Few things are better than the smell of the ocean and feel of the sea spray on your skin. Located at the end of the wharf, these sensations are part of the fishing experience as well as the Capitola Boat & Bait experience. The building has been in this spot for more than 50 years and the current owners have been providing boating and baiting needs for the last 14 years.
A small convenience store has walls plastered with photos of those who have caught something using Capitola's boats. Over the past 14 years, the wall has been covered and they still continue to add peoples' memories to the business. Capitola provides rental services you can get your hands on: boats, kayaks, boogie boards, fishing poles, crab nets, hydrobikes, wetsuits and, during the summer, choose from a selection of sailboats and motorboats. Capitola Boat & Bait is a friendly store that always has service with a smile and a conversation.
San Francisco Bay Area boating and fishing enthusiasts have launched or stored boats at the Martinez Marina since the 1950s. The friendly staff at the harbor master office are happy to provide assistance with amenities such as berths for boats of all sizes, a fuel dock, laundry facilities, showers, a pump-out station, lockable dock boxes, water and electric hookups. There's also wireless high-speed Internet access, clean restrooms and plenty of free parking. At the nearby Bait and Tackle Store, you can pickup sandwiches, soft drinks, cold beer, hot coffee, boat supplies, fishing licenses and, of course, live bait. Martinez Marina is adjacent to Waterfront Park.
Stan Wong of the California Parks Company manages Lake Chabot's marina concession under contract with the East Bay Regional Parks system. Along with snacks, lunches, beverages (no alcohol) and anything else you might need for a day in the park, this is where to buy a fishing license (required for those 16 and older) and to learn what fish have been stocked in the lake. Rowboats, pedal boats and kayaks can be rented for $20 to $60 an hour, with discounts for three hours or more. Fishing gear and life jackets for rental or sale. (Swimming and wading is not allowed, because the lake is a drinking-water source.) The cafe is next to the lake, behind the picnic area; from Lake Chabot Road, follow the signs to the marina. The website is updated weekly with info about fish, lake conditions, etc.
