Twilight Cod Fishing Trip on Monterey Bay (nearshore)
Duration 4-5 hours I Season open May 1st-Sept. 30th 2025
Overview
Activity details
Whether you're a beginner or an old pro, our courteous crews will make your evening both fun and memorable!
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.
Twilight Nearshore Fishing Season: May 1st through September 30. Spend a relaxing evening on the beautiful Monterey Bay, fishing for Snapper or one of the many species of Cod that inhabit our local waters. This trip will surely yield plenty of fish for the frying pan. Come aboard our very popular shorter version of our deep sea fishing trip. (Morning nearshore trips start May 1st)
On this trip, you'll have the opportunity to catch tasty red Snapper from the pristine deck of the Legacy. Reel up Ling Cod in between visits to the galley where you can purchase a snack, or beverage including beer. Rockfish can be part of your 10 Rock Cod & 2 Ling Cod limit/fisherman.
Our deckhands will happily fillet your catch of Rock Cod & Vermillion, so you don't have to! ($15-$20+ depending on amount and size) cash or credit ok
What's included
Coast Guard inspected vessel
Deckhands & Captain to help with your equipment and fishing
Bait
What's not included
Fishing equipment, licenses, and fish cleaning services, galley, tips:
Equipment: Rod/Reel rental $14/person. We can supply you with all the gear you need! 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!
If you bring your own rod/reel: NO BRAIDED LINE ALLOWED (damages the propeller shaft) We use a medium action rod with conventional reel. 20-30# Monofilament line.
Tackle Set-up: The tackle set-up ($9) includes a Rock Cod rig and one 6-ounce torpedo weight plus a burlap sack to put your fish in. All participants must have tackle suitable for Rock Cod fishing to fish on the trip.
License: Fishing License regulations: Anyone 16 years of age or older (and who is fishing on the trip) is required to have a valid CA fishing license in their possession before getting on the boat. If you do not have your Annual CA Sportfishing License you must get the 1-day Fishing License ($20.52). Check your local sporting goods stores/Walmart or online at Dept. of Fish & Wildlife: www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales (If bought online must be PRINTED or display on the App: www.wildlife.ca.gov/LicenseApp
Fish cleaning: We recommend that you have the deckhand clean/fillet your fish - so much easier than having this mess at home. Fish cleaning is approx. $15-20+ per limit of Cod, depending on size & amount (Limit is 10 Rock Cod/2 Lingcod).
Food and beverages: Both boats feature a galley with chips, candy bars, water, soda, beer and wine for purchase. You many 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. We will contact you. Smaller groups can pay on the boat.
Itinerary
1) Be parked and ready to go at the harbor 30 minutes before departure
2) About 10 minutes before departure the deckhand will ask to see your fishing license and ticket confirmation on your phone
3) Get onboard and go to the fishing grounds!
4) Crew will ask if you want your fish cleaned. We are not allowed to clean in the harbor and will clean on the way from fishing grounds to harbor.
Highlights
Enjoy a relaxing summer day on Monterey Bay fishing with beautiful scenery like the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Municipal Wharf! Perfect for those that do not want to get up too early!
Additional information
Check-in details
Arrive for check-in at least 30 minutes before departure!
For GPS: 789 Mariner Park Way, DOCK F. Santa Cruz, CA, Santa Cruz Harbor West. (by Aldo's)
Check for traffic conditions.
Pre-Pay to park in harbor $2/hour.
What to bring
-Fishing License (REQUIRED)
-Rod/Reel & tackle if not purchasing from us
-Warm layers
-Sunscreen
-Hat, Sunglasses
-Snacks & non-alcoholic beverages
-Seasick Medications in needed
There is a limited amount of space on the boat for your personal belongings. Please keep your snack coolers under 20 inches in length. Leave your fish cooler in your car.
Restrictions
-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 the Whale Watching, Wildlife Trips or Scenic Bay Cruises.
-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.
Extras
-Rod/reel rental $14
-Tackle Set-up $9
-Galley: Candy, Chips, Beer, wine, Water & Soda (purchase on board)
Disclaimers
Note: If the legal limit of target species is reached, the trip duration may be shorter than listed.
FAQs
What has the catch been like lately?
Fishing Report: On our recent Nearshore Cod trips: 2025 Season 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! We often have morning trips.
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.
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 (22 inches min). 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 18 to 16 inches long and weigh 3 to 4 pounds. The ling cod are a bigger variety, so they have to be 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.
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.
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.
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 the Whale Watching, Wildlife Trips or Scenic Bay Cruises.
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.
Can I bring an ice chest?
Yes, for your snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. You can purchase beer and wine aboard the boat. Coolers must be under 20 inches. NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL
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 snack coolers under 20 inches in length. Out of respect for your fellow passengers, please keep your personal items to a minimum. 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 4-5 hours. If the fish are aggressive, and everyone has caught their limit, we may come in a little earlier.
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 DFG regulations).
How far out do we go on the cod trips?
How far out we go depends on the weather. We usually go about 1-3 miles offshore (depending on DFG regulations).
Where does my trip end?
Your trip will end in the exact place that it starts from.
What is the difference between the Deep Sea Cod Fishing Trip and the Twilight Cod Fishing Trip?
The main difference is the depth and duration. The twilight trip lasts 4.5 hours and the Deep Sea trip lasts between 6 and 8 hours, depending on bite. Because the twilight trips are shorter, we usually fish in the local, nearshore reefs (120 feet or less). The 7-hour Deep Sea trips (300+ feet) may go north towards Davenport or the canyon, to deeper waters, weather & DFG regulations permitting.
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.
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.
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
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
Cancellations
Refund/Rescheduling Policy
Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.
Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event. Please call or email to let us know you will not be attending.
Weather Policy
Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather.
The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticketholders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability), use credit towards a future trip or ask for a refund.