Full Day Rockfish and Crab Adventure in San Francisco
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target crab, rockfish, and ling cod on inshore watersSmall group charter accommodates maximum six guestsSeason opens November 5th for fresh crab fishing
When crab season opens November 5th, there's no better way to spend a day on San Francisco Bay than pulling both crab pots and hooking into some serious rockfish. This combo trip is what local anglers have been waiting for - a chance to fill your cooler with sweet Dungeness crab and some of the tastiest rockfish swimming these waters. Captain and crew at Addictive Sport Fishing know exactly where the fish are biting and the crabs are crawling, making this a top-rated experience for both seasoned anglers and folks just getting their feet wet. You'll be fishing the productive waters around San Francisco, where the rocky bottom structure holds plenty of vermilion rockfish and the occasional bonus ling cod that'll make your day. With only 6 spots available, this intimate charter gives everyone plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from the crew.
Your full day adventure kicks off early from the San Francisco harbor, where you'll meet your experienced captain who's been working these waters for years. The boat heads out to proven rockfish grounds where the bottom structure creates perfect habitat for vermilion rockfish, lingcod, and other bottom dwellers. While you're jigging for rockfish, the crew will be working crab pots in prime locations where Dungeness crabs congregate during the season. This isn't your typical half-day trip - you've got the whole day to really get into the fish and maximize your catch. The crew provides all the local knowledge you need, from reading the fish finder to identifying the best spots based on current conditions. Between rockfish stops, you'll check crab pots and hopefully pull up some hefty Dungeness that'll make perfect additions to your dinner table. The coastal views are pretty spectacular too, with the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge providing a backdrop that makes even slow fishing days worthwhile.
Rockfish fishing around San Francisco is all about working the bottom structure with the right gear and technique. The crew will set you up with medium-heavy rods and reels loaded with enough line to reach the productive depths where vermilion rockfish hang out. You'll be using sliding sinker rigs with circle hooks and fresh bait - typically squid, anchovies, or sardines that these fish can't resist. The key is keeping your bait right on the bottom where rockfish feed, and being ready for that telltale tap-tap bite. For the crab portion, it's all about patience and placement. The captain drops commercial-style crab pots baited with fresh fish heads or chicken in areas where Dungeness crabs are known to travel. While crab pots soak, you keep working the rockfish bite, making this combo approach super efficient. The crew handles all the heavy lifting with crab pots, but they'll teach you how to measure keepers versus shorts and identify male versus female crabs. Circle hooks are required by law for rockfish, and the crew makes sure everyone's rigged properly to avoid deep hooking fish that need to be released.
Vermilion rockfish are the bread and butter of this trip, and these beauties are exactly what San Francisco Bay rockfish fishing is famous for. These bright orange-red fish typically run 2-5 pounds and are absolute table fare champions. Vermilions tend to school up around rocky pinnacles and ledges in 80-200 feet of water, making them perfect targets for this type of bottom fishing. They're aggressive feeders that hit bait hard, so even newer anglers get that satisfying hookup experience. What makes vermilion rockfish special is their sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos, grilling, or fish and chips. They're also one of the more sustainable rockfish species, with healthy populations that can handle fishing pressure when managed properly. The best action usually happens during slack tide periods when the current isn't ripping too hard, allowing your bait to stay in the strike zone longer. Besides vermilions, you might hook into lingcod, which are prized catches that can reach 10-20 pounds or more. These toothy predators lurk around the same rocky structure and provide serious rod-bending action when they hit.
This full day rockfish and crab combo represents serious value for anyone wanting to stock their freezer with premium seafood. You're getting two distinct fishing experiences in one trip, plus the expertise of a crew that knows San Francisco waters inside and out. With crab season starting November 5th, the timing couldn't be better for this customer favorite trip. The 6-person limit means you're not fighting for rail space or competing with a crowd for the captain's attention. Whether you're looking to introduce family members to fishing or you're a veteran angler wanting to try something different, this trip delivers the goods. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. The crew provides all the gear you need, though you're welcome to bring your own rods if you prefer. Don't forget to bring a cooler with ice for your catch, plus layers since San Francisco Bay weather can change quickly. This trip books up fast once crab season opens, so grab your spot early and get ready for a day of productive fishing that'll leave you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
This solid 30-foot Grady White gets you out to where the rockfish and crab are biting. Built in 2004 with twin 225HP Yamaha outboards, she cruises at a smooth 35 knots to cover water fast and get you on the fish. The spacious cockpit gives all 6 anglers room to work their lines without tangling up. When the crab pots are soaking, take a break in the cabin with a real bed, full galley, and head. The fish finder marks schools while GPS keeps you on productive spots. An icebox and fridge keep your catch fresh and cold drinks within reach. Radar helps navigate foggy San Francisco Bay mornings safely. This boat handles the Pacific swells like a champ, letting you focus on filling the cooler with sweet Dungeness crab and tasty rockfish.
San Francisco