Fishing
Lawson's Landing is an excellent place to fish. Fishing licenses are available in the bait shop. If you need one, show up early and bring your driver's license or other I.D. as the new licensing system can be slower.

Our fishing season starts in February with the first tides low enough to dig clams and usually finishes by the end of October although some like to catch the opening of Dungeness crab season. The spring brings some good surf fishing for Redtail and Rubberlip perch. Generally mid-June thru August are the best for salmon and halibut. With luck, salmon fishing will start in April and be at its best in July. Halibut can start showing up as early as April but normally around the end of May and run through September.

Fishing from the pier can be fun for youngsters as well as crusty fishermen catching shiner perch and jacksmelt for live bait. Crabbing can be done from the pier or boat throughout the bay for rock or Dungeness crabs when in season.
Conditions
Tomales Bay is relatively well protected, but as most waterways, should be used with a certain degree of caution. The winds can become quite strong, especially in the afternoon, which can make a return back to the Landing from the south particularly uncomfortable and unsafe.

The entrance to Tomales Bay although calm much of the time can become dangerous without warning. Before venturing outside the bay you should check with our staff concerning conditions on the bar and on the ocean. The shallow area between the bell and no.1 marker buoy causes the ocean swell to build and can become a breaker line of two or more waves at anytime. Please ask questions of any of the experienced veterans that are familiar with local conditions.

Before venturing out into the ocean check the conditions, your gear (safety, fuel, radios, etc.), and let someone staying on the beach know your intentions. Do not go out with faulty equipment and always have a two way radio (vhf) aboard. Have an adequate anchor with at least 150' of good line attached to your boat in case of breakdown.

The Landing monitors radio channel 74 on VHF and channel 13 on Citizens band.
Services
  • For more information on Boat and Motor rental policies, visit Boat Services.
  • For more information on local area charter boats, contact Wil's Sportfishing at (707) 875-2323.
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