Bodega Bay Crab & Cod Combo Fishing Adventure
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day combo trip targeting rockfish and Dungeness crabAll gear, bait, cleaning, and crab cooking services includedShared charter accommodates up to 6 guests total
Looking for the perfect winter fishing trip that combines the best of both worlds? This top-rated Bodega Bay combo adventure gives you the chance to pull up some serious lingcod while setting crab pots for those prized Dungeness. Captain and crew at Reel Obsession Sportfishing know these waters like the back of their hand, and they've designed this 8-hour shared trip to maximize your time on the productive grounds off Sonoma County's rugged coastline. Running from November through December, you'll be targeting fish during prime winter lingcod season when these bottom dwellers are most active and aggressive.
Your day starts early with a 6:30 AM departure from Bodega Bay Harbor – and trust me, those early birds really do get the worm when it comes to lingcod fishing. This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience either. With just 2 guests per trip, you'll get personalized attention from the crew and plenty of elbow room at the rail. The boat comes fully rigged with everything you need: rods, reels, tackle, bait, and ice to keep your catch fresh. No need to stress about what jigs to bring or whether your drag is set right – the crew handles all the technical stuff so you can focus on fighting fish. They'll even clean and fillet your catch at the end of the day, plus cook and clean any crab you pull up. Just remember to grab your California fishing license before you head out.
Lingcod fishing is all about getting your bait down to the rocky bottom where these ambush predators hang out. The crew will set you up with heavy jigs – usually 8 to 16 ounces depending on current and depth – tipped with fresh bait or big soft plastics that mimic the sculpins and rockfish that lingcod love to eat. You'll be working depths anywhere from 60 to 200 feet, so expect a good arm workout when you hook into a big one. The technique is straightforward but effective: drop your jig to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, then work it with short hops and pauses. When a lingcod hits, you'll know it – they grab hard and don't let go. Between fishing spots, the crew will be checking and moving crab pots around the bay's productive crab grounds, timing the sets to maximize your Dungeness haul by the end of the day.
Lingcod are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking predators can grow massive – fish over 40 pounds aren't uncommon in Bodega Bay waters, though most keepers run between 10 and 25 pounds. November through December is prime time because lingcod move into shallower water and become more aggressive as they prepare for spawning season. What makes them so fun to target isn't just their size, but their attitude. Lingcod are opportunistic hunters that will slam a jig with zero hesitation, then put up a bulldogging fight all the way to the boat. They've got those gnarly teeth and prehistoric looks that make for great photos, plus some of the best eating you'll find in Northern California waters. The meat is firm, white, and mild – perfect for fish and chips or grilling. And here's a fun fact that always surprises first-timers: lingcod meat can be blue or green when raw, but turns white when cooked. It's completely natural and doesn't affect the taste at all.
This customer favorite combo trip books up fast, especially on weekends when the weather's been cooperating. You're getting world-class lingcod fishing during peak season, plus the bonus of fresh Dungeness crab – all with professional crew, top-notch gear, and fish cleaning services included. The shared trip format keeps costs reasonable while still giving you that personalized charter boat experience. Winter weather can be unpredictable along the Northern California coast, so having a skilled captain who knows when and where to fish makes all the difference between a good day and an amazing day. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some variety to your fishing calendar or someone new to the sport wanting to experience what Bodega Bay is famous for, this combo adventure delivers the goods. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the season runs through December 31st, and the best fishing often happens right before the holidays when lingcod are most active.
Set sail aboard our well-equipped 28-foot Parker cabin cruiser for your Bodega Bay crab and cod adventure. This 2005 vessel packs serious fishing power with twin 250HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the prime fishing spots quickly, hitting speeds up to 40 knots when conditions call for it. The boat's designed with anglers in mind - a reliable fish finder helps locate those productive rockfish grounds, while GPS and radar keep you on course and safe in changing conditions. Between pulls, you'll appreciate the onboard kitchen for coffee and snacks, plus a refrigerator and icebox to keep your catch fresh. The enclosed cabin offers shelter from ocean spray, and there's a head onboard for convenience during those long fishing days. Built to handle Bodega Bay's waters comfortably, this Parker accommodates up to 6 guests total, giving everyone room to work their lines without crowding. Whether you're pulling crab pots or jigging for lingcod, the stable platform and thoughtful layout make for productive fishing from first light until you head back to the harbor with your limit.
Eureka