Deep Sea Fishing San Francisco!
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing charter to Farallon Islands and San Francisco coastTarget Rockfish and Lingcod using live bait techniquesSmall group experience with maximum 5 guests per trip
Captain David Rooney knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to take you on a world-class offshore fishing adventure that'll have you talking for years. Picture this: you're out on the open Pacific, salt spray hitting your face as you work a live bait rig over some of the most productive rockfish grounds on the West Coast. The Farallon Islands and the hotspots along San Francisco's rugged coastline are legendary among serious anglers, and for good reason – these waters are absolutely loaded with hard-fighting bottom fish that'll test your tackle and your skills.
This isn't your typical half-day bay trip. We're talking about a legitimate deep-sea charter that gets you out to where the big fish live. With just five spots available, you'll get the personal attention you deserve without feeling crowded at the rail. Captain Rooney runs a tight ship and knows exactly where to put you on the fish based on current conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns. The Farallons are about 27 miles west of the Golden Gate, and that journey out gives you time to rig up, get your sea legs, and watch the San Francisco skyline fade into the distance. Once we hit the grounds, it's game on – you'll be dropping live anchovies, sardines, or whatever bait is working best down to depths where the really good fish hang out. The bottom structure around these islands is perfect rockfish habitat, with underwater pinnacles, ledges, and rocky outcrops that hold massive schools of lingcod and various rockfish species.
We're fishing with heavy conventional tackle here – think 20 to 40-pound class rods with Penn or Shimano reels that can handle the deep water and strong fish. The technique is pretty straightforward but requires some finesse: live bait on a dropper loop or Carolina rig, with enough weight to get down and stay down in the current. Captain Rooney provides all the gear, but if you've got your own setup, bring it along. We're talking circle hooks to improve release survival, quality swivels that won't fail under pressure, and leaders that can handle the sharp gill plates of a big lingcod. The key is keeping your bait in the strike zone – usually within a few feet of the bottom where these predators cruise looking for an easy meal. When that rod tip starts dancing and you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, it's time to set the hook and hang on.
Vermilion Rockfish are the bread and butter of San Francisco deep-sea fishing, and these beautiful red fish are absolutely delicious on the dinner table. They typically run 3 to 8 pounds, with occasional giants pushing double digits. Vermilions are aggressive feeders and will absolutely crush a live anchovy or piece of squid. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, and they school up in huge numbers around rocky structure. What makes them so exciting is their willingness to bite and their incredible table fare – sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilled whole.
Lingcod are the apex predators of these waters and the fish that gets every angler's heart pumping. These toothy monsters can exceed 30 pounds and will hit your bait like a freight train. They're ambush predators that hide in rocky crevices and dart out to grab whatever looks like an easy meal. Peak season runs from late summer through winter, and a big lingcod fight is something you'll never forget – they make powerful runs and use their broad tails to bulldoze toward the bottom. The meat is firm and white with a slightly sweet flavor that makes them highly sought after by both sport and commercial fishermen.
Yelloweye Rockfish are the old-timers of the deep, with some specimens living over 100 years. These bright orange and yellow beauties are typically found in deeper water and are prized for both their beauty and their exceptional eating quality. They're slower growing than other rockfish species, which makes every yelloweye a special catch. They tend to bite more delicately than vermilions, so you need to stay alert and watch your rod tip carefully. The meat is incredibly sweet and flaky, making yelloweye one of the most prized rockfish species among local chefs and home cooks alike.
Pacific Halibut are the holy grail of West Coast bottom fishing, and while they're not as common as the rockfish species, when you hook into one, you know it immediately. These flatfish can reach massive proportions – we're talking 50, 100, even 200-pound fish that will absolutely test your endurance and equipment. They're typically caught while targeting other species, making them a fantastic bonus fish. Halibut prefer sandy bottoms adjacent to rocky structure, and they're most active during the spring and summer months. The fight is legendary – long, powerful runs followed by bulldogging near the surface that'll leave your arms burning.
