Monterey Whale Watching & Fishing Charters with Expert Skippers

Chris's Fishing and Whale Watching — Monterey Bay Charters

Explore whale watching Monterey and premier fishing charters departing from Monterey, California. Chris's Fishing and Whale Watching operates as the oldest charter company on the Monterey Peninsula, offering a range of trips that highlight the marine life and fishing opportunities within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Why choose these Monterey Bay charters?

• Established local operator: Identified as the oldest charter company on the Monterey Peninsula, providing deep local knowledge of species and seasonal patterns.
• Experienced skippers and deckhands: Every trip is led by trained skippers with deckhands available to instruct anglers and assist families.
• Varied trip lengths: Options include 7.5‑hour fishing trips, a 4‑hour afternoon rockcod trip at 2:00 PM, and specialized dawn salmon outings with a 5:00 AM check‑in.

Popular trips and search terms

• Whale watching Monterey — Guided whale watching tours explore migration routes and sanctuary waters for sightings of gray whales, dolphins, and other marine species. These tours focus on wildlife viewing within Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
• Salmon fishing Monterey — A 7.5‑hour salmon fishing trip begins at dawn with a 5:00 AM check‑in. This trip is tailored for anglers seeking legal‑size salmon and offers hands‑on guidance from the crew.
• Rockcod & Lingcod fishing — Options include both a 7.5‑hour rockcod/lingcod trip and a shorter 4‑hour rockcod afternoon trip (2:00 PM). These charters focus on bottom fishing techniques and species common to the Monterey seafloor.
• Petrale sole & sanddab trips — The 7.5‑hour Petrale Sole and Sanddab outings target flatfish species, with daily fish counts provided and crew support for all ages.

What to expect on board

• Clear trip durations and schedules: Most fishing trips are 7.5 hours; select rockcod trips run 4 hours in the afternoon. Salmon trips require early check‑in at 5:00 AM.
• Instruction and safety: Deckhands provide gear assistance and fishing instruction suitable for beginners, families, and experienced anglers.
• Family‑friendly adventures: Trips are described as appropriate for all ages on the provided trip summaries, making them accessible options for families visiting Monterey.

Practical keywords for booking and search

• Whale watching Monterey Bay
• Monterey Bay fishing charters
• Salmon fishing Monterey
• Rockcod fishing Monterey
• Lingcod fishing Monterey
• Petrale sole sanddab trips Monterey
• Family fishing trips Monterey

Booking tips and local context

Reserve spots early for weekend and holiday trips, and note the early check‑in time for salmon outings. Trips operate from Monterey, California, within the protected waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, providing both wildlife viewing and sportfishing experiences. The combination of the company's long presence on the Monterey Peninsula and crew support across excursions makes these charters a recognizable choice for visitors seeking guided marine adventures.

Plan a guided whale watching or fishing charter in Monterey today and choose the trip length and target species that match the group's interests and schedule.