Full Day Striped Bass & Sturgeon Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day San Francisco fishing adventure starting at 6:30amTarget Striped Bass and Sturgeon on inshore watersAccommodates up to 3 guests with professional guide service
Looking for a full-day fishing adventure that'll test your skills against two of San Francisco's most prized game fish? Bill's Full Day Trip is where serious anglers come to tangle with both striped bass and lake sturgeon in some of the Bay Area's most productive waters. Starting bright and early at 6:30am, you'll have a full day to work the prime spots where these fighters love to hang out. With space for up to 3 guests, this trip gives you plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from one of the area's most experienced guides.
Your day kicks off before sunrise – yeah, I know it's early, but trust me, that's when the magic happens. The morning bite for stripers is legendary around here, and sturgeon are most active when the water's calm and quiet. Bill knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have you positioned on the best structure and drop-offs where both species feed heavily. You'll be fishing in classic San Francisco Bay inshore waters, working everything from shallow flats to deeper channels depending on the tides and what the fish are telling us. The scenery's pretty spectacular too – there's nothing quite like watching the sunrise over the Golden Gate while you're waiting for that rod to bend. Expect to cover some serious water throughout the day as we follow the fish and work different techniques. This isn't a sit-and-wait kind of trip – we're constantly moving, reading the water, and adjusting our approach based on what's working.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what the fish want that day. For stripers, expect to throw everything from live bait rigs with anchovies and sardines to artificial lures when they're actively feeding. Circle hooks are the way to go for catch and release, and we'll be working different depths from the surface down to about 40 feet. Sturgeon fishing is a whole different game – we're talking heavy tackle, strong currents, and a lot of patience. These prehistoric beasts require serious gear: heavy rods, reels with solid drags, and weights that can hold bottom in moving water. Bait selection is crucial for sturgeon – ghost shrimp, grass shrimp, and salmon roe are top producers, but Bill's got some secret weapons he's perfected over the years. You'll learn how to read your rod tip for the subtle takes that sturgeon are famous for, and trust me, when one of these giants decides to run, you'll know it immediately. All tackle and bait are provided, so you just need to bring yourself and be ready to learn.
Striped bass are the bread and butter of San Francisco inshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver bullets can range anywhere from schoolie size up to trophy fish pushing 40+ pounds. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving into the bay to feed on the massive baitfish populations. What makes stripers so addictive is their fighting ability – they'll make blistering runs, jump clear out of the water, and test every knot in your rig. The bigger fish are smart too, often requiring finesse presentations and perfect timing. You'll find them around rocky structure, bridge pilings, and anywhere the current brings food. The beauty of striper fishing here is the variety – one minute you're catching slot fish on topwater lures, the next you're battling a cow on live bait in 30 feet of water.
Lake sturgeon are living dinosaurs that can live over 100 years and grow to massive proportions. These bottom-dwellers are all about location and timing – they follow very specific migration patterns and feeding schedules that Bill has dialed in after decades on the water. A typical sturgeon might run anywhere from 3 to 6 feet long, with the real monsters stretching even bigger. What gets anglers hooked on sturgeon fishing is the anticipation and the sheer power of these fish. They don't fight like other species – instead of speed, they use their bulk and strength to wage a slow, grinding battle that can last 20 minutes or more. The bite is subtle, often just a gentle tapping on the rod tip, but once you set the hook, you're in for a workout. Fall and winter months tend to be prime time, when cooler water temperatures get them moving and feeding more actively.
This full-day trip offers everything a serious angler wants: expert guiding, productive waters, and shots at two completely different but equally challenging species. Whether you're looking to add a trophy striper to your photo collection or experience the raw power of a giant sturgeon, Bill's got the knowledge and experience to put you on fish. The 6:30am start time might seem brutal, but you'll be thankful when you're into fish while other boats are still looking for them. With only 3 spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, layers for changing weather conditions, and a camera for the memories. Book early – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when both species are most active.
This motorboat is built for serious San Francisco Bay fishing, equipped with everything you need to track down striped bass and sturgeon in these waters. The GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the big ones hang out. With a comfortable toilet onboard, you can focus on fishing all day without worrying about breaks. The boat handles the bay's conditions well and gives you plenty of room to fight fish and move around the deck. Perfect for small groups who want to fish hard from sunrise to sunset in one of California's best fishing spots.
Acipenser FulvescensThese living dinosaurs are the ultimate bucket-list fish - some over 100 years old and weighing 100+ pounds. In our bay system, they cruise deep channels and muddy bottoms using whisker-like barbels to hunt crawfish, worms, and small fish. Winter through spring is prime time when they move shallow to spawn. Don't expect speed - they're slow, methodical feeders that'll test your patience before wearing you down with pure weight and power. The fight is all about endurance, not acrobatics. Bring heavy gear and nightcrawlers for bait. Pro tip: fish right on bottom in 20-40 feet near channel edges where current meets structure. When one takes, it feels like you snagged a log until it starts moving.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are what bring most folks back to San Francisco Bay. These silver fighters with their signature black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see some pushing 50+ during peak season. They love structure - rocky points, bridge pilings, and drop-offs where baitfish get pushed around by current. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially early morning and evening when they chase anchovies and sardines near the surface. What makes them special is the fight - they'll make long runs and jump when hooked. Plus they're tasty eating with firm, flaky white meat. My go-to tip: watch for diving birds working bait schools. Cast right into the chaos and hang on tight.
Richmond, CA