San Francisco's offshore fishing scene is top-rated for a reason, and Captain David Rooney's operation represents the best of what these waters have to offer. With limited capacity and prime fishing grounds just a short run from the harbor, this customer favorite books up quickly during peak season. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some West Coast species to your list or a newcomer wanting to experience world-class deep-sea fishing, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of productive waters, experienced guidance, and small group size creates the perfect recipe for a memorable day on the Pacific. Don't let another season pass without getting out there – these fish won't catch themselves, and the stories you'll come home with are worth their weight in gold.
Jump aboard this solid 27-foot Tuff Boat designed to get you and 4 other anglers out to the prime fishing grounds around San Francisco Bay and beyond. This reliable motorboat cuts through the swells with ease, taking you to the legendary Farallon Islands or the productive coastal hotspots where the rockfish and lingcod are biting. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while the GPS keeps you on course to the best spots. When nature calls during those long fishing sessions, there's a head on board so you don't miss any action. The boat handles beautifully in offshore conditions, giving you a stable platform to fight those hard-pulling lingcod and feisty rockfish using live bait. Whether you're working the kelp beds or dropping lines in deeper water, this fishing machine gets you there safely and comfortably. Fish cleaning service available for an extra fee to prep your catch.
Ophiodon ElongatusDon't let the name fool you - these aren't cod at all, but they're some of the gnarliest fighters you'll encounter. With massive heads full of sharp teeth and aggressive attitudes, lingcod typically run under 2 feet for males, but females can push well over that mark. They ambush prey from rocky lairs in 30-300 feet of water, especially around strong current areas. Best part? They fight dirty and can be caught year-round. The meat is fantastic - firm white fillets that taste great. Here's the trick: once you hook one, get it away from the rocks fast. They'll try to wrap you up in their home turf, so use at least 30-pound braid and don't give them any slack. Metal jigs work great, but they'll grab almost anything.
Hippoglossus StenolepisThese massive flatfish are the ultimate challenge - we're talking about fish that can hit 100+ pounds, though most average 20-40. They cruise sandy bottoms and continental shelf areas from 20-1000 feet, hunting everything from salmon to crabs. Summer is prime time when they move shallower to feed actively. The fight is legendary - pure bulldogging power that'll test your gear and endurance. Plus, the meat is world-class eating. Here's what works: fish 150-500 feet with heavy weights to get down, and keep your bait moving to trigger strikes. I like bouncing the rod tip to create action, then letting it sit. Use salmon heads, herring, or squid. Once hooked, it's a battle of patience and steady pressure.
Sebastes MiniatusThese bright red beauties with black mottling are solid fighters that typically run 14-22 inches and up to 15 pounds. You'll find them hugging rocky bottoms and reefs between 100-500 feet, though we've pulled them from deeper water too. The vermilions bite consistently year-round, but summer through fall gives you the best action when they're more active. What makes them special is their scrappy fight and excellent table fare - they're one of the tastiest rockfish you'll catch. Pro tip: when fishing deep structure, use a two-hook rig with fresh squid strips and keep it moving slightly off the bottom. They can be territorial and stay put for years, so once you find them, work that spot thoroughly.
Sebastes RuberrimusThe distinctive yellow eyes and orange-red coloring make these rockfish easy to spot, and they're true giants of the deep. Most run 5-15 pounds, but 25+ pounders are definitely possible. These fish live long - some over 100 years - and stick to rocky structure in 60-1800 feet, with bigger ones going deeper. They're active feeders year-round, but spring through fall offers the best bite. The sweet, delicate meat is highly prized, making them a favorite target. Fair warning: current regulations are strict, so check limits before we head out. My go-to technique is heavy jigs or natural bait fished right on the bottom near boulder fields. Use stout tackle - once hooked, you need to muscle them out of the rocks quickly.
San Francisco, CA