Premier Full Day Ocean Fishing Adventure in San Francisco
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting rockfish, lingcod, salmon, and halibutExperienced guides lead trips to prime fishing grounds near San FranciscoSmall group charter accommodates up to six guests maximum
Ready to spend a full day chasing some of the West Coast's best fish? Our full-day ocean fishing trip puts you right in the heart of San Francisco's prime fishing waters, where the Pacific serves up everything from hard-fighting rockfish to monster lingcod. You'll be fishing the productive waters outside the Golden Gate, where the continental shelf drops off and creates perfect habitat for multiple species. With only 6 anglers max per trip, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish without bumping elbows. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to upgrade your game or a first-timer ready to see what all the fuss is about, this trip delivers the goods.
We head out early to make the most of your day, running to the best spots based on current conditions and what's biting. The Pacific off San Francisco is famous for its consistent action - the underwater structure here holds fish year-round, and the upwelling brings in baitfish that attract the bigger predators you're after. You'll be fishing in 60 to 300 feet of water depending on what we're targeting, with our experienced captain reading the electronics to put you on the fish. The boat is set up with quality gear, but feel free to bring your own setup if you've got favorites. We provide tackle, bait, and all the coaching you need to boat fish like a pro. Expect to move around during the day as we follow the bite - that's how you maximize your chances at multiple species.
We fish a mix of techniques depending on what's happening below. For rockfish and lingcod, we're talking bottom fishing with heavy jigs and live bait rigs - you'll feel every tap and have to set the hook hard when these fish commit. The lingcod especially like to grab and run for structure, so you need to muscle them up quickly. When we're targeting salmon, we switch to trolling with downriggers, pulling flashers and hoochies or cut bait at specific depths where the fish are marking on the finder. Halibut fishing means working the sandy bottom with drift fishing techniques, using whole anchovies or salmon bellies to entice these flatfish. Our tackle is sized right for each target - medium-heavy rods with conventional reels loaded with 30-50 pound test. The key is matching your presentation to what the fish want that day, and our guides know exactly how to read the signs.
Vermilion rockfish are the bread and butter of our local fishery, and for good reason. These bright red beauties live along the rocky bottom in 100-200 feet of water and fight way harder than their size suggests. They're active year-round but peak in late summer and fall when they school up tight. What makes them special is their aggressive feeding behavior - when you find a school, you can often boat several before they wise up. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilling. Lingcod are the apex predators of the rocky reefs, growing up to 40+ pounds and armed with a mouth full of needle-sharp teeth. These ambush hunters hit baits with authority and make powerful runs toward the rocks. Spring through fall offers the best action, with the bigger fish moving shallow to spawn. They're ugly as sin but absolutely delicious, with some of the best-tasting white meat in the ocean.
Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of West Coast fishing, and San Francisco Bay is famous for its king salmon runs. These chrome-bright fish average 15-25 pounds but can push 40+ pounds during peak season from May through October. They're incredibly strong fighters that make long runs and aerial displays, testing your drag and your nerves. The key is finding the right depth where they're feeding on anchovies and sardines. What makes chinooks special is their rich, oily meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Pacific halibut are the ultimate flatfish prize, capable of reaching 100+ pounds though most catches run 10-40 pounds. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy bottom, waiting for baitfish to swim by. Summer months offer the best halibut action as they move into shallower water to feed. These "barn doors" are famous for their subtle bites - you need to stay alert because they often just feel like weight on your line until they realize they're hooked and start that bulldogging fight.
This full-day ocean fishing adventure gives you the best shot at multiple species while learning from guides who know these waters inside and out. With small group sizes and a captain who's been working these grounds for years, you're getting a top-rated experience that consistently produces fish and memories. The Pacific off San Francisco is one of the most productive fisheries on the West Coast, and a full day gives you time to target different species as conditions change. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Whether you're looking to cross species off your bucket list or just want to spend a day doing what you love, this trip delivers the authentic ocean fishing experience you're after. Book now and get ready to see why anglers keep coming back to these waters season after season.
Get ready to chase rockfish, lingcod, and salmon aboard our reliable 30' Grady White sportfisher! This 2004 beauty runs on twin 225HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the productive fishing grounds fast, cruising at 35 knots when conditions are right. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything serious fishermen need - fish finder to locate the schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus an icebox and fridge to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The onboard kitchen, bed, and head mean you can focus on fishing all day without worrying about comfort. Whether you're targeting bottom fish or hoping for that trophy halibut, this boat puts you in prime position to make the most of San Francisco's incredible offshore fishing opportunities.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the prize of our waters - these silver rockets with blue-green backs can reach 30+ pounds and fight like nothing else. They cruise the open ocean feeding on anchovies and herring, but stay deep since they're light-sensitive. Best fishing happens early morning or evening during our season, typically May through October. What makes kings special is that legendary salmon fight combined with rich, orange-pink meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. They're incredibly strong swimmers that will test your drag system. We usually troll with downriggers to get baits down 40-100 feet where they're feeding. Local secret: on bright days, chartreuse and blue lures work great, but switch to darker patterns when it's overcast. These fish are built for power.
Ophiodon ElongatusDon't let the name fool you - lingcod aren't actually cod, but they're one of the most aggressive fighters you'll hook out here. These toothy predators average around 2 feet but females can get much bigger. They hang out in 30-300 feet around rocky structure, often lying motionless on the bottom waiting to ambush prey. You can target them year-round, but they're most active during spring spawning season. What guests love is their feisty attitude - they'd rather fight than flee, making for exciting battles. The meat is fantastic too, firm white fillets that grill perfectly. My go-to technique is dropping heavy jigs or live bait right to the bottom near rocks. Pro tip: use at least 30-pound braid since they'll try to wrap you up in structure immediately.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the barn doors of the deep - these diamond-shaped flatfish can reach massive sizes, with 20-40 pounders being common and 100+ pound fish always possible. They live on sandy and muddy bottoms from 150-500 feet, ambushing prey from below. Summer months are prime time when they move into shallower feeding areas. What hooks people is the potential for that fish-of-a-lifetime, plus halibut provides some of the best eating you'll find - pure white, mild fillets. They're strong fighters that use their flat bodies like a sail underwater. We fish them with heavy weights to reach bottom, using salmon heads, herring, or squid for bait. Key tip: keep your bait moving slightly and be patient - it's a waiting game, but when they hit, you'll know it.
Sebastes MiniatusThese bright red beauties with their black-mottled backs are a classic California catch. Most vermilions run 14-22 inches and fight hard around rocky bottoms between 100-500 feet deep. They're territorial fish that stick close to home, often hiding in boulder fields and reef structures. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them when they're more active. What makes vermilions special is their excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. They'll hit simple rigs with squid strips, but here's the trick: when you're fishing deep structure, use a two-hook setup and keep your bait moving slightly. These guys can live 100 years, so treat the big ones with respect.
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