fishSFbay welcomes you aboard! Join us for a memorable day on the water and have fun fishing the productive grounds around Richmond, California. Captain Sean Stafford will take you inshore, nearshore, as well as offshore and make sure you have a terrific time chasing many prized species. Join him in Richmond and create beautiful memories on the water!

Your adventure will start on a 29’ Defiance pilothouse that runs on two 250 HP Honda engines and can accommodate up to 6 guests. The boat uses modern GPS, fishfinder, radio, as well as radar technology that will keep you on the right track. There’s also a portable toilet you can use.

You and the captain will be bottom fishing and trolling the San Francisco Bay. The species you’ll have the opportunity to catch include Chinook Salmon, Rockfish, Striped Bass, Halibut, and Lingcod. You get to keep all the fish you catch and take it home to enjoy delicious meals. Kids are more than welcome to join aboard, so bring them as well and spend a wonderful time in nature together.

Captain Sean will provide you with all the rods, reels, tackle, live bait, lures, and will also clean and fillet your catch. What you should bring are snacks, drinks, and fishing licenses.

Pay fishSFbay a visit and have a memorable time fishing the beautiful San Francisco Bay!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Shared trip
    AM 1/2 day Halibut $200 Per Person
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Nov 15 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun)
    US $800
    1/2 day trip 630am-1230pm Sun-Thurs. Fishing in SF bay and coastal areas targeting California Halibut and Striped Bass with live bait. On these potluck trips we often encounter other species such as white sea bass, leopard shark and others. Bait, Tackle, Rod&Reel, fish cleaning and soft drinks are included at no extra charge. Must have minimum 3 people signed up to make trip a go.
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Striped)
    Striped Bass
    Halibut
    Halibut
  • Shared trip
    AM 1/2 Day Shark ($200 Per Person)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Nov 15
    US $800
    Shark Fishing in SF Bay! 6:30am-12:30pm Sun-Thurs 1/2 Day morning. Must have minimum 3 people signed up to make trip a go. Bait, Tackle, Rod&Reel, fish cleaning and soft drinks are included at no extra charge.
    Targeted fish
    Shark (Leopard)
    Leopard Shark
  • Shared trip
    PM 1/2 day Halibut $200 Per Person
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Jul 1 - Nov 15 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun)
    US $800
    Afternoon live bait fishing on San Francisco Bay, targeting halibut and striped bass. 12:30-6:30pm M-Th. All bait, tackle, rod&reels and fish cleaning included. Must have 3 people signed up to make trip a go.
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Striped)
    Striped Bass
    Halibut
    Halibut
  • Shared trip
    PM 1/2 Day Shark ($200 Per Person)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Nov 15 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu)
    US $800
    Shark Fishing in SF Bay! 1pm-6pm M-Th 1/2 Day afternoon. Must have minimum 3 people signedd ip to make trip a go. Bait, Tackle, Rod&Reel, fish cleaning and soft drinks are included at no extra charge.
    Targeted fish
    Shark (Leopard)
    Leopard Shark
  • Shared trip
    Sturgeon Full Day ($225 per person)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Nov 15 - Mar 31
    US $900
    DEPARTS FROM BENICIA MARINA. (Approximately 10mi N from Richmond in Benicia, CA) Full Day White Sturgeon Fishing. Includes all fishing gear, bait, tackle, hot lunch, soft drinks, and fish cleaning for all fish retained by the boat. Departs from Benicia Marina. *Minimum 4 anglers needed to make trip a go.
    Targeted fish
    Sturgeon
    Sturgeon
  • Shared trip
    Full Day Halibut+Bass $250/person
    In demand! Last booked: 1 day ago
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Apr 1 - Nov 15
    US $1,000
    6:00am-2:30pm Fishing SF bay and coastal areas targeting California Halibut and Striped Bass with live bait. On these potluck trips we often encounter other species such as white sea bass, leopard shark and others. All bait and tackle included. All you need is a valid CA fishing license and your lunch/snacks. Full day trip, LIVE BAIT INCLUDED when available at no additional charge. Must have minimum 2 people signed up to make trip a go.
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Striped)
    Striped Bass
    Halibut
    Halibut
  • Shared trip
    Full Day Shark Fishing $250/person
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 15 - Nov 15
    US $1,000
    Shark Fishing in SF Bay! 7am-2pm We Target the many species of sharks that inhabit San Francisco Bay. including leopard sharks, soupfin, seven gill and others. Bait, Tackle, Rod&Reel, fish cleaning and soft drinks are included at no extra charge. Must have minimum of 3 people signed up to make trip a go.
    Targeted fish
    Shark (Leopard)
    Leopard Shark
  • Shared trip
    March Halibut+Bass ($250 per person
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Mar 1 - Mar 31
