Northern California Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Northern California Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Best Deep Sea Fishing Charters in Northern California

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 27,721 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Deep Sea Fishing in Northern California

Great fishing boat and expert Captain. Arrive to dock at least 30 minutes early for best parking.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Great fishing boat and expert Captain. Arrive to dock at least 30 minutes early for best parking.
Eric  S.
Eric S.
Good options with lots of parking and cleaning areas. Dock and location wasn't packed or rushed.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Good options with lots of parking and cleaning areas. Dock and location wasn't packed or rushed.
Matt  J.
Matt J. Milpitas, CA
Do the research, the more you know about where the fish are, the better chance you'll have of catching fish
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Do the research, the more you know about where the fish are, the better chance you'll have of catching fish
Matt  A.
Matt A. Sacramento, 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
Excellent
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
Francis  M.
Francis M. East McKeesport, PA
Donโ€™t reel to quickly the fish have soft mouths and the hooks pop out right at the boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t reel to quickly the fish have soft mouths and the hooks pop out right at the boat
Roman  M.
Roman M. Meadow Vista, California
Be courteous to your captain and the other boaters at the boat dock by being on time and ready to get out on the water. It is a busy boat launch first thing in the morning.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be courteous to your captain and the other boaters at the boat dock by being on time and ready to get out on the water. It is a busy boat launch first thing in the morning.
RICHARD  P.
RICHARD P.
Go with a positive attitude fishing is fishing and can go either way just have a great time.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Go with a positive attitude fishing is fishing and can go either way just have a great time.
Jesse  G.
Jesse G. CEDAR E BETHL, MN
Make sure you have warm clothes on. Take something for motion sickness because the water is VERY choppy.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Make sure you have warm clothes on. Take something for motion sickness because the water is VERY choppy.
Anthony  F.
Anthony F. Holt, MI
Bring sunscreen, windblazer, snacks, and friends to relax with as you all wait for the bite.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring sunscreen, windblazer, snacks, and friends to relax with as you all wait for the bite.
Kaonoi  V.
Kaonoi V. Cottage Grove, MN
The morning bite for Lake Trout is better than the afternoon bite, but no matter when you go out, if you go with Captain Rob, itโ€™s going to be an amazing experience.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The morning bite for Lake Trout is better than the afternoon bite, but no matter when you go out, if you go with Captain Rob, itโ€™s going to be an amazing experience.
Jesse  D.
Jesse D.
If you are fishing the area for the first time, don't hesitate to book with Captain Frank. You will be glad you did.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you are fishing the area for the first time, don't hesitate to book with Captain Frank. You will be glad you did.
Robert  J.
Robert J. Stockton, CA
Actually speak with the captain and make sure you know where you're fishing and what you're fishing for.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Actually speak with the captain and make sure you know where you're fishing and what you're fishing for.
Marc  D.
Marc D. Red Bluff, CA
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!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
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!
David  N.
David N. Felton, CA
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
Be prepared for a high temperatures and power fishing. Knowing how to use baitcasting equipment is a must.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared for a high temperatures and power fishing. Knowing how to use baitcasting equipment is a must.
Kingsway  L.
Kingsway L. West Menlo Park, CA
It's the Captain's boat and safety is first and foremost. Great trip with the Family, my little one (7 years old) got sick and the Captain's turned in so she. Old get off the boat!!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It's the Captain's boat and safety is first and foremost. Great trip with the Family, my little one (7 years old) got sick and the Captain's turned in so she. Old get off the boat!!!
Dylan  B.
Dylan B. Grants Pass, OR
Go early parking is limited and purchase your fishing lic at Ace Hardware in Truckee.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go early parking is limited and purchase your fishing lic at Ace Hardware in Truckee.
Philip  J.
Philip J. Kent, WA

Top Targeted Deep Sea Fishing Species in Northern California