Whole Day Private Fishing Adventure in San Francisco Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday 8hour fishing adventure in San Francisco Bay watersPrivate charter accommodates up to six guests with Captain MollyInshore fishing experience targeting region's most popular fish species
Captain Molly's got you covered for the ultimate Bay Area fishing experience. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking a full 8-hour private charter that'll have you and up to five buddies working the productive waters of San Francisco Bay from sunrise to mid-afternoon. At $2,800 for your entire group, you're getting exclusive access to some of the West Coast's most consistent inshore fishing grounds, plus Captain Molly's decades of local knowledge that'll put you on fish when other boats are heading home empty-handed.
Your day kicks off bright and early at 6:30 AM – trust me, those dawn hours are pure gold for fishing the Bay. Captain Molly runs a tight ship and knows exactly where the fish are holding based on tides, bait movement, and seasonal patterns. You'll be fishing prime structure and drop-offs that most weekend warriors never even know exist. The boat's equipped with quality tackle and all the essentials, so you can focus on what matters most – getting your lines wet and landing some serious fish. Weather permitting, you'll cover a lot of water throughout the day, from shallow flats where stripers ambush baitfish to deeper channels where the big halibut cruise. This is hands-on fishing at its finest – no crowded party boats or rushed time limits.
San Francisco Bay fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Captain Molly's arsenal includes everything from live bait fishing with anchovies and sardines to jigging metal lures around rocky structure. You'll be working different techniques throughout the day – maybe starting with drift fishing for halibut using whole baits, then switching to casting swimbaits for striped bass as the tide changes. The Bay's unique geography creates incredible fishing opportunities, from the shallows near Angel Island to the deeper channels around Alcatraz. Rockfish action happens around submerged structure and pilings, where you'll drop jigs and work them vertically. Captain Molly provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but feel free to bring your favorite setup if you've got one. Circle hooks are the name of the game for live bait, while single barbless hooks work great for artificials.
Striped Bass are the bread and butter of Bay fishing, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters average 18-28 inches, with plenty of keepers in the slot and the occasional bruiser pushing 35+ inches. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, especially during the herring and anchovy runs when schools of stripers push into the shallows to feed. What makes them so special is their fight – they'll make blistering runs, jump clear out of the water, and test your drag system like no other Bay species. Captain Molly knows all the prime striper spots, from the flats around Treasure Island to the rocky points where big fish ambush baitfish.
Pacific Halibut are the holy grail for many Bay anglers, and landing one is always a highlight of any trip. These flatfish can range from legal-sized "chickens" around 22 inches up to genuine "barn doors" exceeding 40 pounds. Summer months typically produce the best halibut action as they move into shallower water to feed on crabs, anchovies, and small rockfish. The thrill comes from never knowing what size you've hooked until it's boat-side – that gentle tap on your rod tip could be a 5-pounder or a 50-pounder. Captain Molly's got the technique dialed in, using whole live baits fished near the bottom around structure and drop-offs where halibut lie in wait.
Canary Rockfish add consistent action and excellent table fare to your day on the water. These bright yellow and orange beauties typically run 12-16 inches and are found around rocky structure, reefs, and underwater pinnacles throughout the Bay. While they might not have the size of halibut or the speed of stripers, canaries are scrappy fighters that bend the rod and fill the cooler. They're most active during slack tide periods when the current eases up, making them perfect targets when you're waiting for the tide to change for your primary species. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish you'll find in Bay waters.
This world-class private charter offers everything serious anglers want – exclusive access to top-rated fishing spots, expert local guidance, and a full day to really get into the fish. Captain Molly's reputation speaks for itself, and her customer-favorite approach means you're not just booking a fishing trip, you're investing in a day you'll be talking about for years. With no meals included, you can pack exactly what your group wants to eat and drink, making this trip as personalized as possible. San Francisco Bay fishing doesn't get much better than this – 8 hours of prime time on productive waters with one of the area's most experienced captains. Don't wait too long to secure your dates, especially during peak season when the fishing really turns on.
Step aboard the Miss Molly, a well-equipped 28-foot Shamrock cabin cruiser that's perfect for a full day chasing fish around San Francisco Bay. This 2008 beauty runs smooth with her 315HP Yanmar engine, cruising comfortably at 22 knots to get you to the hot spots quickly. Captain Molly knows these waters like the back of her hand and has all the gear you need - fish finder to locate the schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus a wireless trolling motor for those stealthy approaches. The boat's got you covered for comfort too with an onboard fridge and icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, a full galley for meal prep, private head, and even a cabin with bed if someone needs to rest between bites. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out and work your lines without getting tangled up with your buddies. Whether you're targeting stripers, halibut, or whatever's running, this floating fishing platform has everything needed for a productive day on the Bay.
Sebastes PinnigerCanary rockfish are some of the prettiest fish we target - bright yellow-orange with three distinct stripes across their heads. Most run 20-23 inches, but we've pulled some beauties over 30 inches from the deeper spots. You'll find them schooled up over rocky structure in 100-300 feet of water, especially around offshore reefs and pinnacles. They're year-round residents, but spring and summer fishing is prime when they're more active. What's cool about canaries? They live up to 75 years and fight surprisingly well for rockfish. Great eating too - firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. When you hook into a school, use rubber-tail jigs or shrimp flies and work them just off the bottom. Quick tip: once you find one, stay put - they school tight and you'll likely catch several more.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the giants of the flatfish world - we're talking doormat-sized fish that can easily hit 100+ pounds, though most catches run 20-60 pounds. These bottom-huggers live in deeper water, usually 150-500 feet over sand and mud bottoms outside the Bay. Summer's your best bet when they move into shallower feeding areas. What gets people hooked? Landing a halibut is like wrestling a coffee table - pure power and endurance. Plus, there's nothing better on the dinner table. They're ambush predators that bury in the sand waiting for prey. Here's the key: use heavy jigs or big baits, keep them moving with a slow bounce off the bottom, and when you feel that thump, set the hook hard and hold on tight.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of Bay fishing - these silver beauties with their signature dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds, though we've seen some real bruisers push 50+. They're structure fish, so we'll find them around rocky points, bridge pilings, and drop-offs in 15-40 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste fantastic, and give you that classic rod-bending experience every angler craves. These fish are smart - they follow bait schools and love moving water. My go-to trick: when we mark them on the finder, drop your bait just upcurrent of the school and let it drift naturally into the strike zone. Works every time.
2951 Hyde Street, San Francisco, CA, USA