Deep Water Rockfish Charter – Offshore San Francisco
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore charter targeting large deep water rockfishCaptain James Powers provides expert guidance and quality tackleAll skill levels welcome with safe, smooth boat experience
Captain James Powers runs one of San Francisco's most trusted deep water rockfish operations, and this 10-hour offshore charter puts you right where the big fish live. You'll head out into the productive waters beyond the Golden Gate, targeting hefty rockfish that call these deep structures home. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never dropped a line in saltwater, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps people coming back season after season.
This isn't your typical bay fishing trip – we're talking serious offshore action in waters where the rockfish grow fat and fight hard. Captain Powers knows these deep water spots like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish using proven techniques and top-quality gear. The boat handles the San Francisco swells like a champ, so you can focus on fishing instead of fighting seasickness. You'll be working depths where the big lingcod and rockfish hang out, using heavy tackle that can handle the pull of a fish coming up from 200+ feet. The captain provides all rods, reels, and tackle, plus he'll show you the ropes if you need guidance on technique or how to work the gear.
Deep water rockfish fishing is all about getting your bait down to where these bottom-huggers live and keeping it there. Captain Powers uses a combination of heavy sinkers and proven rockfish rigs to get your offering right in the strike zone. You'll be fishing with circle hooks and fresh bait, working the rocky bottom structure where these fish feed. The key is feeling the bottom, then lifting your rig just enough to stay out of the rocks while keeping it in the fish zone. When a big rockfish or lingcod grabs your bait, you'll know it – the rod loads up and the fight is on. The captain will coach you through the technique, from setting the hook to working the fish up through the water column without losing it to the structure below.
Rockfish are the bread and butter of San Francisco's deep water fishing scene, and for good reason. These chunky, hard-fighting fish come in dozens of varieties, from the bright red vermillion rockfish to the massive lingcod that can top 30 pounds. Rockfish are structure-oriented, meaning they live around rocky reefs, underwater pinnacles, and drop-offs where the current brings them food. The best fishing happens when these fish are actively feeding, usually early morning and late afternoon. What makes rockfish so appealing to anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – these are some of the best eating fish in California waters. The deeper you go, the bigger they get, and Captain Powers knows exactly where to find the jumbo specimens that make for great photos and even better dinners.
Lingcod deserve special mention because they're the apex predators of the rockfish world. These toothy, aggressive fish can reach massive sizes – 40 and 50-pound lingcod aren't unheard of in these waters. They're ambush predators that hide in rocky crevices and strike with lightning speed when prey gets too close. Lingcod season runs from certain months (check current regulations), and when they're biting, there's nothing quite like the fight they put up. They're also incredibly good eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill or frying pan. The biggest lingcod often come from the deepest water, which is exactly where this charter takes you.
San Francisco's deep water rockfish fishing represents some of the most consistent and productive angling on the West Coast. Captain Powers has built his reputation on putting clients on fish, and this 10-hour charter gives you the time and opportunity to make the most of these world-class fishing grounds. The combination of his local knowledge, quality gear, and access to the prime offshore spots makes this trip a standout choice for anyone serious about rockfish. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with dinner or just want to experience what real offshore fishing is all about, this charter delivers. Don't wait too long to book – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak rockfish season.
This 24-foot Raider Hard Top cuts through San Francisco's offshore waters with serious power, thanks to its 300hp Suzuki engine that'll get you to the rockfish grounds fast at 35mph. The 2023 model features a solid hardtop design that keeps you comfortable when the Pacific gets choppy during those long 10-hour deep water runs. With space for 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the rails without bumping elbows while you're battling those big rockfish from the depths. The boat handles beautifully in offshore conditions, giving you a stable platform whether you're dropping jigs down 200 feet or fighting lingcod up from the bottom. Captain James Powers knows these waters like the back of his hand, and this Raider gets him to the productive spots where the fish are biting. The hardtop provides welcome shade during those sunny California days, and the boat's design keeps spray off you when you're focused on your lines.
San Francisco