Kayaking in Pismo Beach: Catch Fish & See Wildlife

You operate the kayak and set the hook yourself.

Kayak fishing in Pismo Beach is a four-hour activity where you paddle into the Pacific, fish for lingcod, halibut and rockfish, and return with your catch to prepare for dinner. Bait and tackle are included. Guides teach kayak safety and fishing strategies in English, Spanish or Chinese. Children from age 14 are welcome, and moderate fitness is required.

The experience

Four hours on the water means time to paddle out, find fish, adjust your bait presentation and actually land something. You'll kayak in the Pacific Ocean with a live guide who teaches you the strategies that work here, then you apply them yourself: finding the fish, setting the hook, bringing in your catch. Dolphins, sea otters and whales show up on some trips. They're not guaranteed, but when they appear, that's the moment people remember.

Bait and tackle come with you. You prepare a seafood dinner with whatever you catch, so the trip doesn't end on the water. It ends in a meal you made from the fish you caught. The guide handles safety briefing and strategy. You handle the fishing. Public transportation reaches the launch point, so you don't need a car to get there.

What’s included

• Bait and tackle for the entire trip.
• instruction in kayak safety and fishing strategies.
• a live guide in your choice of English, Spanish or Chinese.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Under 14: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 3

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Pismo Adventures

Is this one for you?You operate the kayak and fish yourself, so this suits anyone who wants to actively catch their own dinner rather than watch someone else do it. The four-hour window and moderate fitness requirement mean it's built for people comfortable on the water for that length of time, not a casual paddle.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years). Under 14: they can't be included in the booking.

What fish can I actually catch kayaking in Pismo Beach?

Lingcod, halibut and rockfish are the species you'll fish for in these waters. Your guide teaches you the bait presentation and strategies that work for each one.

Do I need fishing experience to book this?

No prior fishing experience is required. The guide teaches you kayak safety and fishing strategies at the start, so you learn as you go.

What happens if I catch fish? Do I have to keep them?

You can prepare a seafood dinner with your catch, which is part of the experience. The guide helps you land and handle the fish you catch.

What's the fitness level needed for four hours of kayaking?

Moderate physical fitness is required. You're paddling and fishing for the full four hours, so stamina and upper body strength matter.