Visitors and residents alike come to California’s coastal towns to rest, relax, and recharge, especially in winter, and enjoy the ocean, beaches, and all the fun activities the west coast has to offer. While many visitors will dress in bathing suits and gather beach gear for a day on the water swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or some time on shore building sandcastles, or just enjoying the weather together, some have come in search of their next big fish story. Pack your bags – and your fishing gear – and head on a Newport Beach fishing adventure of a lifetime in winter. Don’t forget to secure a California fishing license and brush up on catch limits before heading out.
Types of Fish
Before you head out, you’ll want to check your local fishing report for the most up-to-date news on what’s biting where. When fishing the waters of Newport Beach in winter, you’re bound to hook sculpin, rock cod, sand bass, calico bass, white seabass, California halibut, and more. The type of fish you hook will also depend on where around Newport Beach you drop your line.
Newport Bay
Cast off for a winter fishing in California expedition of a lifetime in Newport Bay. It’s the perfect place to head if you want halibut on the table for lunch or dinner. The marshy, sandy, rocky, environment is one that the fish love. You might also come across calico and sand bass, too.
Horseshoe Kelp
A major feature of southern California fishing, you’d be remiss to lose out on your chance to fish the kelp beds around Newport Bach. The horseshoe kelp of the area are kelp paddies that are home to several species of inshore fish, as well as the occasional offshore visitor.
Dock & Dine
Whether you get hungry during your time on the water or want to catch a meal before docking the boat for the night back at Carefree Boat Club, take advantage of the many restaurants of the area. Many participate in the “dock & dine” experience. Participating restaurants allow you and your crew to pull up to the dock and enjoy great food right on board your own vessel. It’s a fun way to enjoy a meal, while also keeping your valuables and safe. You can even order your food to go and have a delicious fresh meal aboard as you head out to sea again so you don’t lose any time out on the water. There’s a myriad of restaurants to choose from for breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, or a soothing nightcap an exciting day on the water. Enjoy delicious seafood from Newport Landing Restaurant, American fare from the Harborside Restaurant, or your favorite Mexican dish from Sol Mexican Cocina, just to name a few.
Orange Coast Winery
The adults-only activity is a fun way to relax and unwind after a day on the water, no matter the time of year. The local boutique winery located in Newport Beach uses local grapes from Temecula Valley, Paso Robles, and Lodi, California. Currently, there are no on-site tastings or events due to Covid precautions. You can still pick up a bottle to indulge in during a home-cooked meal at your accommodations.
Fun Zone Arcade & Game Room
Indulge the kid and gamer in you – or the kids and gamers of the group – after you’ve set the rod and reel aside. The arcade features both modern and “old-school” games that everyone can enjoy. You’ll find Skee-Ball, Deal or No Deal, and many others to pass the time and have a little fun with your feet firmly on the ground. The arcade has been around since 1936 and there is no admission fee. You can also wander in and out as you explore the surrounding area and take a break from the high seas.
Charter Tours
Leave the rod and reel on your vessel at Carefree Boat Club and let someone else take the helm while you sit back and relax. You can charter tours for a number of activities, including snorkeling, SCUBA diving, whale or dolphin watching, or a sunset cruise with your sweetheart who has missed you all day while you’ve been out on the water. Whatever type of tour you choose, make sure to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking pictures of ocean, shoreline, and the majestic sea creatures you’ll encounter.
Balboa Island
The manmade island spears up from the waters of Newport Beach for a fun time after you dock your boat for the evening. The island features many upscale shops and restaurants, and even an amusement park. Balboa Pier is a great place to spend some time. The winter beach may be a little less crowded during peak summer season. If you just can’t resist the chance for another fish story, the waters off of the pier are a great spot for the activity.
Water Activities
As with any coastal town, the sand and water activities are endless in Newport Beach in winter. Trade your fishing gear for snorkel or SCUBA gear, wakeboarding, stand up paddleboarding, or surfing. You could also opt for just splashing around in the waves with your fellow anglers for a celebratory swim after a productive day on the boat. Whatever you choose, fishing and boating are not your only options for a spectacular time in Newport Beach.
Newport Beach Fishing Adventures in Winter
Once you seek out the best locations to cast a line around Newport Beach in the winter, you’ll want to make sure you can get to your chosen spot, settle in, and have everything you need to catch the feature of your next big fish story. That includes a fishing boat that can handle the waters of Newport Beach and the surrounding area, your whole crew, and all of your gear. Have all those bases covered – along with some others you might not have thought of – with a membership to the Carefree Boat Club. There are locations all across the U.S., including the latest one in Newport Beach, that have the boat you need when you need it. Avoid the hit-and-miss availability of small rental companies, as well as the hassles of storage, maintenance, trailering, covering, and cleaning. You won’t have to worry about extra fees like insurance and mooring that come with owning your own boat and transporting it between locations either. Reserve a boat at Newport Beach or any of our other locations and it will be ready for your use each time you show up at our marina during your reservation period.
Contact us today to book your next great wintertime Newport Beach fishing trip!
