Half Day Sturgeon & Striped Bass Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting Sturgeon and Striped BassAll fishing equipment and gear provided by captainSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't break the bank but still delivers the goods? Bill Sportsfishing and Guide Service has you covered with this customer favorite targeting two of the region's most sought-after species. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing experience or getting together with a couple buddies for some quality time on the water, this trip hits the sweet spot. Captain Bill takes care of all the gear, so you just show up ready to fish. With a max of three anglers, you'll get plenty of personal attention and room to move around without bumping elbows.
This isn't your typical weekend warrior setup. Captain Bill knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the patience to work with everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers looking to add some new species to their list. The boat's rigged specifically for targeting both sturgeon and striped bass, which means you're getting specialized tackle and techniques that actually work. Don't expect to be rushed either - half-day trips give you plenty of time to get into the rhythm without wearing yourself out. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan accordingly, whether that means working deeper holes for sturgeon or following bait schools for stripers. You'll learn why timing and tide matter so much in this style of fishing.
Bottom fishing for sturgeon requires heavy tackle and serious patience. Captain Bill sets you up with sturgeon rods that can handle these prehistoric fighters, plus circle hooks and enough weight to keep your bait planted in the current. For striped bass, you'll switch between live bait rigs and artificials depending on what's working. The boat carries everything from fresh herring and bloodworms to proven lures that produce when the fish are being picky. You'll get hands-on instruction with proper hook sets, fighting technique, and how to read your rod tip for those subtle sturgeon bites that beginners often miss. The captain also shows you how to work different depths and structures where these species hang out during various parts of the season.
Striped bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters typically run anywhere from schoolie size up to keeper fish in the 20-30 pound range, with the occasional trophy pushing 40 pounds or more. They're most active during spring and fall migrations when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What makes stripers so popular is their aggressive nature - when they're on the bite, you know it. They hit hard and make long runs that'll test your drag system. The meat is excellent too, with firm white fillets that taste great grilled or baked. Peak season runs from April through November, but the best action usually happens during the cooler months when the fish are more active.
Lake sturgeon are the real trophy fish here, and catching one is something most anglers remember for years. These living fossils can live over 100 years and reach massive sizes, with fish over 6 feet not uncommon. They're bottom feeders with excellent senses of smell and taste, so fresh bait presentation is crucial. Don't expect fast action with sturgeon - they're methodical feeders that require patience. But when a big sturgeon picks up your bait and starts moving, you'll know you're connected to something special. The fight is more bulldogging than jumping, with steady pressure that tests your endurance. Most sturgeon are catch-and-release, so you're fishing for the experience and bragging rights more than dinner.
Half-day trips fill up fast, especially during prime season when both species are most active. This top-rated charter gives you a real taste of what serious fishing is all about without the full-day commitment. Captain Bill's got the local knowledge and gear to put you on fish, plus the teaching skills to make sure everyone has a good time regardless of experience level. With only three spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The flexible scheduling means you can pick morning or afternoon slots that work with your plans. Don't wait until the last minute - the best fishing days book up weeks in advance, and you don't want to miss out on what could be your best fishing trip of the year.
This motorboat is perfectly rigged for chasing Sturgeon and Striped Bass on your half-day adventure. With room for up to 3 anglers, she's equipped with GPS navigation to get you to the hot spots and a fish finder to locate schools beneath the surface. The onboard toilet means you won't have to cut your fishing short when nature calls. Your captain handles all the gear, so you can focus on what matters - getting those lines in the water and bringing home dinner. Whether you're targeting the powerful runs of a Striped Bass or waiting for that telltale tug of a Sturgeon, this boat gives you everything needed for a productive day on the water.
Acipenser FulvescensLake Sturgeon are living dinosaurs - literally unchanged for 200 million years. Most fish we catch run 30-100 pounds and 3-6 feet long, but these prehistoric giants can live over 100 years and grow much larger. They're bottom huggers, using their whisker-like barbels to hunt crawfish, worms, and small fish in deep holes and along drop-offs. Summer into early fall tends to be most productive when they're more active. What draws people? Landing one feels like hooking into a submarine - pure power and an ancient presence you won't forget. The meat's excellent too, with a firm texture that's great grilled. Pro tip: use heavy tackle and a big glob of nightcrawlers on the bottom. Patience pays off with these living legends.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the reason many folks get hooked on fishing. These silver beauties with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see some real tanks pushing 50+. They're structure lovers - hanging around drop-offs, reefs, and rocky areas where baitfish gather. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding and following their famous migration routes. What makes them special? They fight hard, pulling drag and making runs that'll test your skills. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a tip that works: watch for birds diving on baitfish - that's where you'll find feeding stripers underneath. Early morning and evening bites are usually your best bet.
Richmond, CA