Riptide Charters 

4.7/5 (52 reviews)
Recent reports
 1 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States

Riptide Charters 

Half Moon Bay, CA, United States
40 ft
19
4.7/5 (52 reviews)

Riptide Charters is located in Half Moon Bay and offers to show you a memorable time in these waters. The crew offers sport fishing trips off the San Mateo, and San Francisco coast of California and caters to smaller groups and charters.

Capt. William will do his best to make sure you have a fun day full of fishing. This involves 8-hour trips, mainly fishing for Rockfish, and Lingcod, depending on the season and conditions on the day. Bluefin Fishing trips are also available. On these trips, you can expect to use techniques such as light tackle, heavy tackle, bottom fishing, trolling, and big game fishing.

Your fishing adventure starts on a 40' Northwest boat that can safely take up to 20 anglers. This boat comes with a Microwave and a toilet.

Please keep in mind that rods, reels, and terminal tackle are not included in the price of Rock fishing but are for Bluefin for your trip. Please make sure to buy a valid fishing license ahead of time. Bait isn’t included in the trip price, so make sure to check with the captain what your options are before the trip.

Book your trip now and hit the water with Riptide Charters.

DISCLAIMER – PLEASE READ The State will be implementing in-season management for the salmon fishery. This means open fishing days may be closed if the total harvest approaches the 34,900 fish harvest guideline in the San Francisco management zone. Season dates 6/27-7/22 & 8/1-8/31. There will also be a fall fishery with a 20,000 fish harvest limit. Fall season dates 9/1-10/31 from Pt. Reyes to Pigeon Point. If you book a salmon trip and the date becomes affected by these restrictions, the trip will be switched to Halibut/Bass or Rockfish/Lingcod fishing. If the trip is changed to another fishery, a partial refund will be issued. NO CANCELLATIONS Trip Price: $260 per person Rod Rental: $20 Salmon Weights: $10 each

Riptide Charters is located in Half Moon Bay and offers to show you a memorable time in these waters. The crew offers sport fishing trips off the San Mateo, and San Francisco coast of California and caters to smaller groups and charters.

Capt. William will do his best to make sure you have a fun day full of fishing. This involves 8-hour trips, mainly fishing for Rockfish, and Lingcod, depending on the season and conditions on the day. Bluefin Fishing trips are also available. On these trips, you can expect to use techniques such as light tackle, heavy tackle, bottom fishing, trolling, and big game fishing.

Your fishing adventure starts on a 40' Northwest boat that can safely take up to 20 anglers. This boat comes with a Microwave and a toilet.

Please keep in mind that rods, reels, and terminal tackle are not included in the price of Rock fishing but are for Bluefin for your trip. Please make sure to buy a valid fishing license ahead of time. Bait isn’t included in the trip price, so make sure to check with the captain what your options are before the trip.

Book your trip now and hit the water with Riptide Charters.

DISCLAIMER – PLEASE READ The State will be implementing in-season management for the salmon fishery. This means open fishing days may be closed if the total harvest approaches the 34,900 fish harvest guideline in the San Francisco management zone. Season dates 6/27-7/22 & 8/1-8/31. There will also be a fall fishery with a 20,000 fish harvest limit. Fall season dates 9/1-10/31 from Pt. Reyes to Pigeon Point. If you book a salmon trip and the date becomes affected by these restrictions, the trip will be switched to Halibut/Bass or Rockfish/Lingcod fishing. If the trip is changed to another fishery, a partial refund will be issued. NO CANCELLATIONS Trip Price: $260 per person Rod Rental: $20 Salmon Weights: $10 each

William Smith
Captain
William Smith
55 years of experience

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
July 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Almost there...
Full Day – Rockfish Shared
In high demand Last booked: 1 day ago
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Dec 31
Lingcod
Rockfish
US $340
Shared tour: 2 people
Full Day – Rockfish Weekday Shared
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Dec 31
Lingcod
Rockfish
US $340
Shared tour: 2 people
Full Day - Salmon Shared
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 27 - Jul 31
Salmon
Salmon (Chinook)
US $500
Shared tour: 2 people
Full Day Trip - Salmon
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 11 - Jul 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Salmon
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Tuna (Shared Max 6 People)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
12 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jul 1 - Nov 30
Tuna (Bluefin)
Tuna (Albacore)
US $1,000
Shared tour: 2 people
Full Day Trip – Rockfish Weekday
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Dec 31
Lingcod
Rockfish
US $2,040
Entire boat: up to 12 people
Full Day Trip – Rockfish Weekend
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Oct 31
Lingcod
Rockfish
US $2,040
Entire boat: up to 12 people
Full Day Tuna (Priv. Max 6 People)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
12 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jul 1 - Nov 30
Tuna (Bluefin)
Tuna (Albacore)
US $3,000
Entire boat: up to 19 people
Private Salmon Charter
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 11 - Jul 31
Salmon
US $4,500
Entire boat: up to 19 people
There are 18 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.7
52 reviews
4.7
Boat & equipment
4.7
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (60)

What anglers say

79%
Great experience
70%
Family friendly
94%
Friendly captain
94%
Good boat
88%
Recommended
98%
Caught fish

All reviews (52)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 52 reviews
Warren Scott
Warren Scott
us
McKinney, TX, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Highly recommended charter
Full Day – Rockfish Shared on October 5, 20251 adult

Great charter. Do not be scared off by the rod rental. The trip rate is already very reasonable and rental fees are basically nothing. Captain and deckhand were very friendly and got us onto loads of fish in a hurry. Captain even went above and beyond when I asked him about advice on shipping my catch back because I had an airplane to catch he brought me an airline approved box and cooler with a cold ice pack and expected nothing in return. Boat was very roomy, clean, and rode the waves like butter. Would fish with them again. Highly recommended.

