San Pablo Bay

23 Fishing Charters

San Pablo Bay Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in San Pablo Bay

Top San Pablo Bay Destinations

San Pablo Bay: 23 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(163 reviews)
San Francisco
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $225
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(16 reviews)
Richmond
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $1,200
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(385 reviews)
San Francisco
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $195
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(13 reviews)
Richmond
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $300
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(28 reviews)
Richmond
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $250
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(9 reviews)
Emeryville
trips from $200
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(39 reviews)
Richmond
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $225
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(57 reviews)
Sausalito
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(48 reviews)
Richmond
 Instant Confirmation
Richmond
trips from $1,500

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in San Pablo Bay

According to customer reviews, Nautilus Excursions, Help U Fish, and Warrior Poet Sportfishing are some of the most popular fishing charters in San Pablo Bay. Full list of top fishing charters in San Pablo Bay.

The average price for a private 4 hour San Pablo Bay fishing trip is $1,264, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $1,566 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Nautilus Excursions, Help U Fish, and Warrior Poet Sportfishing all received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in San Pablo Bay.

The most popular fish species you can target are Halibut, Striped Bass, and Rockfish. Top fishing techniques include Trolling, Light Tackle, and Bottom Fishing. Nearshore fishing, offshore fishing, and inshore fishing are commonly offered by local guides.

Come fishing in San Pablo Bay and explore the biggest and most diverse estuary on the west coast. The reason these waters are so rich is the mix of saltwater from San Francisco Bay and freshwater from the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. Not only will you find a variety of fish species to target, but you’ll also see some endangered birds in their natural habitat. Bring your binoculars! 
 
The main star of the show in San Pablo Bay is Sturgeon. This water dinosaur can be found in the bay all year, but winter months are the prime time. Striped Bass is another fish you’ll most likely get your hands on. It’s best to go after them from June–November, by trolling. Local specimens usually weigh around 10 pounds, which may not be trophy sizes, but they’re always fun to catch all the same! 
You could also land Starry Flounder, Leopard Shark, and White Seabass. For those of you willing to go south of the bay, there’s a chance of catching Halibut, King Salmon, Rockfish, and Lingcod. Not bad for a short boat ride!
 
To avoid San Pablo Bay’s mudflat shores, most fishing guides depart from Richmond, Paradise Cay, Berkeley, or Emeryville. Trips out of these bayside towns will have you reaching your Halibut and Salmon fishing spots in no time.
 

Rules & Regulations

All anglers over 16 need to buy a California fishing license before their trip.Fishing regulations change every year, so it’s best to ask your captain about current bag limits and what species are legal to keep.

San Pablo Bay
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 26613 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

January
Catching huge Sturgeon is the best way to start the year! The area called “The Sturgeon Triangle” is especially exciting.
 
February
The fishing scene still belongs to Sturgeon, as they lure the anglers of the area to San Pablo Bay. The best way to catch them is by trolling.
 
March
While Sturgeon fishing remains great, you can also go bottom fishing for Flounder.
 
April
Striped Bass takes center stage in April. If you go south of the bay, you’ll have the chance to catch lots of Halibut.
 
May
Bay fishing trips offer great Striper and Leopard Shark fishing. For more variety, go closer to the Golden Gate bridge to catch Halibut and Salmon.
 
June
June is one of those months when everything is biting. Chinook Salmon season is open, so try some fishing spots south of Richmond.
 
July
Salmon, Flounder, Striped Bass, and White Seabass  – they’re all biting like crazy! Take a full day trip and catch as many as you can.
 
August
White Seabass and Leopard Sharks are the best to target. Try “potluck fishing,” which is a local method that will help you to catch more fish.
 
September
Striper and Sturgeon will give you great action in the bay. Or, mix things up a little with a different technique and catch some other fish.
 
October
Striped Bass fishing gets even better as fall begins. Salmon season is almost over, so use this last chance to catch a few.
 
November
Leopard Shark and Striper are the main catch on most trips in the bay. They may be small, but there’s plenty of them.
 
