San Francisco Bay Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour San Francisco Bay fishing trip is US $1,255, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $1,464 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in San Francisco Bay are good for families?

Fishing charters in San Francisco Bay that received great reviews from families are:

What are the top fish species I can catch in San Francisco Bay?

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in San Francisco Bay are:

What are the top fishing techniques in San Francisco Bay?

The top 3 fishing techniques in San Francisco Bay are:

What are the top types of fishing in San Francisco Bay?

The top 3 types of fishing in San Francisco Bay are:

Do San Francisco Bay fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

Many fishing charters in San Francisco Bay provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

Who are the best rated captains in San Francisco Bay?

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in San Francisco Bay are:

Who are the top awarded captains in San Francisco Bay?

Who are the top awarded captains in San Francisco Bay?

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in San Francisco Bay?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in San Francisco Bay are:

Extended fishing trips – US $2,250
4-hour fishing trips – US $567
5-hour fishing trips – US $646
6-hour fishing trips – US $486
7-hour fishing trips – US $883
8-hour fishing trips – US $979
10-hour fishing trips – US $1,292
12-hour fishing trips – US $350

Fishing in San Francisco Bay

San Francisco Bay needs no introduction. Its unforgettable beauty is matched only by the number of incredible fishing opportunities it boasts, and anglers from all over the country know it. And for every catch in these waters, there are a dozen San Francisco Bay fishing charters to help you reel it in.

The Bay offers access to some of the most popular game fish on the west coast, minus the long boat rides and choppy seas. Whether you’re in the mood for fantastic Salmon action, or you’d rather spend your day bottom fishing for Halibut, Lingcod, Flounder, and Rockfish, success on the water is all but guaranteed.

Another popular pastime is Shark fishing and there are more than 10 Shark species swimming in the bay, Leopard Shark being the most frequent catch. You can also enjoy the excellent Striped Bass bite, and if you’re looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush, then set your sights on Sturgeon. These fellas will give you a run for your money with their acrobatic jumps and headshakes.

When it comes to trip options, you’ve got a great variety of packages to choose from. Local captains organize both private and shared fishing excursions, so you can pick how much time and money you want to spend on your angling adventure. Half day trips seem to be the most popular choice for families and beginners, while avid fishermen prefer full days for a higher chance of catching their trophy.

If you’re not sure where to go, don’t worry. You’ll find San Francisco fishing charters in every corner of the bay, including Sausalito, Richmond, Berkeley, Emeryville, and San Francisco itself.

Rules & Regulations

If you go fishing with a professional guide, all the essentials like bait, tackle, and regulations info are included in the price. Just remember that all anglers age 16 and older are responsible for buying their own California fishing license.

San Francisco Bay

4.9 / 5

Based on 28561 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

San Francisco Bay Fishing Seasons

January

With most of the local fish off-limits or out of season, many anglers are casting their lines in other fishing holes around the Bay Area, targeting Halibut, Flounder, and Sturgeon.

February

The bite is slowly picking up, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring home an unforgettable catch! Sturgeon, Leopard Sharks, Starry Flounder, and California Halibut are all open to harvest.

March

With any luck, the weather will be getting warmer. The fishing is about to heat up too! Striped Bass are biting a little more, and you can also go after Lingcod for a fun catch and tasty dinner.

April

April is a great time to test the waters in San Francisco Bay if you haven’t already. Stripers are hitting their peak and the season for Rockfish is open. As always, you can count on Leopard Sharks.

May

The season for Pacific Halibut is usually open by now, which makes bottom fishing all the more appealing. With Salmon open for harvest, the Bay is becoming crowded with visiting anglers.

June

June is all about variety here in SF Bay! Anglers from far and wide flock to these waters for Salmon, Halibut, Lingcod, Sturgeon, Sharks, Striped Bass, and more. Did someone say world-class fishing?

July

You can expect more great fishing in July, with virtually every species at its peak. Clear blue skies and warm weather offer the perfect opportunity for adventurous anglers to head offshore.

August

It’s the hottest month of the year, so come cool off in the Bay and treat yourself to some fresh seafood. You can still catch anything from Salmon and Stripers to Lingcod, Sturgeon, and Sharks.

September

There’s plenty of time to catch whatever is left on your angling bucket list, whether it’s Salmon, Halibut, Sturgeon, or Sharks. What’s more, there are fewer fishermen out there, so the chances of landing something epic are bigger.

October

Salmon fishing closes at the end of the month, so be sure to catch your share of King Salmon while you still can. The good news is that all the other species will still be here for weeks to come.

November

The season for Striped Bass is winding down. You’ll find fewer Flounder and Halibut, too, but they’re out there. Bottom fishing is still promising, with Lingcod, Rockfish, and Leopard Sharks on the menu.

December

December is your last chance to bring home Rockfish and Lingcod for the next few months. Sturgeon and Leopard Sharks will soon reclaim their positions at the top of the list as winter continues.

