Rockfish and Lingcod Ends the Season Strong in Santa Cruz
The 2025 season wrapped up on a high note for Barbarossa Fishing Charters out of Santa Cruz, California, with excellent action on both deep water rockfish and shallow water lingcod right through the final trips of the year. As conditions lined up, anglers enjoyed steady, quality fish, and classic Central Coast deep sea fishing at its finest.
Deep Water Rockfishing Produced Consistent Limits
Our deep water rockfishing trips out of Santa Cruz were outstanding to close the season. Fishing the deeper structure offshore, we saw excellent numbers of quality rockfish, including vermilion, chilipepper, yellowtail, and other deepwater species that make these trips so popular.
Calm weather windows allowed us to reach prime grounds in the Monterey Bay and greater Bay Area, giving anglers a true deep sea fishing experience with non-stop action. These trips are ideal for both experienced anglers and first-timers looking to fill the freezer with delicious bottom fish before the season ends.
If you’re searching for rockfish fishing charters in Santa Cruz, the end of this season proved once again why our area is one of the most productive fisheries on the California coast.
Shallow Water Lingcod Action Was Excellent
Alongside deep water trips, shallow water lingcod fishing was equally impressive. Lingcod were aggressive, hard-fighting, and came in great numbers, with plenty of legal fish and some true trophies mixed in. Fishing rocky structure closer to shore allowed for exciting battles and a fast-paced day on the water.
Lingcod fishing remains one of the most exciting options for anglers booking Santa Cruz fishing charters, and the strong finish this season has us optimistic heading into next year.
Charter Season Resumes April 1st
While the season has now come to a close, Barbarossa Fishing Charters will resume running trips on April 1st. Once spring arrives, we’ll be back on the water offering rockfish, lingcod, and deep sea fishing charters out of Santa Cruz, weather permitting.
Spring fishing often brings great conditions, less boat pressure, and excellent opportunities throughout Monterey Bay and the Bay Area, making it a perfect time to get on the calendar.
Strong Salmon Season Expected Next Year
Looking ahead, we’re also excited about the outlook for next year’s salmon season. Early indicators point toward a strong return, and we expect salmon fishing out of Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay to be a major highlight of the upcoming season.
Salmon trips are always in high demand, especially on weekends and holidays, and availability fills up quickly when the season opens.
Book Early for Best Dates
If you’re planning to fish with us in the upcoming season, we strongly recommend booking early, especially for weekends, holidays, and peak summer dates. Whether you’re targeting rockfish, lingcod, halibut or salmon, early reservations ensure you get the dates you want and don’t miss out on prime fishing opportunities.
Fish with Barbarossa Fishing Charters
Barbarossa Fishing Charters out of Santa Cruz, CA proudly serves anglers from Santa Cruz, the Bay Area, and Monterey Bay. Our trips are designed for anglers of all skill levels, offering safe, productive, and enjoyable deep sea fishing charters on California’s Central Coast.
Thank you to everyone who joined us this season—we appreciate your support and look forward to getting back on the water April 1st. Get your trips booked early and get ready for another incredible year of fishing out of Santa Cruz.