December
The year ends with Sturgeon back on the throne. There’s even more of them in the bay and they are bigger than in other seasons.
 

San Pablo Bay Fishing Calendar

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It's not like fishing for bluegill or other varieties in technique listen to the captain and you will do great!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It's not like fishing for bluegill or other varieties in technique listen to the captain and you will do great!
Audra  S.
Audra S. 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.
Excellent
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.
Joseph  S.
Joseph S.
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.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
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.
Matt  K.
Matt K. San Jose, CA
Leave early to account for traffic delays and bring windproof jacket just in case.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Leave early to account for traffic delays and bring windproof jacket just in case.
Seth  D.
Seth D. Pacific House, CA
Give time to get there as there was some construction at Marina that can be confusing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Give time to get there as there was some construction at Marina that can be confusing.
Itza  S.
Itza S. Castro Valley, California
It's windy and cold out there in the pacific, so wear good windbreaker and warm clothes.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It's windy and cold out there in the pacific, so wear good windbreaker and warm clothes.
Syed  M.
Syed M. Palo Alto, CA
Bring a jacket and lunch. If you not sure how your stomach will hold take meds ahead of time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring a jacket and lunch. If you not sure how your stomach will hold take meds ahead of time.
Salvador  S.
Salvador S. 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!
Excellent
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!
Ariel  S.
Ariel S. San Pablo, California
Bring layers. California doesn't always mean sunny and warm. But bring sunscreen too.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring layers. California doesn't always mean sunny and warm. But bring sunscreen too.
Dan  B.
Dan B.
The Fall is the summer in San Francisco and the Bay is teeming with fish!!! You can't go wrong.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The Fall is the summer in San Francisco and the Bay is teeming with fish!!! You can't go wrong.
Michael  F.
Michael F. Emeryville, CA
If your unsure of your sea legs, take a motion sickness medication. Be prepared for Karl to take your sight of land. Have your camera ready for some sensational photos. Prepare for weather and a healthy appetite to consume your catch.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If your unsure of your sea legs, take a motion sickness medication. Be prepared for Karl to take your sight of land. Have your camera ready for some sensational photos. Prepare for weather and a healthy appetite to consume your catch.
FishingBooker Member
FishingBooker Member Maddington, Western Australia
Be sure to go over parking in advance with your Captain. With all the tourists, it can be difficult to find areas to park without a permit.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be sure to go over parking in advance with your Captain. With all the tourists, it can be difficult to find areas to park without a permit.
Mathew  K.
Mathew K. Modesto, California
Bring a jacket because it gets pretty windy. Bring some snacks if you plan on doing the full day.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring a jacket because it gets pretty windy. Bring some snacks if you plan on doing the full day.
Chase  B.
Chase B. Fernley, NV
Layer up for the weather. It was chili out on the ocean. There were a couple of extra jackets on the boat (and the captain offered my wife a blanket and pillow when she was falling asleep in the cabin) but it's always nice to have your own stuff. Sunblock!!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Layer up for the weather. It was chili out on the ocean. There were a couple of extra jackets on the boat (and the captain offered my wife a blanket and pillow when she was falling asleep in the cabin) but it's always nice to have your own stuff. Sunblock!!!
Wallace  C.
Wallace C. Auburn, CA
Book a trip on the Warrior Poet. Capt. Dave King will do his best to assure that you have a good time. He's very knowledgeable and will get you on the fish quickly
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book a trip on the Warrior Poet. Capt. Dave King will do his best to assure that you have a good time. He's very knowledgeable and will get you on the fish quickly
Baldwin  L.
Baldwin L. San Francisco, California
Salmon fishing needs a long ride toward the ocean, so not very pleasurable for people susceptible to sea sickness. Prepare well before the trip, probably by limiting your meal before the trip and take some pills to combat the motion sickness. Wear thick clothes as well because it could be quite windy even in a sunny afternoon.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Salmon fishing needs a long ride toward the ocean, so not very pleasurable for people susceptible to sea sickness. Prepare well before the trip, probably by limiting your meal before the trip and take some pills to combat the motion sickness. Wear thick clothes as well because it could be quite windy even in a sunny afternoon.
Sheng  G.
Sheng G. Palo Alto, CA
Fish with an experienced captain, like Craig Hanson. He knows the water, knows where the fish are likely to be, and has the correct tackle and bait.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fish with an experienced captain, like Craig Hanson. He knows the water, knows where the fish are likely to be, and has the correct tackle and bait.
Christopher  T.
Christopher T. Sunbury-on-Thames, ENG
Dress in layers, can get a little chilly out on the bay.Rubber boots are nice but not needed .
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Dress in layers, can get a little chilly out on the bay.Rubber boots are nice but not needed .
Douglas  W.
Douglas W. Roseville, California
When leaving, be prepared for traffic out of there..it could take a while..worth the drive over of course..patience..
Excellent
5.0 / 5
When leaving, be prepared for traffic out of there..it could take a while..worth the drive over of course..patience..
Larry  B.
Larry B. Vallejo, CA
Morning tends to be best because of the tides, and the weather is sometimes better then, too. More fish are available starting around May.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Morning tends to be best because of the tides, and the weather is sometimes better then, too. More fish are available starting around May.
Jacqueline  R.
Jacqueline R. Benicia, CA

Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(385 reviews)
We had a blast and want to thank the captain and his assistant for being Amazing!!! I highly recommend these 2 men, they are professional, easy going and experts in the field. Thank you !!!
Yesenia  G.
Yesenia G. Turlock, California
Nautilus Excursions
Nautilus Excursions
Fishing charter in San Francisco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(163 reviews)
Captains Ron and Hunter are knowledgeable, professional, and friendly - I would not pick anyone else for a fishing trip! They took me and my friends out for a half day trip and we were catching fish from beginning to end. They know the sea and they know the fish - highly recommend!
Stefan  Y.
Stefan Y.
Nautilus Excursions
Nautilus Excursions
Fishing charter in San Francisco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(163 reviews)
Captain Ron and Hunter are a couple of legends! A unforgettable day on the water. Professional, knowledgeable, personable and most importantly, on it! Highly recommend.
Michael  G.
Michael G. San Francisco, CA
Nautilus Excursions
Nautilus Excursions
Fishing charter in San Francisco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(163 reviews)
We booked a half-day trip and limited out on both halibut and stripers. Fabulous, fun time recommended to anyone interested in some bay fishing.
Russell  B.
Russell B. Alameda, CA
Angler Charter
Angler Charter
Fishing charter in Berkeley
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(2 reviews)
It was a great time. They were really interactive and intuitive. Took really good care of me, my brother, dad and nephew.
Jedidiah  C.
Jedidiah C. Sacramento, CA
Angler Charter
Angler Charter
Fishing charter in Berkeley
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(2 reviews)
The fishing was superb! We caught a lot of different fish, the captain and his assistant were very helpful and did everything possible for excellent fishing and mood! It was an incredible experience! We are very grateful!
Olexander  L.
Olexander L. Citrus Heights, CA
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(385 reviews)
Truly enjoyable day with the crew on the bay. They are extremely helpful an knowledgeable guiding You threw the process if the party is unfamiliar. Had a excellent time an looking forward to going out fishing again. Hi highly recommend going out on the warrior poet
Robert  L.
Robert L. Winton, CA
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(385 reviews)
This was a birthday trip for our son who loves to fish. We could not have asked for a better experience! Captain Dave and his crew provided everything we needed and easily adjusted to our levels of expertise. Our son had his best day EVER and we all thought it way exceeded expectations.
Lydia  B.
Lydia B. Oakland, CA
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(385 reviews)
Our group had an amazing time - highly recommend! Dave and the deck hand, Neil, are knowledgeable, kind and ensured we had a great trip. We learned so much and made memories that will last a long time.
Amin  H.
Amin H. San Francisco, CA
Bills Sportfishing And Guide Service
Bills Sportfishing And Guide Service
Fishing charter in Richmond
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(39 reviews)
Everything was great. We really enjoyed our first time ever phishing experience and we were lucky to have Captain Bill.
Baiastan  Z.
Baiastan Z. Redwood City, California
Reel Obsession Sportfishing
Reel Obsession Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Richmond
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
This was a great trip! Captain Ty and the deck hand were both very personable, knowledgeable and helpful! They seemed sincerely interested in the trip participants having a great experience and catching several species of fish. We happily took home our fish after the Captain cleaned and filleted it at our request.
Susan  M.
