San Francisco Bay Dungeness Crab Charter
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Seasonal Dungeness crab fishing charter in San Francisco BayAll gear provided with 10 crabs per person limitFamilyfriendly inshore trip with stunning bay views
When crab season opens in San Francisco Bay, there's nothing quite like pulling up a trap heavy with fresh Dungeness crabs. Our San Francisco fishing charter runs exclusively from November 1 to January 1, targeting these prized crustaceans during peak season. You'll spend the day working crab pots in the productive waters of the Bay, with all gear provided and the chance to take home up to 10 legal-sized Dungeness crabs per person. This hands-on adventure puts you right in the action, hauling traps and sorting your catch while soaking up some of the best water views in Northern California.
This isn't your typical fishing charter – we're focused purely on crabbing during the prime season when Dungeness crabs are at their absolute best. You'll start early, meeting at the dock before sunrise to make the most of your time on the water. The Bay offers protected waters perfect for a full day of crabbing, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro. Families love this trip because it's active but not overwhelming – there's plenty of time to enjoy the scenery between pulling traps. We'll work different spots throughout the day, adjusting based on tides and crab movement. The boat stays comfortable even in winter conditions, and you'll have space to move around as we check our gear. Expect to see some incredible Bay Area landmarks from a whole new perspective while you're out there.
We provide everything you need for a successful crabbing trip, including all traps, bait, and measuring tools. Our crab pots are set with fresh bait – usually chicken or fish scraps that Dungeness crabs can't resist. The technique is straightforward but requires some finesse: we'll show you how to properly pull traps without losing crabs, how to handle them safely, and most importantly, how to measure and sex your catch to ensure we're only keeping legal crabs. You'll learn to identify mature males versus females and undersized crabs that need to go back. The process becomes second nature pretty quickly, and there's something deeply satisfying about working with your hands and seeing immediate results. Dress warm and bring layers – winter mornings on the Bay can be chilly, but the action heats up fast once those traps start producing.
Dungeness crabs are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These meaty crustaceans reach their peak condition during our charter season, having molted their shells earlier in the year and packed on weight through the summer and fall. You'll typically find crabs ranging from just-legal size at 5.75 inches across the shell up to massive specimens pushing 7 or 8 inches. The best action usually happens in 40 to 100 feet of water where crabs feed on the Bay's rich bottom structure. What makes this fishery special is the consistent quality – San Francisco Bay Dungeness crabs are known throughout California for their sweet, firm meat and clean taste. During peak season, it's common to pull traps with multiple legal crabs, and experienced crabbers know that patience pays off. These crabs are most active during slack tides and overcast conditions, which is why we time our trips around the best feeding periods.
San Francisco Bay crab season is short but sweet, running only from November through early January. This top-rated charter fills up fast once word gets out about good crab numbers, especially on weekends and holidays. With space for just one guest, you'll get personalized attention and the flexibility to work at your own pace. The 10-crab limit per person means you'll head home with a serious seafood feast – enough fresh Dungeness crab for multiple meals or one epic crab feed. Book early to secure your spot during this world-class crabbing season, and get ready for a day on San Francisco Bay that combines great fishing action with some of the best scenery California has to offer.
The Hewes Craft 240 Ocean Pro cuts through San Francisco Bay waters like a dream. This 24-foot pilothouse cruiser gets you to the best crab spots fast with its powerful 250HP Honda engine hitting 40 knots. Built in 2022, she's rock-solid in Bay conditions and keeps up to 6 anglers comfortable with her enclosed cabin design. The radar helps navigate those famous SF fog banks, while the fish finder pinpoints exactly where those Dungeness crabs are hiding on the bottom. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long crabbing sessions. With onboard GPS and a toilet, you can focus on pulling traps and filling your limit without worrying about the basics. Perfect for families wanting to experience real Bay fishing - this boat gets you there safely and brings you home with dinner.
San Francisco, CA