2026 More Than Fishing Surf Fishing Tournament

The 2026 More Than Fishing Surf Fishing Tournament takes place Saturday, July 12, and Sunday, July 13, 2026, at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, California, a crescent-shaped stretch of coastline nestled at the mouth of San Pedro Valley just fifteen miles south of San Francisco. This two-day competition welcomes anglers of all skill levels, with Saturday’s Fisherman’s Life Street Fair hosting the meet-and-greet and tournament check-in, followed by Sunday’s main event along the sandy shore. Prizes include $3,000 for the largest striped bass, alongside awards for the biggest surf perch and accuracy casting competitions, with the first 25 paid registrants receiving a discounted entry fee.

Linda Mar Beach—formally known as Pacifica State Beach—draws over one million visitors annually to its three-quarters of a mile of Pacific-facing sand, a place where surf culture has thrived since the balsa board days of the 1940s. The beach sits protected within a valley that funnels offshore winds, creating conditions so reliably favorable that beginners and seasoned wave riders alike consider it one of the Bay Area’s most accessible breaks. This is also the shoreline made famous by the final cliff-dive scene in the cult classic Harold and Maude, and home to what many call the world’s most scenic Taco Bell—a surf shack-style cantina grandfathered in before coastal building restrictions, its patio overlooking the very waters where tournament anglers will cast their lines.

Beyond the competition itself, the weekend offers opportunities to connect with popular Bay Area YouTube fishing personalities, participate in giveaways and games suitable for all ages, and browse offerings from local vendors and fishing groups gathered along the waterfront. The tournament emphasizes responsible fishing practices and community spirit, adhering to the Conservancy Code of Ethics that governs sustainable sport fishing. The atmosphere promises that particular blend of friendly competition and coastal camaraderie that defines California beach culture at its finest.

When hunger strikes, Pacifica delivers an impressive roster of local establishments: Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen offers ceviche and pisco cocktails with panoramic ocean views from the Pacifica Beach Hotel, while Moonraker Restaurant serves award-winning clam chowder from its perch in the Lighthouse Hotel overlooking the surf. For post-tournament refreshments, locals swear by Devil’s Slide Taproom for burgers and craft beer, La Playa for tacos and margaritas, or Soul Grind Coffee Roasters—a neighborhood favorite steps from the sand where beans are roasted fresh each morning. For accommodations that position you perfectly for tournament weekend, explore nearby lodging options on Lake.com and start planning your coastal California adventure today.