Full Day Sturgeon Hunt - San Pablo to Rio Vista
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day sturgeon and striped bass fishing adventureShared charter from San Pablo Bay to Rio VistaExpert Captain Matt guides morning departure trips
Picture this: you're out on the water at sunrise, rod in hand, targeting some of California's most prized fish in the prime waters between San Pablo Bay and Rio Vista. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about a serious 8-hour morning hunt that gives you the best shot at landing both White Sturgeon and Striped Bass. Captain Matt knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's going to put you on fish. Whether you're flying solo or bringing a buddy, this shared charter gives you access to world-class fishing without the full boat price tag. We start rolling at 7 AM sharp, so come ready to fish hard and stay focused all day long.
This is a full commitment kind of day – 8 hours of pure fishing action from San Pablo Bay all the way up to Rio Vista. Captain Matt runs a tight ship and knows exactly where to find the bite depending on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing that day. You might start the morning working the deeper holes in San Pablo Bay for sturgeon, then shift gears and chase stripers in the shallows as the day heats up. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility – we can hit the rivers or stay nearshore depending on where the action is hottest. You're sharing the boat with other serious anglers, which means you'll learn from different fishing styles and techniques throughout the day. The guest capacity is small, so you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your gear. Pack your patience and bring your A-game because when these fish bite, they bite hard.
Sturgeon fishing is a whole different ball game from your typical bass fishing. We're talking heavy tackle, strong current, and fish that can easily top 100 pounds. Captain Matt sets you up with the right rods and reels for the job – typically 7 to 8-foot medium-heavy rods with conventional reels spooled with at least 30-pound test. For sturgeon, we're using sliding sinker rigs with circle hooks and fresh bait like salmon roe, ghost shrimp, or pile worms. When we switch to stripers, the game changes completely – we might troll with swimbaits, throw topwater plugs, or work live bait depending on what's working that day. The captain provides all the tackle and bait, so you don't need to stress about having the right setup. Just bring yourself and be ready to learn. These waters can be tricky with strong currents and changing depths, but that's exactly what makes the fishing so good. The fish use these conditions to their advantage, and so do we.
White Sturgeon are the ultimate prize in Northern California waters, and for good reason. These prehistoric giants can live over 100 years and grow massive – we're talking fish that regularly hit 6, 7, even 8 feet long. The best part about sturgeon fishing is that when they bite, you know it. They don't mess around with subtle nibbles – when a big sturgeon takes your bait, your rod doubles over and the fight is on. Peak season runs from fall through spring, with winter months often producing the biggest fish. They're bottom feeders, so we're fishing deep with heavy weights to get down to where they're cruising. The slot limit protects the breeding stock, so we keep fish between 40-60 inches and release the monsters to keep the population strong. Landing a keeper sturgeon is like winning the lottery – it's protein for months and bragging rights for life.
Striped Bass bring a completely different energy to the day. These fish are aggressive predators that hit hard and fight even harder. California's striper population is legendary, with fish regularly pushing 20-30 pounds in these waters. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day – early morning and late afternoon – which fits perfectly with our 8-hour schedule. Stripers school up and feed aggressively on baitfish, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They'll hit everything from live bait to lures, and they're notorious for making spectacular jumps when hooked. The 18-inch minimum size limit means you're keeping quality fish, and the daily bag limit ensures sustainable fishing for years to come. What makes stripers special is their versatility – they adapt to different conditions and feed in various parts of the water column, keeping you on your toes all day long.
This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to target two of California's most sought-after game fish with a captain who lives and breathes these waters. Captain Matt's reputation speaks for itself, and spots on his boat fill up fast, especially during peak season. The shared charter format gives you access to top-tier fishing at a fraction of the cost of a private trip, plus you get to fish alongside other passionate anglers. Eight hours on the water means you're getting serious value and multiple chances to connect with quality fish. From the early morning bite to the afternoon action, you're covered for a full day of fishing. The scenic run from San Pablo Bay to Rio Vista showcases some of Northern California's best fishing grounds, and you'll have access to both river and bay fishing depending on conditions. Don't wait on this one – prime dates disappear quickly, and you don't want to be stuck on shore when the bite is hot. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of serious fishing action.
Step aboard our 30ft Grady White and get ready for serious sturgeon action from San Pablo Bay to Rio Vista! This fishing machine comes loaded with twin 250HP engines that'll get you to the hot spots fast, plus all the gear you need - GPS, fishfinder, and live bait well to keep your offerings fresh. The spacious cabin gives you room to stretch between bites, while the private head and full galley with refrigerator keep you comfortable during those long 8-hour sessions. Captain Matt knows these waters like the back of his hand, targeting both stripers and those monster sturgeon that call these California waters home. With radar for foggy mornings and an icebox for your catch, this boat's built for serious anglers who want results. Whether we're working the deeper channels or following the tide into the shallows, you'll have everything needed for a productive day on the water chasing California's premier gamefish.
Morone SaxatilisStripers in our waters typically run 5-15 pounds, though we see plenty of 20+ pounders during peak seasons. They love structure - channel edges, rock piles, and drop-offs where baitfish get pushed around by current. Fall and spring are money times when they're actively feeding and moving through the system. These fish are pure fighters - they'll make screaming runs and jump when hooked, giving you a real battle on medium tackle. The meat's excellent too, sweet and flaky when cooked right. They're picky eaters, so match your bait to what they're feeding on. My local trick: when the tide starts moving after slack water, that's when they turn on. Fish the current breaks and edges - that's where they ambush their prey.
Acipenser TransmontanusWhite Sturgeon are North America's largest freshwater fish - we're talking prehistoric giants that can hit 100+ pounds and live over a century. These bottom-dwellers cruise the Delta's deeper channels and holes, using their barbels to feel around for clams, worms, and small fish. Spring through early summer is prime time when they move up from the Bay to spawn. What makes them special? The fight is unlike anything else - long, powerful runs that'll test your patience and gear. Plus, they're living dinosaurs with bony plates instead of scales. Here's the key: when you feel that gentle tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them mouth the bait for 10-15 seconds before lifting into them. They bite soft but fight hard.
Pittsburg, CA