Half Day Crab Adventure In Golden Gate Bridge
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday crabbing trip under Golden Gate BridgeFocus on Dungeness crab using loaded potsAccommodates up to 6 guests with coastal views
There's nothing quite like hauling up a crab pot packed with feisty Dungeness crab while the Golden Gate Bridge towers overhead. Our half-day crabbing trip puts you right in the heart of San Francisco Bay's best crab grounds, where you'll spend your morning working pots instead of fishing lines. This isn't your typical fishing charter – we're laser-focused on one thing: filling your limits with some of the tastiest crab on the West Coast. With space for just six anglers, you'll get plenty of hands-on time pulling pots and sorting your catch while taking in views that'll make your buddies back home jealous.
This trip is all about the crab pots, plain and simple. We'll motor out to our proven spots near the Golden Gate, where the currents and rocky bottom create perfect habitat for Dungeness crab. You'll learn the rhythm of crabbing – dropping pots, waiting for the magic to happen, then hauling them back up to see what we've caught. The anticipation builds every time we approach a buoy, and there's real satisfaction in pulling a heavy pot knowing it's loaded with keepers. Between pot pulls, you'll have time to soak in the coastal scenery and maybe spot some sea lions or harbor seals checking out our operation. The boat handles beautifully in these protected waters, so even if you're prone to seasickness, you should be comfortable for the duration of our half-day adventure.
We supply all the crabbing gear, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your appetite for adventure. Our pots are baited with fresh fish scraps and chicken necks – proven attractants that draw crab from surprisingly long distances. The key to successful crabbing is patience and knowing where to set your gear. We use GPS to mark productive spots and time our drops with the tides for maximum effectiveness. When it's time to haul, you'll work the hydraulic puller to bring pots up from depths of 20 to 60 feet. Part of the fun is learning to measure your catch – only male Dungeness over 5¾ inches across the shell are legal keepers. Females and undersized males go back to grow bigger and make more crab for future trips. The whole process becomes second nature quickly, and most folks are sorting like pros by their second or third pot.
Dungeness crab are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These meaty crustaceans are native to Pacific waters from Alaska down to central California, with San Francisco Bay offering some of the most consistent action on the coast. Adult male Dungeness typically weigh between 1.5 to 3 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 4 pounds that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Their sweet, delicate meat is prized by chefs and home cooks alike – it's got more flavor than East Coast blue crab and a firmer texture that holds up perfectly whether you're making crab cakes, cioppino, or just cracking them with butter. The best part about crabbing here is the seasonal timing. Our trips run during peak season when the crab have just molted and their shells are hard and full of meat. These aren't the soft, watery crab you sometimes find – these are prime specimens that'll make your dinner table the envy of the neighborhood.
San Francisco Bay crabbing is as good as it gets, and our half-day format gives you maximum action without eating up your whole day. You'll head home with a cooler full of fresh Dungeness and stories that'll last long after the last shell is cracked. The Golden Gate backdrop makes every photo Instagram-worthy, but more importantly, you'll experience one of California's most rewarding fishing traditions. With only six spots available per trip, we book up fast during peak season. Deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before you commit. But trust me – once you've felt the weight of a loaded crab pot coming up from the depths of the Bay, you'll understand why our regulars book their next trip before they even hit the dock.
Your crabbing adventure kicks off aboard our reliable 2004 30' Grady White Sportfishing boat, perfectly equipped for working the productive waters beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Twin 225HP Yamaha engines cruise you smoothly at 35 knots to the best crabbing spots, while our fish finder helps locate prime areas where Dungeness crab gather. The spacious deck comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, giving everyone room to work the crab pots without getting tangled up. Between pulls, grab cold drinks from the refrigerator or icebox, and if nature calls, there's a private head onboard. GPS and radar keep us on target even when fog rolls in, while the onboard kitchen lets you sample your fresh catch. The boat's sturdy design handles Pacific swells with ease, so you can focus on filling those crab baskets rather than worrying about rough water. After a productive day hauling pots, you'll head back with coolers full of fresh crab and stories about working the waters under one of the world's most famous bridges.
San Francisco