Full Day Crab/Cod Combo Private Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private fullday charter targets rockfish and Dungeness crabEighthour trip includes gear, bait, and complimentary cleaning servicesSeasonal availability from November through December for six guests
Picture this: you and up to five of your fishing buddies have the entire boat to yourselves for eight solid hours on some of the most productive waters along the Northern California coast. That's exactly what you get with Reel Obsession Sportfishing's Full Day Crab/Cod Combo trip out of Bodega Bay. Running from November 2nd through December 31st, this seasonal charter hits the sweet spot when both Dungeness crab and lingcod are at their absolute best. We're talking about a 6:30 AM departure that gives you the full treatment – all your gear, bait, tackle, ice, and even fish cleaning and crab cooking services are covered in your $2,100 private charter fee.
This isn't your typical weekend fishing trip – it's a full-day private charter that lets you fish at your own pace without dealing with crowds or strangers. When you roll up to the dock at 6:30 AM, Captain and crew will have everything ready to go. The beauty of a private charter is that you're not stuck with someone else's schedule or fishing style. Want to spend more time on the crab pots? No problem. Found a hot bite on the lingcod and want to stay put? That's your call. The eight-hour day gives you plenty of time to work both the crab grounds and the rockfish reefs without feeling rushed. During crab season, the Dungeness are heavy and full of meat, while the lingcod are feeding aggressively before winter sets in. You'll work the deeper waters where these fish stack up, often in 80 to 150 feet of water depending on conditions and where the fish are biting. The included fish cleaning and crab cooking services mean you're walking away with perfectly prepared seafood ready for the dinner table – no messy work back home.
All your fishing gear comes with the charter, so you don't need to worry about bringing rods, reels, or tackle. For the lingcod portion of the trip, you'll be using heavy-action rods with conventional reels loaded with braided line – these fish fight hard and you need gear that can handle their powerful runs and head shakes. The captain will set you up with lead heads and large swimbaits or live bait when available, targeting structure where lingcod like to ambush prey. For the crab component, you'll work with traditional crab traps baited with fish carcasses or chicken. The crew handles all the trap deployment and retrieval, but you get to be part of the action when it comes time to measure and sort your catch. Remember to bring your California fishing license – it's required for everyone who wants to fish, and you can usually grab one online or at local tackle shops if you don't have one yet. The boat carries all safety equipment, but dress in layers since early morning temperatures can be chilly, and conditions can change throughout the day.
Lingcod are the main attraction on this combo trip, and for good reason. These aggressive predators are some of the most exciting fish you can target in Northern California waters. Lingcod can grow massive – we're talking fish that can weigh 20 to 40 pounds, with trophy specimens pushing even bigger numbers. They're ambush predators that hang around rocky structure and kelp forests, waiting to slam anything that looks like an easy meal. What makes them so fun to catch is their explosive strike and powerful fight. When a big lingcod hits your bait, you'll know it immediately – they don't nibble, they attack. The meat is fantastic too, with firm white fillets that are perfect for fish and chips or grilling. During the November through December season, lingcod are actively feeding and building up energy reserves, which means they're more aggressive and easier to locate on productive structure.
Dungeness crab round out this combo trip perfectly, and late fall through early winter is prime time for these tasty crustaceans. Fresh-molted Dungeness crabs during this season are heavy, full of meat, and at their absolute peak quality. Male crabs need to measure at least 5.75 inches across the shell to be legal, and mature males can weigh 2 to 3 pounds each. What makes Dungeness crab special is their sweet, delicate flavor that's less briny than other crab species. They feed on a variety of bottom-dwelling creatures, which gives their meat that clean, fresh taste that crab lovers crave. The waters around Bodega Bay provide ideal habitat with sandy and muddy bottoms where these crabs thrive. When you pull up a trap full of keepers, there's nothing quite like that feeling of knowing you've got fresh crab dinner waiting for you.
This private charter represents serious value for groups who want a top-rated fishing experience without the crowds. At $2,100 for up to six anglers, you're looking at about $350 per person for a full day on the water with all gear, services, and expertise included. The limited season from November 2nd to December 31st means these dates book up fast, especially for weekends and holidays. Bodega Bay's reputation as a world-class fishing destination isn't built on luck – it's built on consistent action and quality fish. This combo trip gives you the best of both worlds: the excitement of hooking into hefty lingcod and the satisfaction of pulling up traps loaded with Dungeness crab. Contact Reel Obsession Sportfishing to lock in your dates while they're still available. With fish cleaning, crab cooking, and all the essentials covered, all you need to bring is your license, some snacks and drinks for the day, and maybe a cooler to haul home your catch.
Your fishing platform for this Bodega Bay adventure is a solid 28-foot Parker cabin cruiser that knows these Northern California waters well. Built in 2005, this boat handles the Pacific swells with confidence thanks to twin 250HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast when conditions are right. The cabin keeps you comfortable during those early morning runs, and when the marine layer rolls in, you've got radar to cut through the fog. The fish finder will help locate those rocky bottom structures where the lingcod hide, while GPS keeps you on your favorite crab spots. Between fishing sessions, grab a cold drink from the fridge or use the onboard head when nature calls. With space for up to six anglers, there's room to spread out whether you're pulling crab pots or working the bottom for rockfish. The icebox handles your catch, and at 40 knots max speed, you'll spend more time fishing and less time traveling. This Parker has logged plenty of seasons working the waters off Sonoma County, making it a dependable choice for targeting Dungeness crab and bottom fish during the fall season.
Eureka