What would you recommend to anglers fishing in San Francisco, California for the first time?

Answers by verified FishingBooker anglers who went fishing in San Francisco

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Fox Schaffer
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Miss Molly with Captain Molly on September 15, 2025
For guided boat trips, TEST the grip on your deck shoes, I bought rubber Magellans, they have no deck grip. Don't be cheap on deck shoes like I was, to me, that's most important thing. next, IF possible, buy quick-dry, 100 SPF flyfishing clothes, and there's other face and ears, and neck items you can buy in coverings, OR get HIGHEST SPF possible, and bring aboard! Apparently eat bananas on mainland, don't ever bring aboard fishing vessels apparently??? It's a centuries old superstition, but why tempt fate?! ?

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Norman Boden
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Nautilus Excursions on July 13, 2024
Ron and Hunter, I'm sorry that Lucas and I were unable to go on Saturday. I talked to the crew before they went on Friday and they were fired up because of how satisfying your trips have been in prior years. When I talked to them yesterday morning they were so happy about their annual company trip with you. Limits of Stripers and Halibut with the fish being a solid grade of fish. It's truly an honor to know and fish with you and Hunter. Keep those lines tight and Lucas and I are looking forward to fishing with you next month.

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Greg Doramus
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Nautilus Excursions on June 25, 2024
Fishing in the bay can be both challenging and enjoyable, as well as very rewarding, Even in the heat of the summer, wear lots of layers, it can be 100 degrees in nearby cities but downright cold out on the water, but it can also get hot if the wind dies down and there are no clouds. Best part, it’s like your taking a tour of the local sights and scenes but having a line in the water, you might as well be fishing while checking out Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge!

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Jennifer Dombek
San Francisco, CA
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Nautilus Excursions on July 11, 2019
Beautiful weather and great views. It is cold on the water, though, so dress warm, as in a warm layer, windbreaker, and hat. Wear rain boots, if you have them. Put sunscreen on your face. Bring any personal items in a waterproof bag. If you plan to take photos, put your camera or phone in a zip-lock bag or waterproof case, because your hands will be full of fish scales and fish guts. Bring extra bags to carry your fish off the boat. Stock your car with an ice chest, for the drive home. If the fishing trip is in the Bay only, and not out in the open ocean, then the waves aren't very bad, so you shouldn't get sea sick. Or if you do, you only need the "less drowsy" version of your motion sickness medication. Have fun!

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Erik Child
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Pamela J Charters on August 17, 2024
Bring a lunch for each person that is anti-sea sick worthy. Purchase your fishing licenses at least the day before online. Tell the captain you want a lot of action if you have kids. The species are different between action and eating fish. Bring a jacket. Dramamine for children who suffer easily from motion sickness.

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Justin Bitner
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Warrior Poet Sportfishing on May 29, 2024
Fishing in the morning in the bay, you have very calm waters, one of my sons get sick easily and this wasn’t a problem, you have a lot of bottom feeder fish here so you can be successful with weighting and drop to the bottom. No experience needed for casting. Very good sized catch in the area.

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Todd Moretto
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Nautilus Excursions on December 26, 2023
If this was not something we had ever done and I was with my fishing buddies the fishing would have sucked but because it was with my family and not a lot of them had fished before they caught fish and had a ball. So it’s all perspective.

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Matt Karnes
San Jose, CA
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Argo Sportfishing on April 22, 2023
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.

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Max Herrera
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Miss Molly with Captain Molly on November 23, 2025
Great experience regardless, but the bite is not best this time of year. Unless you want to go for sharks.

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David Attanasio
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Warrior Poet Sportfishing on October 24, 2025
you will catch things for sure but we had a lot of wind that made it tough in some areas but with our Captain it was great.

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Natalia Faske
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Warrior Poet Sportfishing on October 4, 2025
For those who have issues with sea sickness/motion sickness, the ocean has more waves than the Bay, being prepared will make sure it's an enjoyable experience.

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Gasper Migliore III
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Nautilus Excursions on August 6, 2025
It was a little windy but the weather was beautiful. A warm afternoon led to choppy seas but it was nothing to be concerned about.

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Charles Rothera
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Miss Molly with Captain Molly on July 17, 2025
It’s a good intro to open water fishing. The waves aren’t too high but there’s some rougher areas. Even if you’re not actively catching fish, the surroundings are beautiful to sight see.

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Jon Polaha
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Warrior Poet Sportfishing on July 9, 2025
Book with Warrior Poetry Sportfishing because they know their fishing! Friendly, knowledgeable and fun.

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Frank Pallas
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Warrior Poet Sportfishing on July 7, 2025
Dress warm because the weather can be unpredictable and if the wind starts blowing it will get cold

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Cassady Clifton
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Warrior Poet Sportfishing on June 29, 2025
Absolutely! Captain Dave and First Mate Neil are so kind and knowledgeable. They will help you get comfortable and teach you well!

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Robert Borowinski
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Warrior Poet Sportfishing on June 19, 2025
Weather is good. At least for us bite was hot. Scenary great and you can fish near cool landmarks (alcatraz and golden gates)

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Trace Anderson
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Warrior Poet Sportfishing on August 3, 2024
Prepare to be amazed at all the whales you'll see. Be amazed at how nice everyone is. Don't forget sunscreen and dramamine.

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Todd Miller
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Argo Sportfishing on July 2, 2024
As an ocean novice, this was great fun. We caught limits pretty easily and had fun bycatch to reel in also.

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Carmen Garcia
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Warrior Poet Sportfishing on July 6, 2024
Being warm clothing, since SF is chilly most of times, other than that bring a good attitude to fish & have fun! :)

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Teresa Carroll
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Argo Sportfishing on June 10, 2024
Just be sure to dress for cold and windy weather with layers. Hat, gloves, windbreaker and sunblock recommended!

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David Mace
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Nautilus Excursions on May 5, 2024
Get out there and do it. Some days you catch a ton of fish, some days just a few. But we have always had a great time doing it.

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Norma Brown
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Warrior Poet Sportfishing on March 3, 2024
The fish we caught were fillet by the first mate. They were absolutely delicious. Thank you so much.

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Francis Mikolay
East McKeesport, PA
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Warrior Poet Sportfishing on July 31, 2023
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

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Marc Dunbar
Red Bluff, CA
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Argo Sportfishing on June 7, 2023
Actually speak with the captain and make sure you know where you're fishing and what you're fishing for.

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David Noel
Felton, CA
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with New Captain Pete on June 7, 2023
The fishing on SF Bay is the same as anywhere.except if there not biting great you get some iepic views of the bay! Some days are better fishing than others so hope for the best and enjoy the day!

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Audra Schultz
North Las Vegas, Nevada
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Warrior Poet Sportfishing on May 29, 2023
It's not like fishing for bluegill or other varieties in technique listen to the captain and you will do great!

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Jennifer Dahlen
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Reel Time Charters, LLC on October 8, 2025
Great boat to catch link cod, bass, and halibut on! Captain Phil was excellent.

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Molly Heublein
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Warrior Poet Sportfishing on August 10, 2025
We’re novices so no baseline for recommending this but it was a fun and unique experience

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Erin Ramsey
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Warrior Poet Sportfishing on July 31, 2025
This was our first time fishing in San Francisco and it was awesome! 10/10 recommend doing this!