moderate
9 hours
Participants should have basic stamina for standing and handling gear over several hours onboard a boat.
Set out on a 9-hour fishing expedition with Stagnaro Charters along California’s North Coast reefs. Perfect for anglers seeking lingcod and rockfish amidst stunning oceanic landscapes.
Duration: 9 hours I usually June-Sept
Embark on an exhilarating 9-hour fishing adventure targeting rockfish and lingcod along the stunning North Coast reefs from Davenport to Pigeon Point. Experience the thrill of catching larger fish while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery. Perfect for both seasoned anglers and beginners, this trip promises unforgettable memories and a chance to connect with nature.
9 Hours
This 9-hour rockfish and lingcod trip will target mainly the North Coast reefs between the Davenport to Pigeon Point areas. Stops along the way to catch live bait are also not uncommon. These trips will usually run from June through September on select days. (depending on DFG regulations)
Note: If the legal limit of target species is reached, the trip duration may be shorter than listed.
DFG 2025 Rock Cod Season: Deep Sea Cod: April. October. December. 300+ feet only. We have 7-hour & 5-hour Deep Sea trips. Nearshore Cod: May-Sept 30 & Nov. 120 feet or less only. We have a 4.5-hour & 6-hour Nearshore trip.
What has the catch been like lately? Fish Report: 2025: First Northcoast trip is tbd depending on DFG regs.
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.
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.
If this trip is sold out can I get on a waiting list? Unfortunately, we do not have waiting lists for our 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.
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 and you can display it on the App: https://wildlife.ca.gov/LicenseApp. Remember to specify the date it will be valid for. The price of a one-day license is $20.52.
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 12 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.
When do I buy my fishing license? You can purchase your one-day fishing license, at our office, prior to departure, on the day of your trip. Or online at Dept of Fish & Wildlife. You can display it on the App: https://wildlife.ca.gov/LicenseApp. The one-day licenses are $20.52 each.
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 Set-up is $9.00. You can also rent them from our shop 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
What is included in the tackle kit purchase? The tackle kit includes a custom Rock Cod rig and 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 the 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.
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 snacks & cold beverages in the galley. We have chips & candy. Our drink selection includes soda, bottled water, beer, and wine.
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, 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. 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 up to 9 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.
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. The 9-hour rockfish and ling cod trip will target mainly the North Coast reefs near Davenport and further north, weather permitting.
What is the difference between the Deep Sea Cod Fishing Trip and the North Coast Fishing Trip? The main difference is the time and duration. The North Coast lasts 9 hours and the Deep Sea trip lasts between 6 and 8 hours, depending on bite. You may go a bit further North on the North Coast trip.
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 (10 Rock Cod/2 Lingcod).
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/crew.
Do I have to wear the life jacket? No. You may choose to wear a life jacket if you feel you need one. 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, how many people are on board, and where the fish are. We usually go further up the coast, rather than further out into the bay, 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 or dogs 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 for the trip happens at Stagnaro’s office at 1718 Brommer Street, Santa Cruz an hour prior to departure. The staff will then direct you to the boat, which is about a 12-minute drive away (due to construction detour). 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.
Pacific coastal weather can be cool and windy, especially offshore—bring windproof and waterproof layers.
Even on cloudy days, UV exposure on the water is high; pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
A full day on the water demands energy—pack water and high-protein snacks to stay fueled.
If prone to seasickness, take preventive medication before departure and sit near the center of the boat.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse, built in 1871, stands as one of the tallest lighthouses on the West Coast, guiding mariners through these often fog-shrouded waters.
Local fishing practices emphasize catch limits and sustainable techniques to protect reef ecosystems and fish populations for future generations.
Protects you from ocean spray and wind during extended periods on the water.
Reduces glare off the water, helping you spot fish and protecting your eyes.
Provides secure footing on wet boat decks for safety.
Advisable for those prone to motion sickness on longer offshore trips.