Northern California Deep Sea Fishing Charters

23 Fishing Charters

Northern California: 23 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(40 reviews)
Richmond
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $300
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(494 reviews)
San Francisco
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $195
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(94 reviews)
Richmond
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $200
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(22 reviews)
Emeryville
Trips from US $225
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(33 reviews)
San Francisco
Trips from US $200
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(18 reviews)
San Francisco
Trips from US $1,900
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(45 reviews)
San Francisco
Trips from US $1,600
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(5 reviews)
Berkeley
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $250

Deep Sea Fishing in Northern California

With a coastline of 3,427 miles, it’s no surprise that the “Golden State” is a hotspot for offshore anglers. While SoCal is revered all over the world, deep sea fishing in Northern California can be just as good. From San Jose to the Oregon border, there’s plenty on offer to get you flexing your muscles and filling a charter boat with some delicious fish. 

What fish can I catch?

If you’re looking to land something delicious to take back to shore, then Northern California deep sea fishing has just what you want. California's Pacific Ocean is home to some of the world's most coveted seafood.
 
Hit up the nearshore and offshore grounds and bottom fish for tasty Lingcod and Halibut, while the open seas are prime to get you trolling for Bluefin and Albacore Tuna. These tough-fighting creatures combine sportfishing and hunting to give you the all-round fishing experience.

What to Expect

To get to the canyons and continental shelf where the big fish live, you’ll need at least a full day on board. Thankfully, most trips take place aboard professional fishing boats, such as commercial vessels, pilothouses, or cuddy cabins. These comfortable boats feature covered seated areas for you to relax, as well as toilets for your convenience. 
 
With this in mind, beginners are welcome on a Northern California deep sea fishing charter to test the waters. Bottom fishing can be plenty of fun, while the big game fishing offshore is often best left to the pros. Get in touch with your charter captain and let them know your ability level and they’ll tailor a trip for you.
 
If you’re looking to save some money, there’s also the option of hopping aboard a shared charter. Individuals and small groups are, therefore, able to indulge in the wealth of deep sea fishing without having to break the bank!

Where and When to Go

If you’re based in San Francisco or San Jose, the Bay Area is your best bet for a deep sea fishing charter. Head up the coast to  Bodega Bay, one of the Golden State’s most coveted fishing marinas, which offers plenty in the way of charters. However, your best bet for a short run at the deep seas comes further north. Hop aboard a charter in Eureka or Trinidad and you can hit the ridges and canyons within just 10 miles.
 
While fishing is exceptional year-round along the Golden State’s coast, the deep sea fishing season can be a bit temperamental. Come in summer or fall and explore the open oceans, as you go after the catch of a lifetime. 

How to Prepare

Before you embark on your Northern California deep sea fishing adventure, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got everything you need. Grab a California fishing license to start with, and check with your captain if there’s anything else you need. Some charters offer drinks and snacks, but most will encourage you to bring your own, so make sure to stock up to make the most of your day out. 
 
Deep sea fishing in Northern California offers you the chance to get your hands on some monstrous, delicious fish. Come aboard and test your skills! 
Northern California
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 29,146 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Deep Sea Fishing in Northern California

