July is a prime time for fishing out of Half Moon Bay, and our crew—Buck, Ethan, Andrew, and I—took full advantage of it. The weather was typical for the coast this time of year, with cool mornings in the low 50s and a high around 64°F by the afternoon. We launched our kayaks early, eager to get out and start targeting rockfish along the 20-fathom line. The water was calm, with just enough breeze to keep us cool but not enough to disrupt our paddling.
New to this spot? Check out our full guide, complete with Google Maps, top gear recommendations, and insider tips.
Once we got out past the jetty and found our spots, the action started right away. We were fully focused on rockfish, and the area did not disappoint. Each of us had our own setup dialed in: Buck was working a 4-ounce jig, while Ethan used his go-to swimbaits, and Andrew had his shrimp fly rig, covering multiple depths. I stuck with a trusty medium-heavy rod paired with a simple leadhead jig, and it wasn’t long before we all started hooking into fish.
The rockfish were out in full force. Throughout the morning, we caught a steady stream of them, most in the 12 to 14-inch range. These fish are strong for their size and gave us a good fight. However, despite our efforts, no lingcod showed up to play. We tried varying our techniques and locations, but it was clear that the rockfish were the main event today. While a lingcod would’ve been a great bonus, the abundance of rockfish kept us plenty busy.
As the day went on, the bite stayed consistent. Every few minutes, someone was pulling in another rockfish, and the variety was impressive. Black rockfish, blue rockfish, and a few vermilions made up most of our catch. By late afternoon, the wind started picking up, signaling it was time to head back. Our haul was solid, even without the lingcod we were hoping for.
Overall, it was another great day at Half Moon Bay. We didn’t land any lingcod this time, but with the amount of rockfish we pulled in, there was no room for disappointment. If you’re looking to get out here yourself, be sure to check out our full guide with gear tips, recommended spots, and insider knowledge. Half Moon Bay never fails to deliver, and we’ll be back soon to see what the next trip brings.