Reported catch:
Lingcod
Rockfish
William Smith
Response from Captain

Thank you for the review!

Daniel Leonie
Daniel Leonie
us
California, US
Member since 2023
5.0
Verified
New
birthday trip!
Full Day Trip - Salmon on July 15, 20269 adults

took 9 of my friends and family on a salmon charter. the captain and crew made sure we were always bait in water. all 9 of us caught fish with some limits. fantastic day.

Reported catch:
Salmon
William Smith
Response from Captain

Thank you for the great review!

Lander Rodriguez-Salvador
Lander Rodriguez-Salvador
us
California, US
Member since 2026
4.7
Verified
New
Outstanding work
Full Day - Salmon Shared on June 27, 20261 adult

My first time fishing from a boat and my first time fishing for salmon was an unforgettable experience. Conditions werent the best but Captain Smith, Angelo and Lee were great and always quick to help. Would rebook 10/10.

Reported catch:
Chinook Salmon
Ed Ramos
Ed Ramos
us
California, US
Member since 2025
4.7
Verified
August fishing trip
Full Day – Rockfish Shared on August 31, 20251 adult1 child

Captain William Smith AKA Captain Smitty with gruff appearance was a knowledgeable experienced Captain and quite funny. His deck hand was Angelo kept us baited and weighted even though we were capable of hooking the bait ourselves. Originally there were supposed to be another pair of of people who were to join us, but they canceled so we had the boat to ourselves. We left at 7:30 and by 1130. We were on our way back in. We caught our limit had a great time. Thank you Captain Smitty and Angelo.

William Smith
Response from Captain

Ahoy there Ed. Thank you for the kind words! We look forward to seeing you again! Capt. Smitty

Rick Bowdoin
Rick Bowdoin
us
California, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Riptide is a wonderful trip
Full Day – Rockfish Shared on August 29, 20252 adults

took my friend George to celebrate his birthday. Captain Smith and assistant, Lee did a great job. We caught plenty of fish in a short period time. We were after rockcod and caught a couple lingcod. Riptide offers other trips such as salmon, albacore, and whale watching. I'll be back. This was so enjoyable

William Smith
Response from Captain

Ahoy there Rick. Thank you for the kind words! We look forward to seeing you again! Capt. Smitty

FAQs about Riptide Charters

Riptide Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $170 per person - Full Day – Rockfish Shared (8 hours)
  • US $170 per person - Full Day – Rockfish Weekday Shared (8 hours)
  • US $250 per person - Full Day - Salmon Shared (8 hours)
  • US $250 per person - Full Day Trip - Salmon (8 hours)
  • US $500 per person - Full Day Tuna (Shared Max 6 People) (12 hours)
  • US $2,040 per group, additional US $170 per person after 12 guests - Full Day Trip – Rockfish Weekday (8 hours)
  • US $2,040 per group, additional US $170 per person after 12 guests - Full Day Trip – Rockfish Weekend (8 hours)
  • US $3,000 per group - Full Day Tuna (Priv. Max 6 People) (12 hours)
  • US $4,500 per group - Private Salmon Charter (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Riptide Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Radar
Trips booked with Riptide Charters include:
  • First mate
Riptide Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing
  • Reef fishing
Riptide Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Riptide Charters include:
  • Lingcod
  • Rockfish
  • Tuna (Albacore)
  • Tuna (Bluefin)

Your captain

William Smith
William Smith
William Smith

Half Moon Bay, California, United States

9 Fishing Reports
52 Customer reviews
Typical response within 8 hours
Member since November 2014

Captain William Smith welcomes you for a fun and exciting fishing adventure out of Half Moon Bay. Fish near or far off the coast and enjoy beautiful nature.

Our Team
William S.

William S.

Captain

Lee G.

Lee G.

First mate

9 Fishing Reports
52 Customer reviews
Typical response within 8 hours
Member since November 2014

Captain William Smith welcomes you for a fun and exciting fishing adventure out of Half Moon Bay. Fish near or far off the coast and enjoy beautiful nature.

Our Team
William S.

William S.

Captain

Lee G.

Lee G.

First mate

The fish you can target

Lingcod
Lingcod
Rockfish
Rockfish
Albacore Tuna
Albacore Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Lingcod
Lingcod
Rockfish
Rockfish
Albacore Tuna
Albacore Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin Tuna

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Headboats
Capacity
19 persons
Boat length
40 ft
Year built
1968
Boat manufacturer
Northwest
Boat type
Headboat
Engine model
Cummins
Powered by
1 x 500HP
Max cruising speed
17 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
GPS
Fishfinder
Radar

What's included in the trip price

First mate

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Visa

 Mastercard

 American Express

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 4% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Half Moon Bay right now

LingcodLingcod
RockfishRockfish
Tuna (Albacore)Tuna (Albacore)

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Riptide Charters
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(52)
40 ft
Group size 1 - 19
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8 hour trip • 19 persons
US $170

Recent fishing reports


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