Nearshore Half Day Cod Fishing
Santa Cruz, CA
Duration: 4.5 hours I 2025 Season May 1st-Sept 30 + Nov.
A very popular shorter nearshore fishing trip!
Rates
- Adult: $76 (16 yrs+)
- Children (Ages 4-15): $54
- Ride Along: $54
- Plus $2/passenger Port Fee
About
Fish Tacos anyone! This nearshore trip is a good value and appealing for families and people that want to experience ocean fishing
but don't want to commit to an entire day offshore. Trips rarely venture more than a few miles from port.
Join us for a 4.5 hour half day Cod fishing trip! Spend a relaxing few hours on the beautiful Monterey Bay, fishing for Snapper or one of the many species of Cod that inhabit our local waters (times vary). On this trip, you'll have the opportunity to catch the tasty red Snapper from the pristine deck of the Velocity or the Legacy. Reel in Ling Cod in between visits to our galley where you can purchase a snack, or beverage including beer. Many varieties of rockfish can be part of your 10 Rock Cod & 2 Ling Cod limit/fisherman.
*catch up to 10 Rock Cod and 2 Ling Cod!
Duration
Trips usually last 4.5 hours. The length of each trip depends heavily upon the "bite,” meaning if everyone catches their limit early, we will return early.
Meeting Location
Stagnaro's office; 1718 Brommer Street, Santa Cruz, CA
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 $14 + $9 for tackle set-up + $20.52 1-day fishing license (all as needed, per person). Fish cleaning is approx. $15-$20+ per Cod limit. NO BRAIDED LINE
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 display on the App: https://wildlife.ca.gov/LicenseApp.
Food and beverages: Both boats feature a galley, which sells chips & candy as well as your favorite cold beverages (including beer and wine). Previous guests who have enjoyed snacks and beverages aboard our boats have found $12 per person, cash or credit, to be sufficient ($20 with beer). You may also bring your own food and drinks (but NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL!).
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
DFG 2025 Rock Cod Season: Deep Sea Cod: April. October. December. 300+ feet only.
Nearshore Cod: May-Sept 30 & Nov. 120 feet or less only.
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 at DFG YOUR LICENSE MUST BE PRINTED or displayed on the App: https://wildlife.ca.gov/LicenseApp )
FAQs
What has the catch been lately?
Fishing Report: On our recent Nearshore Cod trips:
2025: Starts May 1st!
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!
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 on line 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 show 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 6 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. The licenses are $20.52 each. (Or you can purchase ahead at larger Sporting Goods stores, or online at Department of Fish & Wildlife-MUST BE PRINTED or shown on the App: https://wildlife.ca.gov/LicenseApp).
I have never fished 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 $14.00 and a Tackle Set-up is $9.00. You can also rent them from our shop prior to departure. Bait is included in your fare.
What type of gear do I need?
We can supply you with all the gear you need! You can rent a rod & purchase the tackle set-up 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
What is included in the tackle kit purchase?
The tackle kit includes a Rock Cod rig, one 6-ounce weight and 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 Whale Watching, 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 with your doctor.
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?
You can purchase chips & candy. Our drink selection includes soda, bottled water, beer, and wine. Cash or credit card.
Can I bring my own food and/or beverages?
Yes. You can bring your own food and beverages, but NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL allowed onto the boats. Please limit your cooler size to less than 20 inches. Beer and wine are available for purchase in the full service galley.
Can I bring an ice chest?
Yes, however, 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.
How long will the fishing trip last?
There are many factors that determine the duration of your fishing trip. Typically the trips last between 4 & 5 hours. If the fish are aggressive, and everyone has caught their limit, we may come in a little earlier.
How early should I arrive to check in before my trip?
Please arrive an HOUR before your trip begins at: 1718 Brommer St, Santa Cruz. Before the trip you'll need to get your equipment, purchase your license, sign the U.S. Coastguard registry, 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 local reefs with water depths ranging from 50 - 120 feet (per Dept. of Fish & Game regulations).
What is the difference between the Deep Sea Cod Fishing Trip and the Half Day/Twilight Cod Fishing Trip?
The main difference is the depth and duration. The Half Day or Twilight trips lasts 4.5 hours (120 feet or less) and the Deep Sea (300+ deep) trip lasts between 6 and 8 hours, depending on bite. Because the Half Day & Twilight trips are shorter, we usually fish in nearshore local reefs.
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. $15-20+ per limit of Cod-depending on amount & size (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 emergency use 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?
On the 4.5 hour trips we are fishing about 1-3 miles out on local reefs. These are nearshore trips.
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, pets are not 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 for the trip happens at Stagnaro’s office at 1718 Brommer Street, Santa Cruz, 1 hour prior to departure. 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. Leave your fish cooler in your car. 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.
More Info
Our deckhands will happily fillet your catch of Rock Fish & Vermillion, so you don't have to.
This trip will surely yield plenty of fish for the frying pan. Whether you're a beginner or an old pro, our courteous crew will make your trip both fun and memorable.