Been getting lots of good tips here lately and I appreciate them all. I am going to work in San Jose in a week and would like to know where to try surf or pier fishing in the Santa Cruz area. I will be staying with my brother wo also loves to fish. We do alot of bass fishing at Uvas resevior from a canoe, but we don't have the b@@@s to take it in the ocean. Santa Cruz is fairly close and any and all tips as to where to go and what to use this time of year will be appreciated.

Dave

I surf fish from Aptos but the beach runs all the way through Capitola. There is plenty of access and also plenty of surfers and other water sports activities. There are a few piers and the "Concrete boat" that I have heard are popular spots. And last but not least there are several state beaches that offer easy access to the surf. Try to find a spot without too much seaweed. Whatever you decide, don't be afraid to just go ane do it!

Polecat

Thanks Polecat, I'll give it a try when I get up there.

Dave

If I were you, I'd throw on some wetsuits, launch that canoe off of New Brighton, throw some 3-5 inch swimbaits and yozuri's and you'll slay some hali's and may even get lucky on a WSB.
Get it out there!
Late,
Paul

Hey Paul thanks,
Where is New Brighton, I'm not too familiar with the area.

Dave

It's a State park just south of Santa Cruz, if you head to Santa Cruz on hwy 17, take hwy 1 south, you'll see the sign for State Beaches, I'm pretty sure the next sign will say New Brighton, but if not just take the State Beaches exit and it will take you to the entrance. It's a sand beach with reef and kelp to the outside, fully protected from wind(it could howling and whitecapped above the Lane and glassy there), and there's perch, halibut, rockfish, occasional WSB. A buddy of mine and soaked bait there one day after surfing Pleasures and slayed the perch, got a couple halibut, croakers, and some rays all on sand crabs and choves. Swim baits work well also, especially if you punch that canoe off the beach!
Late,
Paul

New Brighton:

Take HWY 1 Northbound from Watsonville, exit Park Ave.
Turn Left off the offramp.
Left at First stop sign.

Thanks for the information everyone. That sounds like the ticket, especially if it's smooth enough for the canoe.

Dave

It has been smooth as glass for most of the day these past few days. Wind and chop come up in late afternoon.

Polecat