Montara State Beach is just a short drive from Half Moon Bay. With a diverse range of fish species, it’s a popular destination for those looking to make a good catch. This guide will equip anglers with the knowledge and tips for successful Montara State Beach fishing.
Half Moon Bay Real Estate Market Watch
As of June 2024, the median sale price of homes in Montara, CA, was $1,550,000. However, the housing market in Montara is always changing. Contact the Coastal Agent team for help buying and selling homes anywhere in the Half Moon Bay area.
Your Guide to Montara State Beach Fishing
Best Times to Fish
Fishing at Montara State Beach is best during the major fishing periods. These occur around the lunar transit. The moon-up period is from 11:13 am to 1:13 pm, and the moon-down period is from 11:42 pm to 1:42 am. Minor fishing periods include moonrise from 3:48 am to 4:48 am and moonset from 7:38 pm to 8:38 pm.
Tide Times
Tide times are crucial for a successful fishing trip. The best fishing happens during the rising tide, particularly 2-3 hours before high tide. Low tide is useful for scouting. Look for structures and rip currents where fish may gather.
Fishing Techniques
Montara’s steep sloping beach makes casting easy. However, be cautious near the water, as waves can be strong. Popular rigs include:
- Carolina Rig: Use a Z-Man Crusteaz bait threaded through the midsection.
- Fish-Finder Rig: Bait it with soft-shell sand crabs to target perch and striped bass.
Species
Montara State Beach hosts a variety of fish species, including:
- Surfperch
- Rockfish
- Lingcod
- Greenlings
- Halibut
- Rays
- Crabs
Regulations
Montara State Beach is part of the Montara State Marine Reserve and Pillar Point State Marine Conservation Area. Regulations include:
- No take of any living, geological, or cultural marine resource in the State Marine Reserve (SMR).
- Allowed take in the SMCA includes Dungeness crab by trap, market squid by dip net, and pelagic finfish by trolling.
Access
Park in the north side parking lot. Erosion has damaged the lower part of the stairs, so you’ll need to use a rope. This approach is steep and can be hard on the knees. The south lot offers a gentler approach to the beach.
Explore Montara State Beach and experience its fantastic fishing opportunities. Discover why Montara is a great place to live and fish.
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