Private Halibut & Striped Bass Fishing
Private Trip
Target halibut and striped bass in San Francisco Bay watersPrivate charter accommodates single guest for personalized experienceFish near iconic landmarks including Golden Gate and Alcatraz
Picture this: you're out on San Francisco Bay with Captain Josie Mac, just you and the vast waters stretching toward the Golden Gate Bridge. This isn't some crowded charter where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers. This is your private fishing adventure, targeting two of the Bay's most sought-after species while soaking in views that'll make you forget you're just minutes from downtown San Francisco. We're talking serious fishing here - halibut that can stretch your arms wide and stripers that'll test your drag system. Plus, you never know when a leopard shark or bat ray might crash the party and add some unexpected excitement to your day.
This top-rated private charter puts you in prime position to work the productive waters around Alcatraz Island and beyond. Captain Josie Mac knows these waters like the back of her hand, and she'll position you over the sandy flats where halibut love to ambush baitfish, or along the rocky structure where striped bass patrol. The beauty of going private means we can adjust our strategy on the fly - if the halibut bite is slow, we'll pivot to chasing stripers around the bridge pilings. You'll be fishing with quality gear while enjoying unobstructed views of some of the most famous landmarks in America. The Bay Bridge spans the horizon to the east, while Alcatraz Island sits like a fortress in the distance. It's the kind of backdrop that makes every photo look like a postcard, but trust me, you'll be too focused on your rod tip to spend much time sightseeing once the fish start biting.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. For halibut, we're talking about slow, methodical bottom fishing with live bait like anchovies or sardines, sometimes switching to swimbaits when we need to cover more ground. These flatfish are ambush predators, so patience is key - you'll feel that subtle tap-tap before the rod loads up. Striped bass fishing is a different game entirely. We might be throwing live bait near structure, working swimbaits through the current, or even casting topwater lures when the conditions are right. The tidal flows in the Bay create highways for baitfish, and the stripers follow those highways like clockwork. Captain Josie Mac provides all the tackle you'll need, from heavy conventional setups for halibut to lighter spinning gear for the stripers. She's got a keen eye for reading the electronics and won't hesitate to move spots if the fish aren't cooperating. The bonus catches - leopard sharks and bat rays - usually come as surprises when you're focused on the target species, and they'll give you a workout you won't forget.
California halibut are the crown jewel of San Francisco Bay fishing, and for good reason. These flatfish can range from keeper-sized 22-inchers up to genuine doormat-sized fish pushing 40 pounds or more. They're masters of camouflage, lying buried in the sand waiting for unsuspecting prey to swim overhead. The best halibut fishing typically runs from late spring through early fall, when water temperatures warm up and baitfish are abundant. What makes halibut so special is their fight - they're bulldogs that use their flat bodies like a sail against the current. Plus, there's nothing quite like the anticipation of wondering if that subtle bite is a short fish or a genuine keeper that'll make the dinner table.
Striped bass are the Bay's year-round residents that keep anglers coming back season after season. These chrome-sided fighters can range from schoolie-sized fish in the teens up to genuine cows pushing 30 pounds or better. Spring and fall tend to be the peak seasons, but you can find quality stripers throughout the year if you know where to look. What sets striped bass apart is their aggressive nature - when they're feeding, they'll crush baits and lures with reckless abandon. They're also one of the strongest fish pound-for-pound you'll encounter in these waters, with powerful runs that'll test your knots and your nerve. The Bay's stripers are well-fed and healthy, thanks to abundant forage, so even the smaller fish punch well above their weight class.
The bonus species - leopard sharks and bat rays - add an element of surprise that keeps every trip interesting. Leopard sharks are beautifully patterned predators that can reach impressive sizes in the Bay's nutrient-rich waters. They're strong, steady fighters that'll give you a long battle on appropriate tackle. Bat rays are the Bay's gentle giants, with wingspans that can exceed six feet on the larger specimens. They're bottom-dwellers that inhale baits intended for halibut, then proceed to give you a tug-of-war that feels more like you've hooked a underwater freight train than a fish.
This world-class private charter experience books up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its best. You're not just buying a fishing trip - you're investing in a day on the water with a renowned captain who knows how to put clients on fish while showcasing one of the most beautiful fishing destinations on the West Coast. The single-angler capacity means you get personalized attention and instruction that you simply can't find on larger charter boats. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your Bay Area techniques or someone who wants to experience San Francisco's fishing scene without the crowds, this is your ticket to an outstanding day on the water. Don't wait until the last minute - the best fishing days fill up first, and you don't want to miss out on this customer favorite experience with Josie Mac Sportfishing.
Berkeley, CA