California Offshore Fishing Trip!
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing for Striped Bass, Halibut, and LingcodCaptain David provides all necessary fishing gear includedSmall group experience with maximum five guests
Looking to get away from the crowds and into some serious fish? Captain David Rooney's offshore charter out of Richmond puts you right where the big ones live. We're talking about the deep waters off the California coast where striped bass, halibut, and lingcod cruise the structure and drop-offs. This isn't your typical bay fishing – we head out to where the water gets blue and the fish get bigger. With room for up to 5 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work your lines without bumping into each other. Captain David knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish that'll make your arms ache in the best way possible.
Richmond's location gives us quick access to some of California's most productive offshore fishing grounds. We'll motor out past the Golden Gate and into the Pacific, where underwater ridges, rockpiles, and drop-offs create perfect ambush points for predator fish. The trip starts early – that's when the fish are most active and before the afternoon winds kick up. Captain David runs a clean, well-maintained boat equipped with all the electronics you need to find fish: GPS, fish finders, and sonar that'll show you exactly what's swimming below. The vibe is relaxed but focused – we're here to catch fish, but we're going to have a good time doing it. Don't worry about bringing tackle; everything's provided, from rods and reels to terminal tackle and bait. If you want your catch cleaned and filleted, Captain David offers that service for an additional fee, so you can head home with dinner-ready fish.
Offshore fishing here means we'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where we find them. For lingcod, we'll be dropping heavy jigs and live bait down to the rocky bottom where these ambush predators hang out. You'll feel that telltale thump when a ling grabs your offering – they don't mess around. Striped bass fishing involves both trolling and casting, depending on whether we're working schools in open water or targeting structure. We'll use everything from swimbaits to anchovies, and Captain David will match the technique to the conditions. Halibut require a different approach entirely – we'll be drifting over sandy bottoms with live bait or working the edges of reefs where they lay in wait for unsuspecting prey. The boat's equipped with downriggers for precise depth control and outriggers to spread our lines when trolling. Circle hooks are the standard here – they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and reduce deep hooking, which is better for the fish and easier on you when it's time to release.
Lingcod are the bulldogs of the Pacific, and they're one of the most satisfying fish to catch off the California coast. These bottom-dwellers can exceed 40 pounds and have an attitude to match their size. They're ambush predators that lurk around rocky structure, waiting to inhale anything that looks like an easy meal. Spring through fall offers the best lingcod action, with fish staging on reefs and rockpiles in 60 to 200 feet of water. What makes them so exciting is their aggressive strike – when a big ling hits your jig, you'll know it instantly. They fight dirty too, trying to wrap your line around rocks or diving straight down with that bulldog determination that gives them their nickname.
Striped Bass are California's premier gamefish, and the offshore population includes some true giants. These fish are constantly on the move, following baitfish and feeding opportunities throughout the water column. Fall is prime time when schools of stripers chase anchovies and sardines near the surface, creating some of the most exciting fishing you'll find anywhere. A 20-pound striper will test your tackle and your endurance, making long runs and using their broad sides to fight against the current. What anglers love about stripers is their unpredictability – one minute you're fishing deep structure, the next you're casting to boiling schools on the surface. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos.
Pacific Halibut are the flatfish dreams are made of, capable of reaching massive proportions in California waters. These masters of camouflage lie buried in sandy bottoms, using their incredible eyesight to spot prey swimming overhead. Summer and early fall provide the best halibut fishing, when these fish move into shallower water to feed. A big halibut fight is unlike anything else – they use their flat profile like a sail, creating tremendous pressure on your rod and reel. The thrill isn't just in the fight though; it's in never knowing how big the fish on the end of your line might be. You could hook a 15-pound "chicken" halibut or tie into a barn door that tips the scales at 50 pounds or more. Either way, you're in for fresh fish dinners for weeks.
Captain David's offshore trips fill up fast, especially during prime fishing season when conditions are perfect and the fish are biting. This top-rated charter combines local knowledge with professional equipment and a genuine passion for putting anglers on fish. Whether you're a seasoned offshore veteran or trying deep water fishing for the first time, you'll appreciate the attention to detail and commitment to making your day on the water productive. The small group size means personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Plus, with all gear included, you just need to show up ready to fish. Book your California offshore adventure today and experience why anglers keep coming back to fish these world-class waters with Captain David Rooney.
Captain David's 27-foot Tuff Boat is built for serious offshore fishing around Richmond's productive waters. This sturdy vessel comfortably handles up to 6 anglers while chasing Striped Bass, Halibut, and Lingcod in deeper waters beyond the bay. The boat's GPS navigation system keeps you on the prime fishing spots, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the big ones hide. When nature calls during those long fishing sessions, there's an onboard toilet so you don't miss any action. The Tuff Boat's design handles ocean swells smoothly, giving you a stable platform for fighting fish and casting lines. All fishing gear is provided, so just bring yourself and get ready to work the waters where Richmond's best catches are waiting.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are some of the gnarliest-looking fish you'll hook in our waters. Despite the name, they're actually giant greenlings with massive heads, razor-sharp teeth, and mottled brown-green coloring that helps them blend into rocky structure. These ambush predators hang out in 30-300 feet around reefs and kelp beds, staying put until something swims by. Most fish we catch run 5-15 pounds, but the big females can hit 30+ pounds and put up a serious scrap. They're excellent eating with firm white meat. Year-round fishing, but spring and summer are prime. My tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure - they'll try to dive back into the rocks and break you off. Use 30lb braid and metal jigs for best results.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the barn doors of the deep - these massive flatfish can weigh anywhere from 20 pounds to well over 100. They're bottom dwellers that stick to sandy and muddy areas in 100-400 feet of water, using their diamond-shaped bodies to blend in while waiting to ambush prey. Summer months are your best bet when they move into shallower feeding areas. What guests love about halibut fishing is the mystery - you never know if that weight on your line is a legal keeper or a monster that'll max out your gear. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat perfect for steaks. Pro tip: once you feel that telltale head shake, keep constant pressure and pump steadily. They're strong fish that can throw the hook if you give them slack.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of our Bay Area fishing, and for good reason. These silver beauties with their distinctive black stripes typically run 10-30 pounds in our waters, though we see some real bruisers pushing 40+. They're structure-oriented fish that love current breaks, drop-offs, and rocky areas. Spring through fall is prime time, especially early morning and evening when they're actively feeding near the surface. What makes them special is the fight - they're strong swimmers that'll make multiple runs and test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Local secret: when you see birds working the water, get there fast. The stripers are pushing baitfish to the surface, and that's when the action gets hot.
San Francisco, CA