Definitely! Great spots, beautiful landscape and high chances of catching fish!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Definitely! Great spots, beautiful landscape and high chances of catching fish!
Delta BASSNโ€™ Guide Service
Delta BASSNโ€™ Guide Service
Donโ€™t be the dummy who thinks shorts and a tank top is a good idea. Check the weather and dress appropriately. Bring a styrofoam cooler with dry ice at the bottom and ice on top of the dry ice to leave in the car. Gallon size ziplock bags, paper towels, hand soap with pumice (ie: Fast Orange), and a change of clothes for afterwards are a good idea, too.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t be the dummy who thinks shorts and a tank top is a good idea. Check the weather and dress appropriately. Bring a styrofoam cooler with dry ice at the bottom and ice on top of the dry ice to leave in the car. Gallon size ziplock bags, paper towels, hand soap with pumice (ie: Fast Orange), and a change of clothes for afterwards are a good idea, too.
fishSFbay
fishSFbay
Check the season carefully before you book so you know what's hitting. If you are too early or too late for Kokanee salmon, for example, you may be disappointed in your catch. Also, I highly suggest you book your charter direct rather than through FishingBooker. They add little value, their incessant text messages are excessive, and they won't prep you for the day the way the skipper will.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Check the season carefully before you book so you know what's hitting. If you are too early or too late for Kokanee salmon, for example, you may be disappointed in your catch. Also, I highly suggest you book your charter direct rather than through FishingBooker. They add little value, their incessant text messages are excessive, and they won't prep you for the day the way the skipper will.
Double Down Guide Service
Double Down Guide Service
Prepare to be amazed at all the whales you'll see. Be amazed at how nice everyone is. Don't forget sunscreen and dramamine.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Prepare to be amazed at all the whales you'll see. Be amazed at how nice everyone is. Don't forget sunscreen and dramamine.
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Charter Addictive fishing if you want the very best fishing overall fishing experience. It ainโ€™t cheap but my experience far exceeded my expectations. Bring warm layers - this is a quick boat, and a beanie!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Charter Addictive fishing if you want the very best fishing overall fishing experience. It ainโ€™t cheap but my experience far exceeded my expectations. Bring warm layers - this is a quick boat, and a beanie!
Addictive Sport Fishing
Addictive Sport Fishing
Definitely book a guide if you are wanting to fish Crescent City. We fished from the jetty, the surf and booked a guide. We caught a couple fish from the shore but limited it out with 60 fish when we went out with our guide. With the price of fish these days, you almost pay for your trip in the amount of fish you bring home.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Definitely book a guide if you are wanting to fish Crescent City. We fished from the jetty, the surf and booked a guide. We caught a couple fish from the shore but limited it out with 60 fish when we went out with our guide. With the price of fish these days, you almost pay for your trip in the amount of fish you bring home.
Steve Huber โ€“ Crescent City
Steve Huber โ€“ Crescent City
Yes, the spot Captain Brad took us to was about a 15 minute boat ride from Carnelian Bay. We fished in 150 feet depth and caught many Macinaw Trout. We kept three and released the others.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes, the spot Captain Brad took us to was about a 15 minute boat ride from Carnelian Bay. We fished in 150 feet depth and caught many Macinaw Trout. We kept three and released the others.
Lake Tahoe Fishing Trips
Lake Tahoe Fishing Trips
Dramamine and water bottles for sure. Be prepared to throw up if the water is a bit choppy haha
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Dramamine and water bottles for sure. Be prepared to throw up if the water is a bit choppy haha
Riptide Charters
Riptide Charters
Bring a cooler with ice you will for sure. Catch some fish and they taste great.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring a cooler with ice you will for sure. Catch some fish and they taste great.
Steve Huber โ€“ Crescent City
Steve Huber โ€“ Crescent City
Wear layers. The wind can be extreme in some places and nonexistent in others. Check the tides.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Wear layers. The wind can be extreme in some places and nonexistent in others. Check the tides.
fishSFbay
fishSFbay
Use Mark scratcher as your guide. He knows this lake better then anyone and will take you to the fish
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Use Mark scratcher as your guide. He knows this lake better then anyone and will take you to the fish
Mark Crutcher Fishing
Mark Crutcher Fishing Seattle, Washington
Early start good during summer as it gets hot- but great way to experience fishing with a professional.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Early start good during summer as it gets hot- but great way to experience fishing with a professional.
Lake Tahoe Fishing Trips
Lake Tahoe Fishing Trips
Being warm clothing, since SF is chilly most of times, other than that bring a good attitude to fish & have fun! :)
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Being warm clothing, since SF is chilly most of times, other than that bring a good attitude to fish & have fun! :)
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
As an ocean novice, this was great fun. We caught limits pretty easily and had fun bycatch to reel in also.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
As an ocean novice, this was great fun. We caught limits pretty easily and had fun bycatch to reel in also.
Argo Sportfishing
Argo Sportfishing
Fish with captain Brad! He is great with beginners and experienced anglers.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fish with captain Brad! He is great with beginners and experienced anglers.
Lake Tahoe Fishing Trips
Lake Tahoe Fishing Trips
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, itโ€™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!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
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, itโ€™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!
Nautilus Excursions
Nautilus Excursions
It was colder than we expected but we didnโ€™t let it ruin our day fishing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It was colder than we expected but we didnโ€™t let it ruin our day fishing.
Here We Go Sport Fishing
Here We Go Sport Fishing
Just be sure to dress for cold and windy weather with layers. Hat, gloves, windbreaker and sunblock recommended!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Just be sure to dress for cold and windy weather with layers. Hat, gloves, windbreaker and sunblock recommended!
Argo Sportfishing
Argo Sportfishing
Fishing in the morning in the bay, you have very calm waters, one of my sons get sick easily and this wasnโ€™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.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fishing in the morning in the bay, you have very calm waters, one of my sons get sick easily and this wasnโ€™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.
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Wear layers and boot. Rain or wind breaker. It is cold in the morning and wet.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Wear layers and boot. Rain or wind breaker. It is cold in the morning and wet.
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Warrior Poet Sportfishing

Top Targeted Deep Sea Fishing Species in Northern California