Your Captain
James Powers
Identity Verified
Captain James Powers is the driving force behind NorCal Traditions Sportfishing, bringing a lifelong passion for angling to every excursion. From a young age, he developed a deep appreciation for fishing, which has evolved into a dedication to sharing the sport with others. Guiding here is special because we have access to both the bay and the ocean, so there’s always a chance to find fish.
Beyond his fishing expertise, Captain Powers is committed to exceptional customer service. He supplies high-quality gear, including rods, reels, and tackle, and operates a Raider boat known for its safety and smooth ride, even in challenging conditions. With a conveniently located marina, he simplifies the logistics for clients, making it easy for them to step aboard and set on their adventure. My trips run 8 to 12 hours for a productive day, and I go the extra mile by providing ice for the catch and staying out longer if needed.
NorCal Traditions Sportfishing offers a variety of excursions tailored to anglers of all skill levels. From deep-sea trips targeting rockfish, lingcod, bluefin tuna, and albacore to bay cruises focused on halibut and striper fishing, every outing is crafted for both excitement and success. Peak season runs from March to November, with sturgeon fishing in the delta during the winter months. For those interested in a different kind of adventure, the Crabbing Experience provides the opportunity to catch fresh crab straight from the sea.
Under Captain Powers’ leadership, NorCal Traditions consistently exceeds expectations. His team of experienced professionals ensures that each guest receives personalized guidance, whether they are seasoned anglers or first-time fishers. By prioritizing quality and customer satisfaction, NorCal Traditions has built a reputation for delivering unforgettable fishing adventures.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your next San Francisco Fishing Trip now!
What's Included
This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.
Show More
This guide offers field dressed parts of your animal to take with you.
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
Show More
This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
Show More
What's Included
This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.
Show More
This guide offers field dressed parts of your animal to take with you.
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
Show More
This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
Show More
Join one of the top San Francisco fishing charters for an 8-hour halibut fishing trip in the Bay, designed for anglers of all skill levels. This shared inshore excursion targets trophy halibut, with additional opportunities for striped bass and California flounder. Trips include premium rods, reels, tackle, and hands-on guidance from Captain James Powers to maximize your success on the water. Guests enjoy a smooth ride and expert instruction, ensuring a productive and safe experience. Perfect for both seasoned anglers and first-timers looking to catch memorable fish in the San Francisco Bay.
Pick Your Date
Join a shared 12-hour tuna fishing trip and take on the challenge of landing hard-fighting bluefin tuna in California’s offshore waters. With expert guidance, top-tier gear, and a fast, reliable boat, this trip is perfect for anglers looking for high-energy battles and massive catches. We also offer San Francisco deep sea fishing, lingcod fishing trips, rockfish charters, and California crabbing adventures. Book now and get ready for an unforgettable offshore hunt!
Pick Your Date
Join this half-day inshore fishing charter in California, targeting species such as flounder, leopard shark, and other local catches. The trip offers a flexible “Captain’s Choice” approach, following the bite to maximize your chances on the water. Suitable for anglers of all skill levels, the charter includes all fishing gear and expert guidance to ensure a productive and safe experience. The trip typically concludes around mid-morning, giving participants a focused yet accessible outing. Reserve your spot to enjoy hands-on instruction, inshore fishing techniques, and a chance to land a variety of species.
Pick Your Date
Experience one of the premier San Francisco deep water rockfish fishing charters on this 10-hour shared offshore trip. Guests target large rockfish in productive deep waters with top-quality rods, reels, tackle, and hands-on guidance from Captain James Powers. Designed for anglers of all skill levels, the trip provides a smooth and safe ride, expert instruction, and plenty of opportunity for memorable catches. Additional trips include lingcod fishing, deep sea bluefin tuna excursions, striped bass trips, and California crabbing charters, making this adventure ideal for anglers seeking a full day of offshore fishing action.
Pick Your Date
Join our kids’ fishing lessons on Sacramento’s waters for a hands-on, 4-hour guided experience. Designed for young anglers ages 5 and up, each session accommodates 4 to 6 participants, ensuring personalized instruction. Learn essential fishing techniques, rod handling, and fish identification in a safe, structured environment. All gear is provided, and our experienced guide offers step-by-step coaching suited for beginners. This lesson is ideal for families looking to introduce children to fishing while enjoying California’s scenic waterways. Book your child’s spot today for an educational and engaging outdoor adventure.
Pick Your Date
Experience whale watching on Sacramento’s waters with this 4-hour shared tour, designed for groups of 4 to 6 participants. Guests will enjoy close encounters with local whale populations under the guidance of an experienced marine guide. This tour is suitable for all skill levels, providing educational insights on whale behavior and local marine life. The tour includes all necessary equipment and safety briefings. Ideal for families, friends, or enthusiasts seeking an organized, informative, and interactive wildlife experience. Reserve your seat today to join this small-group whale watching adventure.
Pick Your Date
Explore Sacramento’s iconic historical sites with this 4–6 hour shared boat tour, accommodating 4 to 6 participants. Guests will visit landmarks including Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and Red Rock, all from the comfort of the boat. The tour is suitable for all skill levels and includes informative commentary from an experienced guide. For safety and preservation, guests remain on board throughout, with multiple opportunities to take photos of the landmarks. All necessary safety equipment is provided. Reserve your spot to enjoy a unique perspective on these historic sites from the water.
