Fishing Spots in Santa Cruz?

Hi all,

Family is heading down to Santa Cruz on New Year's day.  While my son and his cousins hang out at the boardwalk, I would love to get a line wet.  No, I will not be bringing my yak due to logistics reasons.

I would love to hear about a few good spots to fish.  Thanks in advance.

Dave

Best bet may be to surf fish for perch along the main beach.

I've seen some decent fish (including a very nice halibut) caught from the Capitola Wharf.

Wharfs aren't doing much these days.

Surfcasting for perch is really the best bet, but wehre are they?

could be anywhere, the best recent reports are south of Capitola near ?Rio Del Mar and down the Beach from there.

Main beach and 7th avenue beach sometimes produce, as does the corner of main beach where the rivermouth is...

Good luck let us know how you do!

Bushy

Take some Sabiki's with you if your going wharf fishing. Never know when sardines or other bait fish may show!

you can rent a boat in santa cruz for a long shot for halibut or just do a cruz around the bay. They are kinda pricey in s.c. 100 bucks. 90 if you get there coupon online. capitola is about 20 bucks cheaper I think. coupon online as well.

To keep things simple, I ended up on the wharf right next to the boardwalk.  Jig for 1/2hr.  Nothing.  Tried for sand dabs for 1/2hr.  Nothing.  Heck, just threw out a surf leader with squid, sat down, and tried to catch up on some reading.

Soon after, the rod came shaking and here is what came up...

(Not a bad way to start a new fishing season)

Starry flounders are cool

I walked by you and saw the fish


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WTG!  Starry flounder from the wharf is a good catch!

Bushy