    US $1,000
    DEPARTS FROM BENICIA MARINA. (Approximately 10mi N from Richmond in Benicia, CA) Fishing in SF bay and San Pablo Bay targeting Halibut and Striped Bass. All bait, tackle, and fishing gear included. All you need is a valid CA fishing license and your lunch/snacks. Full day trip 6:30-2:30 Must have 3 people signed up to make trip a go.
    Targeted fish
    Halibut
    Halibut
  • Shared trip
    BLUEFIN/ALBACORE TUNA (per person)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 6:15 AM
    Seasonal trip Sep 1 - Nov 30
    US $2,200
    Offshore Fishing For Bluefin and/or albacore Tuna. Rods, reels, tackle, fuel, ice, fish cleaning and soft drinks included. *Must have minimum of 4 anglers to make trip a go. If minimum number of anglers is not met those anglers that are booked will receive 100% refund with no obligation to reschedule. **Weather Dependent, any trip cancelled due to bad weather or sea conditions will receive 100% refund with no obligation to reschedule.
    Targeted fish
    Tuna (Bluefin)
    Bluefin Tuna
    Tuna (Albacore)
    Albacore Tuna
  • Private trip
    AM 1/2 day Halibut (Private Group)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Nov 15
    US $1,200
    1/2 Day 630am-1230pm* Sun-Thurs Fishing in SF bay targeting California Halibut and Striped Bass with live bait. On these potluck trips we often encounter other species such as white sea bass, leopard shark and others. Bait, Tackle, Rod&Reel, fish cleaning and soft drinks are included at no extra charge. *For private groups departure time can be adjusted upon request
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Striped)
    Striped Bass
    Halibut
    Halibut
  • Private trip
    PM 1/2 day Halibut Private Group
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Jul 1 - Nov 15 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun)
    US $1,200
    Private charter for up to six Anglers. 12-6 Afternoon live bait fishing on San Francisco Bay, targeting halibut and striped bass. 12:30pm-6:30 pm Sun-Thurs. All bait, tackle, rod&reels and fish cleaning included. *Departure and return time can be adjusted upon request for private charters.
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Striped)
    Striped Bass
    Halibut
    Halibut
  • Private trip
    Sturgeon Full Day (private group)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Nov 15 - Mar 31
    US $1,250
    DEPARTS FROM BENICIA MARINA. (Approximately 10mi N from Richmond in Benicia, CA) Full Day White Sturgeon Fishing for up to 6 anglers. Includes all fishing gear, bait, tackle, hot lunch, soft drinks, and fish cleaning for all fish retained by the boat. Everything is included on this bucket list trip! Heated cabin, hot lunch, and everything else included except fishing license!
    Targeted fish
    Sturgeon
    Sturgeon
  • Private trip
    Full Day Halibut+Bass Private Group
    In demand! Last booked: 2 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Apr 1 - Nov 15
    US $1,500
    Book the entire boat for your private group of 1-6 anglers. 6am-2:30pm* Everything included. Fishing in SF bay and coastal areas targeting Halibut and Striped Bass with live bait. On these potluck trips we often encounter white sea bass, leopard shark and others. All bait, tackle, and fishing gear included. All you need is a valid CA fishing license and your lunch/snacks. Full day private trip, LIVE BAIT ALSO INCLUDED at no charge. * for private groups departure time can be adjusted upon request.
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Striped)
    Striped Bass
    Halibut
    Halibut
  • Private trip
    Full Day Shark Private Group
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Nov 22
    US $1,500
    7am-2:30pm* Targeting the many species of sharks that inhabit San Francisco Bay. Bait, Tackle, Rod&Reel, fish cleaning and soft drinks are included at no extra charge. *For private groups departure time can be adjusted upon request
    Targeted fish
    Shark (Leopard)
    Leopard Shark
  • Private trip
    March Halibut+Bass (private group)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Mar 1 - Mar 31
    US $1,500
    Book the entire boat for your private group of 1-6 anglers. 6am-2:30pm* Everything included. Fishing in SF bay and San Pablo Bay targeting Halibut and Striped Bass. All bait, tackle, and fishing gear included. All you need is a valid CA fishing license and your lunch/snacks. Full day private trip. * for private groups departure time can be adjusted upon request.
    Targeted fish
    Halibut
    Halibut
  • Private trip
    BLUEFIN/ALBACORE TUNA (private)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 6:15 AM
    Seasonal trip Sep 1 - Nov 15
    US $2,750
    Offshore Fishing For Bluefin and/or Albacore Tuna for private group of 1-6 people. Rods, reels, tackle, fuel, ice, fish cleaning and soft drinks included. ***Weather Dependant, any trip cancelled due to weather will receive 100% refund with no obligation to reschedule.
    Targeted fish
    Tuna (Bluefin)
    Bluefin Tuna
    Tuna (Albacore)
    Albacore Tuna
There are 15 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about fishSFbay