Pick Your Date
Test your skills on a challenging shark fishing trip in the legendary San Francisco Bay. This 8-hour adventure offers the chance to battle powerful sharks while enjoying scenic coastal views. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, our expert-guided trip provides top-tier gear, a smooth ride, and the opportunity to hook leopard, sevengill, and soupfin sharks. Looking for more? We also offer San Francisco deep sea fishing, Sacramento fishing charters, rockfish and lingcod fishing trips, and even California crabbing charters. Book now for an unforgettable day on the water!
Pick Your Date
Join a top San Francisco fishing charter for an 8-hour shallow water rockfish trip targeting redstripe rockfish in productive offshore waters. Designed for anglers of all skill levels, this shared trip provides a smooth and comfortable ride, top-quality rods, reels, and tackle, along with hands-on instruction from Captain James Powers to maximize success. Guests can expect a fast-paced day with frequent bites and opportunities to catch a variety of rockfish. Additional offerings include lingcod fishing trips, deep sea bluefin tuna excursions, striped bass trips, and California crabbing charters, making it an ideal adventure for any angler.
Pick Your Date
Join a top California inshore fishing charter targeting Chinook salmon on select dates approved by the DFG. Trips are available while the seasonal quota of 7,000 fish remains, providing a unique opportunity to catch fresh, high-quality salmon. Designed for anglers of all skill levels, the excursion includes expert guidance, top-quality rods, reels, tackle, and a safe, comfortable boat ride. Guests can expect hands-on instruction, productive fishing, and a chance to enjoy one of California’s most sought-after catches. Reserve your spot to ensure participation during this limited salmon season.
Pick Your Date
Norcal Traditions Sportfishing
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
4
Boat Length:
24 ft
Manufacturer Name:
Raider Hard Top
Model Year:
2023
Engine Manufacturer Name:
Suzuki
# of Engines:
1
Horsepower Per Engine:
300
Maximum Cruising Speed:
35
This 24ft Raider Hard Top (2023), powered by a 300hp Suzuki engine, cruises at 35mph and accommodates 4 anglers for a smooth, top-tier fishing experience
Norcal Traditions Sportfishing
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
4
Boat Length:
24 ft
Vehicle Details
we started out catching striped bass. after several of those we went out and drifted for halibut but the tides werent right yet so we switched over to rockfish. we managed limits of rockfish, 2 lingcod, and 3 striped bass for my group of 3.
we started out with limits of striped bass, followed by wide open shark bite in the san francisco bay. everyone was reeling in fish all day with no breaks in between. its hard to beat this action.
today our agreement was to fish for halibut and striped bass with live bait until 11, then switch over to sharks for the rest of the day. we started out the day with wide open striper bite and managed 7 beautiful stripers. when that bite died, we moved over to halibut but they just didnt want to play. at 11, we changed over to shark and the bite was wide open. we kept 3 of the 10 sharks in just an hour and a half. everyone had fun and went home with fish.
we went out to the same area we caught our fish yesterday and the bite was good but it wasnt wide open due to heavy pressure. we had multiple hookups and lost a lot of fish due to the barbless hook law. we should have had limits but we only got 4 in the boat. they were still nice quality and it was still a great day with plenty of whale action . at one point i had a full grown grey whale come up right off my bow.
we started our day at Duxberry reef where we landed 3 nice keeper salmon and lost about 5 due to barbless hooks. we also caught 5 coho salmon which we had to release. when the bite died, we made a move offshore where we scored our limits for 5. we returned to the marina by 4 pm buzzing with excitement.
today we started out with rockfish for the first half of the day, then came back to the bay and finished up with halibut and stripers. most halibut were caught in alameda. we also hooked into several bat rays that kept us busy. the halibut is improving as the water warms up.
we launched the boat in berkeley and made our way to san francisco for live bait. we fished berkeley flats and caught about 10 halibut but only 2 were keeper size. we also got 2 keeper stripers and a bunch of bat rays kept us busy in between. at 1 oclock we went south to try for sharks. while on anchor, we picked up 2 keeper sharks and fought 3 more bat rays. all in all was a busy day and everyone stayed busy.
we ended the day with 5 halibut and a striper for a crew of 3. As the water temp increases and the tides slow down on the next moon phase, we will see improvements with the halibut. hopefully the offshore winds slow down so we can target some rockfish and lingcod.
we ended the day with limits of halibut for our group of 3. we also managed 15 undersize halibut and one striped Bass making for an excellent day on the water for all.
Sharks sharks and more sharks. We had over 30 sharks hit the deck on Sunday all catch and release. This is great for the kids and ADHD friends Iykyk.
Ratings & Reviews Summary
October 8, 2025
Capt. James is great at not only ensuring everyone’s safety but also ensuring everyone has a good time. And most importantly he knows how to get you on the fish. Every time we go out with him, we definitely get our money’s worth! Highly recommend! Can’t wait for salmon season!
October 8, 2025
Wonder time fishing for family and friend.
October 8, 2025
A great Captain and a really nice guy. Works with Vets with Nets too.
October 8, 2025
James is a great captain! He always gets us on the fish and he makes wise decisions, so I always feel safe going out with him. We went out for salmon today and got limits for the boat. His prices are reasonable and his boat is comfortable and there’s a toilet that flushes for the ladies. Deckhand Randy did a great job getting the fish in the boat and gave clear instructions for those of us who may never have fished for salmon before or who haven’t fished for it in THREE YEARS. We got a 5 way hookup and landed all 5 fish. It was chaos, but the rush was Ah-mazing. I highly recommend this charter, we go out with him every chance we get.