Go Fish! Add a Fishing Excursion on the Central Coast to Your Vacation Itinerary

Breathe in the fresh sea air and soak up California’s abundant sunshine while you spend your time trying to reel in the catch of the day. With both freshwater and ocean fishing as options, the Central Coast is an ideal locale for seasoned and novice fishermen alike.

Fishing excursions are a fun, relaxing and scenic way to spend a day, and if luck is on your side, you’ll have a treasure or two for dinner to boot. In the Spring, fish for halibut, salmon and mackerel. During the Summer and Fall, you might reel in rockfish, sharks and barracudas.

Freshwater Fishing

About 20 miles from Avila, Lopez Lake is a popular spot for freshwater fishing with nearly 1,000 acres of lake surface. In the warmer months the lake is stocked with crappie, redear, sunfish, and largemouth and smallmouth bass. During the cooler months, cast your line for rainbow trout. You’re also likely to reel in catfish weighing more than 25 pounds all year long during the dusk and dawn hours.

Santa Margarita Lake is another freshwater fishing location and just a 30-mile drive from Avila. Fish from the shore or throw your line out from your boat or canoe. Bluegill and trout are just a few of the most common catches at this scenic lake.

Ocean Fishing

If the ocean is calling to you, grab your fishing gear and travel along Highway1 to one of the area’s gorgeous beaches, fishing license required, or drop a line right from one of the areas fishing piers, no license required.

Harford Pier in Port San Luis, Avila Beach Pier in downtown Avila and the Pismo Beach Pier are favorite fishing spots. The tides, time of the year and place on the pier will affect the type of fish you’ll likely catch. Bait and tackle shops are on each pier to rent fishing poles and other fishing gear. No matter if the fish are biting or not, casting your line off the side of the pier is sure to be a memorable experience for angles of all ages and skill levels.

If you’re interested in deep sea fishing, reach out to one of the numerous companies in the area. Skilled fisherman will take you out by boat to all of the best spots. Choose a half-day or full-day fishing tour, and take advantage of your guide’s expert guidance. 

If you don’t catch anything or fishing just isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the local seafood. The Harford Pier in Avila has two fish markets, BJ’s Live Seafood and Olde Port Fish & Seafood, for shoppers to purchase fresh fish.