The rockfish opener at Half Moon Bay out of Pillar Point is always an event worth marking on the calendar. With the crew ready for action, JP, Ethan, Andrew, and I hit the water early in our kayaks. The temperature was cool, with the day starting off in the low 50s, but the marine layer quickly burned off, leaving us with clear skies and a high of around 64°F by midday. The wind started to pick up in the afternoon, but nothing that our kayaks couldn’t handle, with gusts reaching around 23 mph.
New to this spot? Check out our full guide, complete with Google Maps, top gear recommendations, and insider tips.
Staying within the 20 fathom line, we focused on rockfish and lingcod. Conditions were perfect for kayak fishing—calm seas, great visibility, and enough structure beneath us to keep things interesting. We spent the morning paddling along the rugged coastline, looking for those rocky outcrops where the fish like to hide. The water was about as clear as it gets, and we could feel the bites almost immediately after dropping our lines.
I opted for a setup that I’ve trusted for years—a medium-heavy rod paired with a Penn reel and a 4-ounce jig. JP was working a similar rig with soft plastic swimbaits that mimicked the smaller baitfish in the area, while Ethan stuck with his go-to jigging spoon. Andrew, ever the tinkerer, had rigged up a dropper loop with a shrimp fly above a heavy sinker to cover different depths. The fish were there, and it wasn’t long before we had our first few rockfish on board.
Throughout the day, we kept our focus on the deeper structure, which is where we found the best action. The rockfish were biting steadily, with most around 12 to 14 inches, making for solid catches. Lingcod were also in the mix, though none over the legal size of 22 inches. JP managed to hook a 20-inch lingcod that gave him a decent fight before we had to release it. Ethan had a nice run of rockfish, including a 14-inch vermilion that was the highlight of the trip.
By late afternoon, the wind started picking up, so we decided to head back to shore. Overall, it was a successful opener, with steady action all day long. The gear performed well, and the conditions were ideal for kayak fishing. If you’re planning your own trip, make sure to check out our full guide for gear recommendations, Google Maps of the top fishing spots, and all the insider tips you’ll need to make the most of your time at Half Moon Bay. We’ll be back soon for another round!