San Francisco Bay Fishing Calendar

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What anglers said about fishing in San Francisco Bay

The fish we caught were fillet by the first mate. They were absolutely delicious. Thank you so much.

5.0 / 5

The fish we caught were fillet by the first mate. They were absolutely delicious. Thank you so much.

Warrior Poet Sportfishing

Weather was perfect for a T shirt and jeans or a lightweight sweater. 10 out 10 would recommend

5.0 / 5

Weather was perfect for a T shirt and jeans or a lightweight sweater. 10 out 10 would recommend

SF Boat Support

Get upstanding about parking and the time you need to be so that you are not to early

5.0 / 5

Get upstanding about parking and the time you need to be so that you are not to early

fishSFbay

A nice captain and a well run boat BUT the captain is a chain smoker and in the confines of the forward cabin we found that a MAJOR problem.

4.3 / 5

A nice captain and a well run boat BUT the captain is a chain smoker and in the confines of the forward cabin we found that a MAJOR problem.

Bills Sportfishing And Guide Service

Great fishing boat and expert Captain. Arrive to dock at least 30 minutes early for best parking.

5.0 / 5

Great fishing boat and expert Captain. Arrive to dock at least 30 minutes early for best parking.

Warrior Poet Sportfishing

Good options with lots of parking and cleaning areas. Dock and location wasn't packed or rushed.

5.0 / 5

Good options with lots of parking and cleaning areas. Dock and location wasn't packed or rushed.

David Rooney Milpitas, CA

All the fish you want to catch are spawning and hitting and being caught at this time of year. Book charters out of san fran in july/august

5.0 / 5

All the fish you want to catch are spawning and hitting and being caught at this time of year. Book charters out of san fran in july/august

Warrior Poet Sportfishing East McKeesport, PA

Go with a positive attitude fishing is fishing and can go either way just have a great time.

4.7 / 5

Go with a positive attitude fishing is fishing and can go either way just have a great time.

fishSFbay CEDAR E BETHL, MN

Make sure you have warm clothes on. Take something for motion sickness because the water is VERY choppy.

4.7 / 5

Make sure you have warm clothes on. Take something for motion sickness because the water is VERY choppy.

fishSFbay Holt, MI

Bring sunscreen, windblazer, snacks, and friends to relax with as you all wait for the bite.

5.0 / 5

Bring sunscreen, windblazer, snacks, and friends to relax with as you all wait for the bite.

Warrior Poet Sportfishing Cottage Grove, MN

Actually speak with the captain and make sure you know where you're fishing and what you're fishing for.

4.7 / 5

Actually speak with the captain and make sure you know where you're fishing and what you're fishing for.

Argo Sportfishing Red Bluff, CA

It's not like fishing for bluegill or other varieties in technique listen to the captain and you will do great!

5.0 / 5

It's not like fishing for bluegill or other varieties in technique listen to the captain and you will do great!

Warrior Poet Sportfishing North Las Vegas, Nevada

Hire John and he'll put you where it gives you the best chance to land the fish you're looking for.

5.0 / 5

Hire John and he'll put you where it gives you the best chance to land the fish you're looking for.

Addictive Sport Fishing

Halibut! Lots of them. HUGE!!! Leaving from Fisherman's Wharf passing Alcatraz, seeing the sun come up over the east bay ills, watching the yacht regatta, passing all the freighters and cruise ships, going under the bridges, seeing the rising sun reflected off the skyscrapers; it's a gorgeous place to catch BIG fish.

5.0 / 5

Argo Sportfishing San Jose, CA

Leave early to account for traffic delays and bring windproof jacket just in case.

5.0 / 5

Leave early to account for traffic delays and bring windproof jacket just in case.

Warrior Poet Sportfishing Pacific House, CA

Give time to get there as there was some construction at Marina that can be confusing.

5.0 / 5

Give time to get there as there was some construction at Marina that can be confusing.

The Codfather SportFishing Castro Valley, California

It's windy and cold out there in the pacific, so wear good windbreaker and warm clothes.

5.0 / 5

It's windy and cold out there in the pacific, so wear good windbreaker and warm clothes.

Argo Sportfishing Palo Alto, CA

Bring a jacket and lunch. If you not sure how your stomach will hold take meds ahead of time.

5.0 / 5

Bring a jacket and lunch. If you not sure how your stomach will hold take meds ahead of time.

David Rooney Fair Oaks, California

Captain Rooney said that Salmon Fishing is great right now, but I really liked going around the bay hunting halibut. So much action throughout the day!

5.0 / 5

Captain Rooney said that Salmon Fishing is great right now, but I really liked going around the bay hunting halibut. So much action throughout the day!

David Rooney San Pablo, California

Bring layers. California doesn't always mean sunny and warm. But bring sunscreen too.

5.0 / 5

Bring layers. California doesn't always mean sunny and warm. But bring sunscreen too.

Warrior Poet Sportfishing

How did anglers rate fishing charters in San Francisco Bay?

Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco

5.0 / 5

(450 reviews)

I took my son and daughter on a fishing trip while my wife was working and it was the greatest time! The guys were awesome, even my antisocial 12 y/o daughter loved them! Highly recommend 10/10

Dave C.

Argo Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco

5.0 / 5

(175 reviews)

We had tough weather but Craig and the first mate were still game to fish. We got wet and it was cold but we still caught halibut. Great adventure! Thanks guys!!

Jared F.

Addictive Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Richmond

5.0 / 5

(27 reviews)

Great day on the water with Captain John and first mate Matt! We had a great time and got some BIG sturgeon. Appreciate the hospitality and expertise, we will be interested in future fishing trips!

Ted S.

Deadliest Kast Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco

5.0 / 5

(7 reviews)

Captain Steve and crew were amazing! We all caught multiple fish and we had so much fun. Can't wait to fish with him again.

Jeffrey B.

Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco

5.0 / 5

(450 reviews)

This trip was a boys trip to San Francisco and we decided to go fishing with Captain David. Fate has it that his deck hand was the same deck hand that helped me pick crabs at the start of crab season. The equipment was top rate, the boat was comfortable, and the instruction was clear. We walked away with more than enough fish, including a nice size halibut. Good eating!!!

Vic P.

Argo Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco

5.0 / 5

(175 reviews)

The captain and his crew were very helpful specially because we had no experience and they were patient with us. I’m glad we went with The Argo.

Sonia Z.

Deadliest Kast Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco

5.0 / 5

(7 reviews)

Our crew had a great time with great people. We caught halibut and stripped bass. It was exactly the trip that we were looking for!

Johnathon J.

Addictive Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Richmond

5.0 / 5

(27 reviews)

Fantastic day fishing!!! The best day of fishing my son and I have ever had. Captain was awesome. Put us on fish everywhere we went. Beautiful scenery and we laughed and talked all day. The sturgeon were biting and OH my goodness do they fight!!! Great trip and I highly recommend a trip with Captain John!!! The boat is fantastic very comfortable. The trip was definitely a 10 out 10.

Deven W.

David Rooney
Fishing charter in Richmond

5.0 / 5

(64 reviews)

If you don’t want the crowd of a party boat, and you want to catch fish, this is the right boat for you!

Roman B.

Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco

5.0 / 5

(450 reviews)

We had a bast! Great Captain, great First Mate! We went several places in both San Pablo and San Francisco Bays and caught a lot of fish. We also had a lot of fun! Going to go with this boat and crew again. Can’t wait!

Randy R.

Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco

4.7 / 5

(450 reviews)

My two sons wanted to catch something in the bay, especially leopard shark. Weather was windy and water conditions muddy. However, Dave and Neil were great and got us into sharks despite the poor conditions. My boys had a wonderful experience. We would definitely fish with them again!

Chris L.

Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco

5.0 / 5

(450 reviews)

We caught so many fish within the first hour. Captain took us to a spot that didn’t disappoint. The crew was amazing. Very helpful and even gave us some historical facts of monuments near by. Captain and First mate were extremely friendly and funny. Both did the impossible to have kept us comfortable and happy. It was an amazing unforgettable memory. Thank you for everything.

Norma B.

Sole-Man Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco

5.0 / 5

(28 reviews)

Captain Don put us on the sharks. Niced sized sharks. It's a good day on the water!

Richard H.

Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco

5.0 / 5

(450 reviews)

The captain and crew were great. They were very knowledgeable and super nice!

Frank L.

Argo Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco

5.0 / 5

(175 reviews)

Super fun adventure learning to fish in the Bay. Captain Craig was a great teacher. Reeled in several striped bass and a flounder, and enjoyed a great outing starting at Fisherman’s wharf cruising into San Pablo Bay. Highly recommend

Hank R.

Nautilus Excursions
Fishing charter in San Francisco

5.0 / 5

(179 reviews)

The crew was kind and helpful, and patient with our young son. They changed their trip plans to accommodate us. Great day!

Freddie M.

Addictive Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Richmond

5.0 / 5

(27 reviews)

Captain John knows fishing! The four of us caught ten Sturgeon! We will definitely be booking future trips with him.

David G.

Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco

5.0 / 5

(450 reviews)

Very fun trip, exceeded our expectations. Captain and crew was very attentive and patient. Not to mention all the fish we caught

Jining H.

Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco

5.0 / 5

(450 reviews)

Had a really special day with Captain David and his talented deckhand Neil. The weather was rainy and a bit of wind, but they really worked together as a team and were able to put us on some fish, and show off their navigational skills in low visibility dark and rainy conditions, while making the trip fun and having great conversation.

David M.

Nautilus Excursions
Fishing charter in San Francisco

5.0 / 5

(179 reviews)

Embarking on this fishing journey from SF with Captain Ron was an absolute blast! The fun-filled atmosphere added an extra layer of enjoyment. Not only did we revel in the stunning views, but we also triumphantly reeled in crabs and striped bass. Success was sweet, making this trip an exhilarating and memorable fishing escapade. Highly recommend for both the seasoned angler and those seeking a lively aquatic adventure!