately, this is not something we can predict. While we can't recommend you take any medications, prevention might be a good idea if you are susceptible to motion sickness.
Are there life jackets on the boat?
Yes, there are life jackets for every adult and child on board. The location of the jackets is clearly posted and verbally announced by the skipper.
Do I have to wear the life jacket?
No. You may choose to wear a life jacket if you feel you need one. But they are primarily for emergencies only.
Is the boat safe?
Absolutely. In addition to modern safety equipment (EPIRB, Life Floats, Life Jackets, etc.) our vessels are constantly maintained and inspected twice a year by the United States Coast Guard, a Division of Homeland Security.
Are there bathrooms on board?
Yes, there is a restroom on board.
How far out do we go on the cod trips?
How far out we go depends on the weather, DFG regulations, how many people are on board, and where the fish are. We usually go further up the coast for Nearshore trips, and potentially further out into the bay for Deep Sea trips, but the distances can range from 2 miles offshore and 3 miles up or down the coast to 3 miles offshore and 25 miles up the coast.
Will we see whales or dolphins while we are fishing?
Maybe. Should the whales pass by, then great! You got a bonus for the day. If they do not, then please do not be disappointed as the original objective is to go fishing.
Where does my trip end?
Your trip will end in the exact place that it starts from.
Is there shade on the boat?
Yes. Indoor seating and awnings are available if you need to get out of the sunlight.
Are dogs or pets allowed on the boat?
Unfortunately, no pets are allowed on our fishing trips.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Our boats are accessible to those with walkers and canes. Though we are often able to accommodate people in wheelchairs as well, our boats are not wheelchair accessible by average standards. If you are in a wheelchair, please keep in mind that steps leading to the boats prevent you from wheeling directly on board. As a result, you will need to be able to walk up the 4 stairs with help or have friends with you that will have to physically carry you from the dock, on to the boat, and back into your chair.
Where does the boat depart from?
Trips depart from the Santa Cruz West Harbor at Atlantic Avenue. However, CHECK-IN 1 HOUR BEFORE DEPARTURE AT STAGNARO'S OFFICE AT 1718 BROMMER STREET, Santa Cruz. The staff will then direct you to the boat, which is about a seven-minute drive away. Don't worry - exact meeting location details and directions will be provided upon ticket purchase!
Will there be room on the boat to stow my belongings?
There is a limited amount of space on the boat for your personal belongings. Please keep your coolers under 20 inches in length. Out of respect for your fellow passengers, please keep your personal items to a minimum.
Are gift certificates available?
Yes! Gift certificates for Stagnaro Fishing Trips are great for any occasion. To purchase a gift certificate, click on the "Contact Stagnaros" link. You can call us direct at (831) 427-2334 or email us at info@stagnaros.com.
Can I book a private fishing trip?
Yes! Stagnaro Fishing can accommodate a variety of special requests. Click on the "Contact Stagnaros" link for more information on private trips. You can call us direct at (831) 427-2334 or email us at info@stagnaros.com.