San Francisco Full Day Striped Bass & Sturgeon Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday adventure targeting Striped Bass and Sturgeon speciesEarly 6:30am departure accommodating up to 3 guests maximumInshore fishing experience in prime San Francisco waters
When you're ready to spend a serious day on San Francisco Bay waters, this full-day charter with Bill Sportsfishing and Guide Service is exactly what you need. Starting at 6:30am sharp, you'll have the entire day to target two of the Bay Area's most prized species - Striped Bass and Lake Sturgeon. With room for up to 3 anglers, this isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience. You get personalized attention, prime fishing spots, and the kind of local knowledge that only comes from years working these waters. Pack your lunch and get ready for a day that'll remind you why San Francisco Bay fishing is world-class.
This top-rated full-day adventure kicks off before sunrise because that's when the fish are most active in the Bay. Bill knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position you in the sweet spots where Stripers and Sturgeon love to hang out. The early morning start gives you the best shot at both species while avoiding the afternoon wind that can make fishing tougher. You'll be working different areas throughout the day - maybe starting near the Golden Gate for some Striper action, then moving to deeper channels where those prehistoric Sturgeon cruise the bottom. The intimate group size means everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized coaching. Don't worry about being a pro; Bill's there to help with everything from bait selection to fighting technique.
For Striped Bass, you'll be using medium to heavy action rods with live bait like anchovies or sardines, plus some artificial lures when the fish are aggressive. The key is reading the sonar and adjusting your presentation based on what the fish are doing. When targeting Sturgeon, it's a whole different game - heavy tackle, strong circle hooks, and plenty of patience. These bottom feeders require a more methodical approach using ghost shrimp, pile worms, or grass shrimp on sturgeon rigs. Bill provides all the gear, but if you have favorite rods or reels, bring them along. The boat's equipped with quality fish finders and downriggers when needed. You'll learn proper drift fishing techniques and how to feel the difference between a Sturgeon pickup and bottom structure - it's an art that takes practice.
Striped Bass are the bread and butter of San Francisco Bay fishing, and for good reason. These silver bullets can range from schoolie size up to trophy fish over 30 pounds. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, with the best action often happening during moving tides. What makes Stripers so exciting is their fight - they'll make screaming runs and jump clear out of the water when hooked. In the Bay, they feed heavily on anchovies, sardines, and herring, making them fairly predictable if you know where to look. The current regulations require careful attention to size and bag limits, but Bill stays on top of all that for you.
Lake Sturgeon are the real prize and the reason many anglers become obsessed with Bay fishing. These living dinosaurs can live over 100 years and grow massive - we're talking fish that can reach 6 feet or more. They're bottom feeders with incredible strength, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. The fight is more of a tug-of-war than the acrobatic show you get with Stripers, but it's just as exciting in a different way. Most Sturgeon in the Bay are catch-and-release, which makes sense when you realize how long these fish take to mature. The best Sturgeon fishing typically happens in deeper channels during slack tides, and patience is absolutely essential - but when one picks up your bait, it's pure magic.
A full day targeting both Striped Bass and Sturgeon gives you the best chance to experience what makes San Francisco Bay fishing so special. You're not just casting a line - you're learning from a seasoned guide who knows exactly where these fish live and how to catch them consistently. The 6:30am start means you'll be fishing the prime hours, and with only 3 spots available, you get the personal attention that makes all the difference. Whether you're after the explosive fight of a big Striper or the bulldogging power of an ancient Sturgeon, this trip delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years. Don't wait - these customer favorite trips fill up fast, especially during peak season.
This sturdy motorboat is built for serious fishing in San Francisco's productive waters. With reliable engine power to get you to the best Striped Bass and Sturgeon spots, you'll have everything needed for a successful day on the bay. The GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate where the action is happening below. When nature calls during those long fishing sessions, there's an onboard toilet so you don't have to cut your lines short. The boat comfortably handles up to 3 anglers with plenty of deck space for casting and fighting fish. Whether you're targeting big Stripers near the Golden Gate or hunting monster Sturgeon in deeper waters, this boat will get you there and back safely. Perfect setup for those early morning starts when the fish are biting best.
Acipenser FulvescensSturgeon fishing is a bucket-list experience - these prehistoric giants have been cruising our waters for 200 million years. In the Bay, we typically see fish ranging from 30-100 pounds, though monsters over 200 pounds do show up. They're bottom feeders that cruise deep channels and muddy flats using their barbels to locate clams, worms, and small fish. Fall and winter produce the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What draws people to sturgeon fishing is the sheer power - once hooked, they'll take you on a ride with bulldogging runs that test your tackle. Their ancient appearance and size make every catch memorable. My go-to setup is heavy gear with a sliding sinker rig and ghost shrimp or grass shrimp. Patience is key - these fish take their time.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are hands down one of the most popular targets in San Francisco Bay. These silver-sided fighters with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see bigger ones regularly. They're structure-oriented fish, so we'll find them around the Bay Bridge pilings, rocky points, and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot. What makes stripers special is their hard fighting nature - they'll make long runs and jump when hooked. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, flaky white meat. Pro tip: watch for diving birds - they'll show you where the bait is, and that's where the stripers are feeding. We'll drift live anchovies or cast plastics to the structure.
Richmond, CA