Susan M. San Francisco, California
Nautilus Excursions
Nautilus Excursions
Fishing charter in San Francisco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(163 reviews)
We had dads and sons with captains Ron and Hunter for a fantastic day of striper and halibut limits! Wonderful all aroundโ€” could not have been better. If you are considering a fishing charter, sign up with Nautilus!
David  M.
David M. San Francisco, CA
fishSFbay
fishSFbay
Fishing charter in Richmond
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(28 reviews)
Amazing day with Sean and the crew! Boat was clean, everything was ready to go with good tackle and gear. He put us on the fish right away. We caught limits by 9:45 am! Amazing trip, we will be back!
SKYLAR  N.
SKYLAR N. Rocklin, CA
Pacific Angler Sportfishing
Pacific Angler Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Alameda
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(5 reviews)
Great and efficient time with the crew and other patrons. My son had a great time. Thanks for taking us out!
Timothy  W.
Timothy W.
Addictive Sport Fishing
Addictive Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Richmond
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(13 reviews)
Captain John surpassed my expectations, both my buddies landed 48 inch sturgeons and I landed my first sturgeon a 64 inch which was unlike anything I could have imagined. I happily returned it into the water after a couple photos. Hands down Captain John earned our business and all 3 of us will be booking more trips as well as spreading the word, Captain John and Jane's Addiction is legit. Great guy with an awesome boat who will do his best to put you on an awesome fish.
Joseph  S.
Joseph S.
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(385 reviews)
Captain David & Crew Member Neil were awesome. We went with our 4 boys (ages 7-10 yrs) & they were very attentive to ensuring safety was followed and the boys were comfortable the whole time. We caught a ton of different types of sea life and made lifetime memories.
Chris  D.
Chris D. Cotati, CA
fishSFbay
fishSFbay
Fishing charter in Richmond
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(28 reviews)
We had an amazing family day with captain Sean and crew, fishing around the San Francisco Bay! Strongly recommended, great experience and great fishing of Halibut and Striped Bass. We had the privilege to watch a grey whale as well
David  C.
David C. Richmond, CA
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(385 reviews)
We had an excellent time on this trip! everyone got to haul in some fish and the captain and crew were great to interact with!
Kellie  J.
Kellie J. Oshkosh, WI
Sole-Man Sportfishing
Sole-Man Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Francisco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(17 reviews)
This was such a fun experience. Being a young woman looking for some adventure, Captain Don and Becky made my day! Friendly environment, beautiful weather, good music and a friendly crew make for a well worth it fishing excursion. I havenโ€™t fished in forever and they made it easy to feel like I knew what I was doing, even if I didnโ€™t. Lol! It was a smooth boat ride with coffee included and I caught some fish! Time of my life! Highly recommend :) Thank you again!
Ann  G.
Ann G. New York, New York
Addictive Sport Fishing
Addictive Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Richmond
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(13 reviews)
Full day trip was a complete success!! We found and caught some good size sturgeon! We had fun and knocked an amazing prehistoric fish off the bucket list. He got 2 guys hooked with their biggest fish ever and all of us hooked with our first sturgeon ever. Very knowledgeable fella with a ton of experience. Knew all the rules and regulations and taught us a couple things about these amazing creatures.
Juanangel  M.
Juanangel M. Pasadena, TX