With San Francisco Bay on one side and the prolific Pacific Ocean on the other, Marin County fishing opportunities are immense. Add to that San Pablo, Drakes, and Tomales bays and you've got the makings of a fantastic fisherman's haunt.
Chinook Salmon is one of the main reasons many anglers venture to Marin County – they know that the action is fantastic. Looking for more variety? Add Rockfish to your to-catch list, along with Striped Bass, White Seabass, Halibut, and Lingcod. You could even hook into Sturgeon if you come in the early spring.
The west side of Marin County is hugged by the ocean, which means all the catches mentioned above are available – only bigger. And let's not forget about Albacore Tuna that travels through these waters in the summer. If you'd like to try out something different, go crabbing and get your share of delicious Dungeness Crab and its relatives.
You're fishing in Marin County for the first time? Don't worry, you don't have to do it alone. There's a big number of charters at your disposal in all corners of the area. You can book a private trip for you and your group, or go for a more affordable option and come aboard a party boat for a shared excursion. How much time you want to spend on the water is entirely up to you.
If you're not sure where to look for charters, just about any marina in the county will do. That said, Sausalito, Tiburon, and San Rafael are known as the top fishing destinations here.
Rules & Regulations
All you need for your Marin County fishing trip is a valid saltwater fishing license that you should buy before you head out. Your captain will take care of everything else – gear, boat, and advice.