Crystal Cove - Recommendations
 

We have a campsite in Crystal Cove in early January, and I wanted to do some fishing. What should I fish for? Anyone familiar with this area at this time of the year?

I used to fish there all the time. Launching from the beach down below the camp sites might get tricky normally just shore pound and big old hill to wheel up/down.... but can probably make it work. Otherwise just drive 10 mins north to newport harbor and launch @ coast guard station or kids beach.

Lots of good kelp N of crystal cove between there and newport harbor mouth. Deeper spots off pelican point produced for me in the past. have fun man

Thanks Im hoping to launch from the beach, but if the surf is too much Ill drive Newport Harbor.

Maybe have someone drop you at the launch and paddle/fish your way back.

When the surf gets good elevator Point gets Ripping but can only sustain a small crowd. Most of the time tiny.

Using a paddle, it'll take about an hour to get from Kid's Beach to CC.

What are the parking options for the NP Coast Guard launch? Looking on Google Earth it doesn't look like there's many parking spaces.

Half of those parking spots are reserved for the USCG & Harbor Patrol during the week days.

Monday through Friday there are about 6-8 spots or half the lot. On weekended the whole lot is open. There is a drop off area and usually good parking on the street.