Captain
Don Franklin

Member since March 2016 San Francisco, United States
Background
Captain Don 'Sole-Man' Franklin has been fishing for over 40 years, and for the last 14 years he has been running Sole-Man Sportfishing. He enjoys sharing the joy of fishing with everyone, and is great at teaching kids how to fish. So no matter your age or skill level, join Sole-Man for an exciting day on the water - everyone can have a great time fishing with Captain Don!
Techniques
Live bait drifting Light tackle Anchor fishing Trolling

Hey, I'm Captain Don Franklin

San Francisco, United States
Background
Captain Don 'Sole-Man' Franklin has been fishing for over 40 years, and for the last 14 years he has been running Sole-Man Sportfishing. He enjoys sharing the joy of fishing with everyone, and is great at teaching kids how to fish. So no matter your age or skill level, join Sole-Man for an exciting day on the water - everyone can have a great time fishing with Captain Don!
Techniques
Live bait drifting Light tackle Anchor fishing Trolling
47
Reviews
9
Fishing Reports
Verified

My Charter Listing

Sole-Man Sportfishing

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(47 reviews)
San Francisco
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $220

Fishing Reports

Meanwhile in the Bay
Meanwhile in the Bay
Jun 25, 2026 San Francisco
Well with salmon season opening, the bay has been vacant of boats, but not fish. We had a kids group from Salesian Boys and Girls club out of San Francisco earlier in the week. The kids all went home with bass and broke off some hogs too. The kids also caught and released a few leopard sharks. The group was sponsored by the Golden State Salmon Association's Roger Thomas fund program. Yesterday we had a regular charter and the group of 4 caught 10 bass and released 1. One of the bass went to the SoleMom's house for family dinner. Fishing is fantastic in the bay. We have lots of room for July 4th. Reservations can be made at www.fishingbooker.
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Bass, Bass and a few sharks.
Bass, Bass and a few sharks.
May 17, 2026 San Francisco
Our trip out with Neil’s group was a success. We got 3 keeper Striped Bass to the boat for Neil’s group of 3. While that was plenty of fish for them, we released a good number of Leopard sharks and small Halibut too. We have lots of space on Sunday and Monday of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend. Feel free to reach out for reservations. Sole~Man
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Spring fishing
Spring fishing
May 15, 2026 San Francisco
With the arrival of live anchovies, the fishing has been very strong for Bass and Halibut. We had a last minute cancellation last night and have 3 open spots for tomorrow’s trip 5/16/26.
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Spring Potluck
Spring Potluck
May 2, 2025 San Francisco
The bay is seeing some great action on quality Halibut and Bass. We are catching over a fish a rod and often limits of Bass. Halibut action is a bonus with the bigger schools expected to soon arrive. Also, inshore rockfish is now open for more options to fish on our trips. Make your reservations today.
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Spring Bite is on fire
Spring Bite is on fire
Apr 10, 2025 San Francisco
The big spring bass bite is here, and on fire. SoleMan has seen red hot action on quaility bass. Also we have been getting some bonus sturgeon (all released) with this fantastic action. I expect this action to continue into late May with the runoff from the rivers into the bay. Come on out and experience this fantastic action.
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Great Bass fishing
Great Bass fishing
Feb 23, 2025 San Francisco
The Stripers are back! It looks like springtime Bass fishing is gonna bust wide open. We are seeing excellent numbers of spawning bass now. Also some bonus starry flounder too. Make your reservations today to get in on this great action.
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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 47 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (49)
Great for beginners and experienced fishers!
Sole Man deliverd
Sole Man deliverd
+46
Angler rating
42
4
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Friendly captain
96%
Recommend this charter
96%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
96%
Caught fish
97%
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Showing:
5 of 47 reviews
Neil O.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great for beginners and experienced fishers!

VERIFIED   Half day trip on May 16, 2026
We had a great time. It was three of us in total and we all had our own rod to manage. Don was very helpful and gave us plenty...
Neil O. recommends Sole-Man Sportfishing
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Stephen F.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Limited Striped Bass in 60 Minutes

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip on August 2, 2025
Repeat client of Don’s.  Took us to tried and true High Spot right out of harbor and limited Striped Sea Bass (Felons)...
Stephen F. recommends Sole-Man Sportfishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Stephen F. recommends Sole-Man Sportfishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
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Stephanie U.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Very Thoughtful Captain

VERIFIED   Half day trip on August 3, 2025
Captain Don was delightful and had plenty of knowledge to share. He worked hard to make sure I caught a fish and was very thoughtful.
Stephanie U. recommends Sole-Man Sportfishing
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Stephanie U. recommends Sole-Man Sportfishing
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Iris T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

10/10 would fish with Don Again

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on December 7, 2025
Don and his deckhand were great and very knowledgeable. Would fish with them again !
Iris T. recommends Sole-Man Sportfishing
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Iris T. recommends Sole-Man Sportfishing
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David G.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing trip

VERIFIED   Half day trip on August 3, 2025
Fantastic trip. Great fishing,‘patient and experienced captain.
David G. recommends Sole-Man Sportfishing
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David G. recommends Sole-Man Sportfishing
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You found this review helpful