fishSFbay offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $200 per person - AM 1/2 day Halibut $200 Per Person (6 hours)
  • US $200 per person - AM 1/2 Day Shark ($200 Per Person) (6 hours)
  • US $200 per person - PM 1/2 day Halibut $200 Per Person (6 hours)
  • US $200 per person - PM 1/2 Day Shark ($200 Per Person) (5 hours)
  • US $225 per person - Sturgeon Full Day ($225 per person) (8 hours)
  • US $250 per person - Full Day Halibut+Bass $250/person (8 hours)
  • US $250 per person - Full Day Shark Fishing $250/person (8 hours)
  • US $250 per person - March Halibut+Bass ($250 per person (8 hours)
  • US $550 per person - BLUEFIN/ALBACORE TUNA (per person) (10 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group - AM 1/2 day Halibut (Private Group) (6 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group - PM 1/2 day Halibut Private Group (6 hours)
  • US $1,250 per group - Sturgeon Full Day (private group) (8 hours)
  • US $1,500 per group - Full Day Halibut+Bass Private Group (8 hours)
  • US $1,500 per group - Full Day Shark Private Group (8 hours)
  • US $1,500 per group - March Halibut+Bass (private group) (8 hours)
  • US $2,750 per group - BLUEFIN/ALBACORE TUNA (private) (10 hours)

When you book a trip with fishSFbay, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Radar

Trips booked with fishSFbay include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Shimano, Penn, and Seeker rods and reels. )
  • Live Bait (Never any additional cost for bait)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (All fish cleaning and filleting included free)
  • Drinks (Soda and water complimentary)
  • First Mate
  • Lunch (Lunch available by request at an additional cost)

fishSFbay offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
  • Flats Fishing

fishSFbay offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Drift Fishing
  • Kite Fishing
  • Bowfishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with fishSFbay include:
  • Bass (Striped)
  • Crab
  • Halibut
  • Lingcod
  • Rockfish
  • Salmon (Chinook)
  • Shark (Leopard)
  • Tuna (Albacore)
  • Tuna (Bluefin)

Meet the Captain

Sean Stafford
Richmond, California, United States
9 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
62 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since May 2021
Captain Sean welcomes you to the gorgeous and productive waters around Richmond. Pick a day and join him for a memorable day of fishing full of fun and excitement!

About this listing

Targeted species

Bass (Striped) Striped Bass
Crab Crab
Halibut Halibut
Lingcod Lingcod

Boat specs

Defiance (Pilothouse) originally built in 2020. Powered by 2 250HP Honda engines.

Length
29 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Jigging
Drift Fishing
Kite Fishing
Bowfishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Radar

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Shimano, Penn, and Seeker rods and reels.
Live Bait
Never any additional cost for bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
All fish cleaning and filleting included free
Drinks
Soda and water complimentary
First Mate
Lunch
Lunch available by request at an additional cost

Cancellation policy

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.

Listing policies

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child Friendly
We welcome all ages and experience levels
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
halibut, salmon, other fish with mortality concern

Payment

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.
Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% 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
PayPal
Bank Transfer
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

Richmond Fishing Calendar

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Recent fishing reports

1 month left for sturgeon
1 month left for sturgeon
February 29, 2024
Great fishing in the cards for march! We are nearing the end of our winter season. Fishing is very good for Sturgeon at the moment and the best bite has been close to home in Benicia. Action is strong and numbers are great and should only be getting better. Don’t be afraid of rainy weather in the forecast as this can trigger a hot bite on the Sturgeon grounds. Stay warm and dry in our heated pilot house while you fish. While lunch and soft drinks as well as Bait and Tackle are always provided at no extra charge on Sturgeon Trips. All you need is a fishing license so don’t be afraid to jump on this March! Starting April 1, we will be moving back to Marina Bay yacht Harbor in Richmond targeting Halibut and striped bass! We’re looking forward to a great halibut season in the bay and fish are already showing up in the Southbay well within our range. April marks the start of our busy season So please book advance, especially if you are looking for weekend dates!
Continue reading

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 62 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (53)
BORING
Awesome trip bucket list worthy
Great day with great crew
+50
Angler rating
55
3
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
93%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
90%
Appropriate for children
90%
Satisfied with the boat
95%
Caught fish
98%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 62 reviews
Bruce H.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

November fishing trip

VERIFIED   Dungeness Crab + Rock Fishing on November 25, 2023
This was called a freezer filler trip for crab and rockfish. The Captain got us on the crab and new were to drop his traps....
Bruce H. recommends fishSFbay
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You found this review helpful
  Sean Stafford Captain replied

Brian M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Sean

VERIFIED   Full Day Halibut+Bass $250/person on September 23, 2023
Brian M. recommends fishSFbay
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Brian M. recommends fishSFbay
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Devon G.
San Mateo, California
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day AM Trip with Captain Sean

VERIFIED   AM 1/2 day Halibut $200 Per Person on September 4, 2023
What a day! Mom and two 15-year-old boys had a fantastic day on the water with lots of catches, gorgeous views and the great...
Devon G. recommends fishSFbay
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You found this review helpful
  Sean Stafford Captain replied

Reina M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Sean

VERIFIED   Full Day Halibut+Bass $250/person on July 21, 2023
Reina M. recommends fishSFbay
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Reina M. recommends fishSFbay
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Hector Z.
Fresno, California
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

July fishing trip

VERIFIED   Full Day Halibut+Bass Private Group on July 15, 2023
We set out at 6am on a choppy sea for a full day fishing experience. Throughout the day, Captain Sean was taking us to different...
Hector Z. recommends fishSFbay
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Sean Stafford Captain replied