San Francisco Bay Shark Fishing Adventure
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target leopard and sevengill sharks in San Francisco Bay watersBeginnerfriendly charter with expert guidance and photo opportunitiesPrivate inshore fishing experience for single guest capacity
San Francisco Bay isn't just about Alcatraz tours and sourdough bread—it's home to some of the most exciting shark fishing on the West Coast. When you book with Deadliest Kast Fishing, you're signing up for a personalized Bay fishing charter that puts you face-to-face with leopard and sevengill sharks in one of California's most productive inshore fisheries. This isn't your typical tourist boat ride; it's a legitimate fishing charter designed for anglers who want to feel that telltale pull of a shark on the end of their line.
Your San Francisco Bay fishing charter starts early, when the Bay is still quiet and the conditions are prime for shark action. With just one angler per trip, you get the full attention of your guide and access to all the best spots without competing for rod time. The Bay's unique geography creates perfect shark habitat—shallow flats, deep channels, and rocky structure that holds baitfish and attracts predators. You'll fish the productive waters around Angel Island, the Richmond flats, and the deeper channels where big sevengills cruise. Weather permitting, we'll hit multiple spots to give you the best shot at consistent action. The personalized approach means we can adjust tactics on the fly based on what's working and what you're comfortable with, whether you're a first-timer or have been chasing sharks for years.
Shark fishing in the Bay requires specific gear and techniques that differ from your typical striped bass or halibut setup. We use medium-heavy spinning rods with enough backbone to handle sharks but sensitive enough to detect those subtle takes. Circle hooks are mandatory for conservation—they hook sharks in the corner of the mouth for easy, safe releases. Bait selection is crucial here, and we typically run fresh mackerel, sardines, or squid depending on what the sharks are keyed in on that day. The key technique is bottom fishing with sliding sinker rigs that allow the bait to move naturally in the current. We'll anchor up on productive structure or drift the flats, keeping multiple baits in the water at different depths. Wire leaders are essential—even leopard sharks have sandpaper-rough skin that'll cut through mono in seconds. The beauty of Bay shark fishing is that it's accessible for beginners but requires enough skill to keep experienced anglers engaged.
Leopard sharks are the stars of San Francisco Bay, and for good reason. These beautiful spotted predators range from 3 to 6 feet and are active year-round, with peak action from spring through fall. They're ambush predators that cruise the shallows looking for crabs, small fish, and anything else that moves. What makes leopards so exciting is their fight—they're surprisingly strong for their size and will make long runs when hooked. They're also photogenic as hell, with distinctive black spots over a bronze background that make for amazing photos before release. Leopards are gentle enough that beginners can handle them safely, but they'll still give you a workout on appropriate tackle. The Bay's leopard population is healthy and sustainable, so you can feel good about targeting them.
Sevengill sharks are the wildcards that can turn a good day into an epic one. These prehistoric-looking predators can reach 8 feet or more and are one of the few shark species that regularly venture into San Francisco Bay's brackish waters. They're primarily active during cooler months and are ambush hunters that prefer deeper water near structure. When you hook a sevengill, you know it immediately—they have incredible power and stamina that'll test your drag system and your arms. These sharks are less common than leopards but show up often enough to keep things interesting. Their ancient appearance, with that distinctive blunt snout and—you guessed it—seven gill slits, makes them a bucket-list species for many West Coast anglers. Sevengills are also excellent eating if you decide to keep one within regulations, though many anglers prefer the photo-and-release approach.
San Francisco Bay shark fishing offers something you won't find in many other fisheries—consistent action in a stunning setting with easy access from the city. Whether you're a Bay Area local looking for a new challenge or visiting from out of town, this charter delivers the goods without the long boat ride to offshore grounds. The single-angler format means you get a completely customized experience focused on your skill level and goals. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but Bay sharks can be caught year-round when conditions align. Don't sleep on this fishery—word is getting out about how good the shark fishing is here, and prime dates fill up fast. Book your San Francisco Bay fishing charter with Deadliest Kast Fishing and discover why savvy anglers are choosing inshore shark action over the crowded party boats and offshore gamble.
Hit the waters of San Francisco Bay aboard our 2022 Hewes Craft 240 Ocean Pro, a 24-foot pilothouse cabin cruiser that's built for serious Bay fishing. This stable platform handles the Bay's conditions with ease, powered by a reliable 250HP Honda that gets you to the shark grounds fast and keeps you fishing longer. The enclosed cabin provides shelter when the fog rolls in, while our radar and GPS ensure safe navigation in typical Bay weather. Our fish finder helps locate those leopard and sevengill sharks cruising the deeper channels. With an onboard icebox for your catch and drinks, plus a private head for comfort during longer trips, this boat maximizes your time targeting sharks in prime Bay waters. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to fight these powerful fish while staying safe behind sturdy railings.
San Francisco, CA