Full Day Weekend Bay Inshore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore fishing adventure from South San FranciscoSingle guest capacity for personalized fishing experienceProfessional guide Justin leads Bay Area fishing excursion
Looking for a solid day on the water targeting some of San Francisco Bay's best inshore species? Captain Justin's got you covered with this full-day weekend charter that'll put you right where the fish are biting. Based out of South San Francisco, this top-rated fishing experience gives you access to some of the most productive inshore waters on the West Coast. Whether you're after that trophy lingcod or hoping to box some quality rockfish for the dinner table, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation – you're getting a personalized fishing experience with just one guest capacity, meaning Captain Justin's full attention is on putting you on fish. We'll be working the prime inshore structure around South San Francisco, hitting the rocky reefs, drop-offs, and current breaks where vermilion rockfish, lingcod, chinook salmon, and Pacific halibut love to hang out. The boat launches early to maximize your time on productive water, and Justin knows these spots like the back of his hand. You'll spend the day moving between different zones depending on tides, weather, and what's biting best. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you're dropping for bottom fish, the next you might be working a salmon that just rolled on the surface.
Captain Justin's got all the gear dialed in for whatever we encounter out there. For the rockfish and lingcod, we're talking heavy jigs and live bait rigs that'll get down to where these fish live near the bottom structure. When we're targeting salmon, expect to troll with downriggers and quality lures that mimic the baitfish chinook are feeding on. For halibut, it's all about working the sandy bottom areas with spreader bars and fresh bait. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from 5-pound rockfish to that 20-pound lingcod you've been dreaming about. Justin's approach is hands-on – he'll show you the techniques that work in these specific waters and help you dial in your presentation. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license and whatever snacks you want for the day.
Vermilion rockfish are absolute customer favorites around here, and for good reason. These bright red beauties typically run 2-5 pounds and are some of the best eating fish in the bay. They school up around rocky structure in 60-200 feet of water, and when you find them, you can usually fill your limit pretty quick. Spring through fall are prime time for vermillion rockfish, and they fight harder than their size suggests. What makes them special is they're aggressive biters – once you locate a school, the action can be non-stop.
Lingcod are the bruisers of this fishery and every angler's target species when they're in season. These toothy predators can exceed 30 pounds and will absolutely test your tackle. They hang around rocky reefs and kelp beds, ambushing anything that looks like an easy meal. Best time for lingcod is late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding before spawning season closes them down. Landing a quality ling is like wrestling with a underwater freight train – they'll make multiple runs and try to wrap you up in structure. The reward is some of the finest white fish meat you'll ever put on your plate.
Chinook salmon bring a whole different energy to the trip. These silver rockets can show up anywhere from 10-40 pounds in these waters, and when one takes your trolled lure, you'll know it immediately. San Francisco Bay chinook are world-class fighters that'll take line, jump, and test every knot on your rig. Peak season runs from late spring through summer when they're moving through the bay system. What makes chinook special here is you never know when that fish of a lifetime might grab your line – 30-pounders are caught every season by anglers just like you.
Pacific halibut are the wildcards of this fishery. These flatfish can range from keeper-sized "chickens" around 25 inches up to barn doors pushing 100 pounds. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy bottom areas, waiting for bait to swim by. Summer months are prime time for halibut when they move into shallower inshore waters to feed. What gets anglers fired up about halibut is you never know what you've got until you see it at the boat – that 5-pound pull on the bottom could turn into a 50-pound slab that takes 20 minutes to land.
This renowned South San Francisco inshore fishing experience gives you everything you need for a world-class day on the water. Captain Justin's local knowledge, quality gear, and commitment to putting you on fish makes this a best trip choice for serious anglers. With prime access to multiple target species and personalized attention you won't find on larger boats, this charter consistently delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years. Weekend dates fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and lingcod seasons, so don't wait to secure your spot. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with quality fish or chase that trophy of a lifetime, this full-day adventure puts you right where you need to be when the bite is hot.
Ready to reel in some serious catches? This motorboat is perfectly rigged for Bay Area inshore fishing adventures. Equipped with a fish finder to spot those hidden schools and GPS navigation to hit all the best fishing spots around South San Francisco waters. The onboard toilet means you can stay out longer chasing salmon, rockfish, and whatever else is biting without cutting your day short. Whether you're casting lines near the piers or drifting along the shoreline, this boat handles the Bay's conditions with ease. Perfect for anglers who want to focus on fishing instead of worrying about the ride. Ready to get your lines wet?
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon earn their name - they're the biggest of the salmon family, commonly running 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, but 20-30 pounders aren't rare. These silver-sided beauties with blue-green backs pack serious fighting power and serve up the finest table fare you'll find. They're light-sensitive, so they hang deeper during the day, making early morning and evening prime time. What makes them special is that orange-pink meat and the way they'll test your drag. Since they stay deep, use weighted gear and troll with plugs, spoons, or herring. The key trick is getting your bait down to where they're cruising. These fish are worth the effort - nothing beats fresh king salmon after a good fight.
Ophiodon ElongatusDon't let the name fool you - these aren't cod but aggressive greenlings with gnarly teeth and attitudes to match. Females grow over two feet while males stay smaller, but both pack a punch. They lurk in rocky bottoms 30-300 feet deep, ambushing anything that fits in their massive mouths. What guests love about lingcod is their stubborn fight - they'd rather battle than run. You can target them year-round, and they make excellent eating. They're lazy bottom-dwellers that use camouflage to hunt, so work your bait slow around structure. My go-to setup is medium tackle with 30-lb braid and metal jigs. These fish grab whatever they find, so don't overthink bait - just get it down to their rocky lairs.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the barn doors of the ocean - these diamond-shaped flatfish can reach 8 feet and 500 pounds, though 20-40 pounders are typical with 100+ being common catches. They're bottom-dwellers living 20-1000 feet deep in cold water, preferring the 150-500 foot sweet spot. Summer brings them shallow to feed, while they spawn deep in winter. What draws anglers is the potential for that monster fish and their outstanding eating quality. These ambush predators lie flat and strike prey from below. Use heavy tackle with 1-2 pound weights to reach bottom, then bounce your rig to attract attention. Pack patience - it's a waiting game. My tip: use salmon heads or herring and work the same area since they hunt by scent in deeper water.
Sebastes MiniatusThese bright red beauties with black mottling are solid targets averaging 14-22 inches and up to 15 pounds. You'll find them around rocky bottoms and reefs between 100-500 feet, though younger fish hang in shallower kelp beds. They're territorial and stick to home sites for years, making them reliable once you locate them. What makes vermilion rockfish special is their excellent table fare and the fact they can live nearly 100 years. They feed on small fish, squid, and krill. Light tackle works great - try a two-hook rig with squid strips in deeper water. Pro tip: when you hook one, work the same spot since they school up and rarely venture far from their rocky homes.
Santa Cruz, CA