Although Monterey might be one of top tourist destinations in California because of its beauty and scenery, the best way to see it is not from the coast but from the ocean. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, Monterey Bay is an ideal stop on your trip down the West Coast for some solitary fishing in a human-powered kayak.
Where to Fish
Whether in the Carmel River or in Monterey Bay itself, this area offers you excellent fishing opportunities from a kayak. Also check out Cachagua Community Park, Los Padres Reservoir, Marina State Beach and Open Space Preserve in Marina and Arroyo Seco Recreation Area, which 15 miles from King City. Fishing is allowed in all of these locations. If you would rather kayak in freshwater, head to Lake San Antonio in south Monterey County.
What to Catch
Fish found in the Monterey Bay area include rock fish, ling cod, cabezon, halibut striped bass and perch, just to name a few. With the low profile of a kayak, you can easily fish the kelp beds where fish love to hide. Local fishing guides will not only lead you to prime fishing spots but many will also assist you in fitting your kayak with the proper gear for fishing.
Kayaks
If you don't own a kayak and need to rent, don't worry, there are plenty of kayak rentals in both Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough, a popular kayaking reservoir north of Monterey. The best kayak to use in the Pacific is a sit-in style where you use a skirt to keep the frigid waters off your lap. If you wear slickers, then a sit-on top kayak is ideal and is much easier to fit with all the required gear. They offer space for equipment on top of the kayak, making it much easier to get to your gear.
Wildlife
While fishing, don't forget to take in the scenery and watch for the abundant wildlife. You can expect to see sea otters, 346 species of native and migratory birds, sharks, sea lions and an occasional whale as you fish the inlets and estuaries. There are several outfitters that offer interpretive tours of Elkhorn Slough and Monterey Bay.
Gear
Required (or at least really helpful) gear needed to kayak fish includes all safety gear (personal flotation device, whistle, air horn, emergency kit), paddle straps to keep your paddles from drifting away while you bring in the Pacific Ocean, water, sunscreen, rain gear, a GPS or map of the coast and fishing gear. Try to minimize the amount of fishing equipment you bring so that you have more room to maneuver in the kayak.
Fishing Licenses
All persons 16 years old and older must have a fishing license, and you must have that license on your person while fishing. To purchase a license, go online to the California Department of Fish and Game website or go by one of its offices.
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