California · Central Coast
LINGCOD FISHING
IN MONTEREY
Monterey is an excellent destination for lingcod fishing, with peak season in May, June and good catches in March, April, July. Book a charter and target lingcod with local experts.
About Lingcod Fishing in Monterey
The toothy lingcod is a fearsome ambush predator found on rocky reefs and kelp forests from Southern California to Alaska. These aggressive fish are known for striking at hooked rockfish and can be caught jigging, trolling, or drift fishing. Their mild, white flesh is considered among the finest eating on the Pacific coast.
Lingcod are fearsome-looking ambush predators that patrol rocky reefs, kelp forests, and pinnacles from Southern California to Alaska. Despite the name, they are neither ling nor cod — they are the largest member of the greenling family. Lingcod have a massive head with a jaw full of sharp, conical teeth, a mottled brown-gray body, and large pectoral fins. Their most striking feature is their occasionally blue-green colored flesh (caused by a harmless bile pigment), which turns white when cooked and is considered among the finest eating fish on the Pacific coast.
Scientific name: Ophiodon elongatus
Lingcod Seasonal Calendar — Monterey
Month-by-month availability for lingcod in Monterey, CA.
How to Catch Lingcod in Monterey
Techniques & Bait
Jigging heavy metal jigs (6-16 oz Crippled Herring, Luhr-Jensen Pipe Jig, Diamond Jigs) over rocky structure in 60-200 feet is the primary technique. Swimbaits (6-10 inch) on heavy jigheads worked along the bottom are deadly. Lingcod are notorious for grabbing hooked rockfish — many are caught "hitchhiking" on a rockfish being reeled up. Live bait (small rockfish where legal, mackerel) dropped to the bottom near structure produces trophy fish. Trolling large plugs along reef edges works well from boats.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-heavy to heavy conventional rod (5'6"-7 ft), level-wind reel, 40-65 lb braided line, 40-60 lb fluorocarbon leader, 6-16 oz jigs. The heavy tackle is needed to wrestle fish out of rocks and kelp quickly.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Monterey
Top spots where local captains target lingcod and other nearshore species.
Point Lobos Reefs
Point Lobos just south of Monterey features spectacular rocky reefs where lingcod, cabezon, and rockfish concentrate in kelp-covered structure along the dramatic granite coastline. Boat anglers fish the waters adjacent to the state reserve for quality nearshore catches over some of Monterey Bay's most productive rocky habitat.
Monterey Bay Kelp Forests
The massive kelp forests along Monterey's coastline support one of the richest nearshore ecosystems in the Pacific, holding blue rockfish, olive rockfish, lingcod, cabezon, and kelp greenling in dense canopy structure. Small boats work the kelp edges with jigs and live bait for consistent multi-species catches.
Lovers Point
Lovers Point in Pacific Grove extends into Monterey Bay with rocky reef structure that holds rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon in kelp beds accessible to shore-casters and kayak anglers. The point's position catches currents that push baitfish along the rocks, attracting feeding fish throughout the day.
McAbee Beach Reef
McAbee Beach along Cannery Row provides kayak launch access to rocky nearshore reefs where rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon hold in 20 to 60 feet of water. The reef's proximity to Monterey's marina district makes it one of the most accessible nearshore fishing grounds in the area.
Other Species in Monterey
More fish you can target while visiting Monterey.
Lingcod Fishing in Monterey — FAQ
The peak months for Lingcod fishing in Monterey are May, June. During these months, Lingcod are most active and abundant in the Monterey area.
Lingcod fishing charters in Monterey are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Jigging heavy metal jigs (6-16 oz Crippled Herring, Luhr-Jensen Pipe Jig, Diamond Jigs) over rocky structure in 60-200 feet is the primary technique. Swimbaits (6-10 inch) on heavy jigheads worked along the bottom are deadly. Lingcod are notorious for grabbing hooked rockfish — many are caught "hitchhiking" on a rockfish being reeled up. Live bait (small rockfish where legal, mackerel) dropped to the bottom near structure produces trophy fish. Trolling large plugs along reef edges works well from boats.
No — when you book a charter in Monterey, your captain provides all required California fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Lingcod regulations in California include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Lingcod in Monterey, you may also catch Rockfish, Chinook Salmon, Dungeness Crab, Pacific Halibut, Albacore Tuna. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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