Bodega Bay Crab & Cod Combo Fishing Adventure
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday combo targeting Dungeness crab and rockfish speciesAll gear, bait, fish cleaning and crab cooking includedSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests aboard
Looking for the ultimate Northern California fishing adventure? This shared trip out of Bodega Bay delivers the perfect combination of bottom fishing for rockfish and crabbing for those prized Dungeness. Captain and crew at Reel Obsession Sportfishing know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while pulling pots loaded with fresh crab. It's an 8-hour day that starts early but pays off big – you'll head home with a cooler full of the ocean's best.
Your day kicks off at 6:30 AM sharp from Bodega Bay Harbor, one of the most productive fishing spots along the Sonoma Coast. This combo trip runs from November 2nd through December 31st, hitting the sweet spot when both rockfish and Dungeness crab are at their peak. The boat heads out to proven fishing grounds where rocky structure holds plenty of lingcod, vermillion rockfish, and other bottom dwellers. Between fishing spots, you'll check crab pots that were set earlier, hauling up keepers while tossing back the shorts and females. The crew handles all the heavy lifting and knows exactly where to find the best action. With only 2 guests on this shared charter, you'll get plenty of personalized attention and won't be fighting for rail space. The November through December window is prime time – crab season is fresh, rockfish are feeding heavy before winter, and the weather is still fishable most days.
Everything you need comes included, so don't worry about bringing tackle. The crew rigs you up with sturdy bottom rigs designed for the rocky terrain around Bodega Bay – think 20-30 lb test line, circle hooks, and enough weight to get your bait down through the current. They'll set you up with fresh bait like anchovies, sardines, or squid depending on what the fish are hitting. Bottom fishing here means dropping straight down to structure in 60-200 feet of water, feeling for that telltale tap of a rockfish or the heavy pull of a lingcod. The key is keeping your bait near the bottom without getting hung up in the rocks – the crew will coach you through it. For crabbing, they use regulation pots baited with fish heads and chicken, soaked for several hours before you arrive. When it's time to pull pots, everyone gets involved hauling lines and measuring keepers. All your fish get cleaned and filleted right on the boat, and your crab gets cooked and cleaned too – you'll leave with perfectly prepared seafood ready for the dinner table.
Lingcod are the main target species for this trip, and Bodega Bay serves up some of the best ling fishing on the North Coast. These aggressive predators hang around rocky outcrops and underwater pinnacles, ambushing baitfish with lightning-fast strikes. Lingcod can range from keeper-sized fish around 24 inches up to monsters pushing 40+ pounds, though most fish you'll encounter run 5-15 pounds – perfect eating size. What makes lingcod so exciting is their aggressive nature and the way they fight. When you hook one, you'll know it immediately from the head-shaking, line-stripping battle that follows. They're also one of the best-tasting fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos, grilling, or frying. November and December are prime months for lingcod around Bodega Bay because they're feeding heavily before their winter spawning period. The rocky reefs and underwater structure in this area provide perfect lingcod habitat, and the local captains know exactly which spots produce consistently. Plus, lingcod are curious fish – they'll often follow hooked rockfish up from the depths, giving you shots at multiple species on the same drop.
This combo trip offers serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water. You're getting world-class rockfish action plus fresh Dungeness crab, all cleaned and ready to take home. The November through December season is short but sweet – prime fishing conditions before winter weather moves in. With only 2 spots available on each shared trip, these fill up fast once word gets out about good fishing. Reel Obsession Sportfishing has built a reputation for putting clients on fish and providing top-notch service, from gear setup to fish cleaning. Don't forget to grab your California fishing license before departure – it's required for everyone 16 and older. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
Your fishing platform for this Bodega Bay adventure is a reliable 28-foot Parker cabin cruiser from 2005, powered by twin 250HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds quickly at speeds up to 40 knots. This well-equipped boat handles both the rockfish action and crab pulling with ease, featuring a fish finder to locate the best spots and GPS navigation to mark productive areas. The onboard kitchen and refrigerator keep your catch fresh, while the icebox holds plenty of cold drinks for the long day ahead. With radar for foggy morning departures and a comfortable cabin with toilet facilities, you'll stay dry and comfortable during those early November starts. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers total, giving everyone space to work their lines and haul crab pots without getting tangled up.
Eureka