Target Rockfish & Lingcod on San Francisco Deep Sea Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Deep sea charter targets Rockfish and Lingcod near Farallon Islands.Small group experience with maximum 5 guests per trip.Live bait fishing along San Francisco's premier coastal hotspots.
Captain David Rooney knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on the fish. This top-rated deep sea charter takes you beyond the Golden Gate to legendary fishing grounds around the Farallon Islands and premier coastal hotspots where the big ones live. With live bait in the wells and room for just five anglers, you're getting a personalized fishing experience that beats the crowded party boats every time. The Pacific Ocean off San Francisco serves up some of California's best bottom fishing, and you're about to find out why local anglers keep coming back to these productive waters.
You'll meet at the marina before sunrise, coffee in hand, ready for what many consider the best fishing San Francisco has to offer. Captain Rooney runs a tight ship with all the gear you need – rods, reels, tackle, and most importantly, fresh live bait that drives the rockfish and lingcod absolutely crazy. The ride out to the fishing grounds gives you time to watch the city skyline fade behind you as seabirds start working the water, always a good sign. Once we hit the productive zones, it's game on. You'll be fishing structure and underwater pinnacles where the fish stack up thick. The captain knows exactly where to drop the hook based on tide, weather, and what's been biting. Don't worry if you're new to this – David walks everyone through the technique and helps with everything from baiting hooks to landing fish. Just be ready for that rod to bend over when something big decides your bait looks like dinner.
This is serious bottom fishing territory, so we're talking heavy tackle designed to pull fish up from 200+ feet of water. You'll be using conventional reels loaded with braided line and sinkers heavy enough to get your bait down fast through the current. The key here is live bait – anchovies and sardines that swim naturally and trigger strikes from hungry predators holding near rocky structure. Captain Rooney provides everything, but if you have your own favorite rod, bring it along. We're fishing straight up and down most of the time, feeling for that telltale tap-tap-pull that means dinner just grabbed your hook. The technique is simple but effective: drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a few cranks to get off the rocks, and wait for the bite. When it comes, set the hook hard and start cranking. These fish fight all the way to the surface, and you'll feel every head shake and run they make.
Vermilion Rockfish are the bread and butter of these waters, and for good reason. These beautiful red fish run anywhere from 3 to 8 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They school up around rocky structure and feed aggressively on live bait. Spring through fall is prime time for vermilions, and they're probably the best eating fish you'll find in Northern California waters. The meat is firm, white, and perfect for everything from fish tacos to grilling whole.
Lingcod are the real bruisers out here – these prehistoric-looking predators can easily hit 20+ pounds and provide the kind of arm-burning fight that keeps anglers coming back. They're ambush feeders that hang out in rocky crevices waiting for an easy meal to swim by. Summer and early fall are peak season for big lings, and hooking one feels like you've snagged a truck. Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – lingcod are fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish and chips.
Yelloweye Rockfish are the old-timers of the reef, with some specimens living over 100 years. These golden beauties are less common but absolutely stunning when they come over the rail. They typically run 5-15 pounds and prefer deeper water around the Farallons. The season for yelloweye varies, but when they're biting, you know you've caught something special. Their meat is excellent, similar to their vermilion cousins but with a slightly firmer texture.
Pacific Halibut are the holy grail of California bottom fishing. These massive flatfish can exceed 50 pounds and provide the kind of fight that makes your arms shake. They're not as common as the rockfish, but Captain Rooney knows the sandy flats and structure edges where they hunt. Late spring through early fall offers the best shot at hooking a "barn door" halibut. When you do connect with one, clear the deck – these fish make long, powerful runs and require teamwork to land safely.
This world-class fishing charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot. With only five spots available, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of elbow room – no fighting crowds or waiting for your turn at the rail. Captain David Rooney has built his reputation on putting clients on fish and making sure everyone has a great day on the water. The boat is equipped with everything you need, from quality tackle to a clean fish service available for an additional fee. All you need to bring is your fishing license, some snacks, and the desire to hook into some of the Pacific's finest eating fish. Book now and discover why anglers from across the Bay Area choose David Rooney Fishing for their deep sea adventures. The fish are out there waiting – the only question is which one will grab your bait first.
Jump aboard our rugged 27-foot Tuff Boat for some serious fishing action off the San Francisco coast! This offshore warrior comfortably handles up to 6 anglers and comes equipped with GPS navigation and fish finder technology to track down the best fishing spots around the Farallon Islands and coastal hotspots. You'll be targeting rockfish, lingcod, and other Pacific species using live bait while enjoying the convenience of onboard facilities including a head. The boat's sturdy design handles ocean swells like a champ, giving you a stable platform to land those trophy fish. Fish cleaning services available for an extra fee, so you can focus on what matters most - getting your lines in the water and bringing home dinner!
Ophiodon ElongatusDon't let the name fool you - these aren't cod at all, but they're one of our most exciting targets. With massive heads full of razor teeth and that mottled green-brown coloring, they look downright prehistoric. You'll find them lurking in rocky lairs from 30-300 feet, where they ambush anything that fits in their huge mouths. Females can push 30+ pounds while males stay smaller. They're aggressive fighters that prefer to battle rather than run, making for some serious rod-bending action. Year-round fishing with metal jigs works best. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure - they'll try to wrap you around the rocks they call home.
Hippoglossus StenolepisThese massive flatfish are the ultimate prize when conditions align. We're talking about fish that can stretch 8 feet and weigh hundreds of pounds, though most run 20-40 pounds with 100+ pounders not uncommon. They cruise sandy and muddy bottoms from 150-500 feet, hunting everything from cod to salmon. Summer brings the best action when they move shallower to feed. The fight is legendary - pure power combined with that flat body working against you. The fillets are outstanding eating too. Local secret: bounce your bait slightly off bottom with 1-2 pound weights, then let it sit. They hunt by scent in deeper water, so fresh salmon bellies or herring work magic.
Sebastes MiniatusThese bright red beauties with black mottling are solid targets around the Farallons. You'll find them hanging near rocky bottoms between 100-500 feet, though we've pulled them from deeper water too. They average 14-22 inches and can hit 15 pounds, feeding on squid, small fish, and krill. What makes them fun is they're scrappy fighters and excellent table fare. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're more active. Here's a local trick: when you're fishing the deeper spots, use a two-hook rig with fresh squid strips. These fish can live decades in the same area, so once you find a productive spot, mark it well.
Sebastes RuberrimusThese are the prize rockfish with their distinctive bright yellow eyes and orange-red bodies that get more colorful with age. They're long-lived fish that can hit 25+ pounds and live over 100 years in the same rocky neighborhood. You'll find them in deeper water from 60-1800 feet, usually tucked into boulder fields and rocky reefs. The meat is sweet and delicate - some of the best eating you'll find. Due to strict regulations, opportunities are limited but legal when available. Summer months offer the best chances when they're more active. My advice: bring heavy tackle and plenty of weight since you're pulling them up from serious depth through rocky structure.
San Francisco, CA