Full Day Private Fishing in San Francisco Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 8hour charter targets Halibut and Striped Bass in San Francisco BayAccommodates up to six guests with all fishing gear providedScenic views include Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Angel Island
Picture this: you and your crew having the entire boat to yourselves, casting lines in one of California's most productive fisheries while the Golden Gate Bridge towers overhead. That's exactly what you get with Reel Obsession Sportfishing's private charter on San Francisco Bay. This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience – it's an 8-hour private adventure targeting trophy Striped Bass and Pacific Halibut in waters that consistently produce world-class catches. Departing from Richmond at 5:30 AM sharp, you'll have prime fishing time before the weekend crowds hit the water. The bay's unique geography creates perfect conditions for these top-rated species, and with Captain's local knowledge, you'll fish the most productive spots from the Richmond Flats to the deeper channels near Alcatraz.
Your day starts early, but trust me, it's worth every minute. We're talking about accessing some of the West Coast's best inshore fishing before most anglers even finish their coffee. The 8-hour window gives us plenty of time to work multiple spots depending on tides, weather, and where the fish are biting. San Francisco Bay is massive – we're covering everything from the shallow flats where halibut love to ambush bait, to the deeper drop-offs where stripers school up. The beauty of a private charter means we can adapt our strategy on the fly. If the halibut bite is slow, we'll switch up tackle and target those hard-fighting stripers. With space for up to six anglers, everyone gets plenty of room to fish without bumping elbows. The boat comes fully rigged with top-shelf gear, so whether you're a seasoned pro or picking up a rod for the first time, you'll have everything needed to land fish. The scenery is just a bonus – you'll be casting with Alcatraz in the background and the San Francisco skyline creating one heck of a backdrop for your fishing photos.
San Francisco Bay fishing is all about reading the water and matching your presentation to what the fish want. For halibut, we're primarily bottom fishing with live bait – anchovies and sardines work magic when presented just right near structure and sandy bottoms. The key is keeping that bait moving naturally while staying in contact with the bottom. We'll also work plastic swimbaits and white jigs, especially around the Richmond area where halibut cruise the flats looking for an easy meal. Striped bass fishing is where things get really fun – these fish are aggressive and will hit everything from live bait to topwater lures. Depending on conditions, we might troll large swimbaits, cast surface iron, or work live anchovies under the birds. The tackle is all provided, from heavy conventional setups for big halibut to lighter spinning gear perfect for schoolie stripers. Circle hooks are the standard here – they're better for the fish and dramatically improve your hookup ratio. The captain will handle all the technical stuff like reading the fish finder, understanding tide movements, and positioning the boat, so you can focus on what matters: fighting fish and having a blast with your group.
Striped Bass are the bread and butter of San Francisco Bay fishing, and for good reason. These fish are absolute warriors – when a 20-pound striper grabs your bait and makes that first run, you'll understand why anglers become obsessed with them. Spring through early summer is prime time, which perfectly aligns with this trip's March 28 to August 12 season. Stripers in the bay range from schoolie-sized fish perfect for beginners to trophy bulls pushing 30-plus pounds that'll test your drag and your arms. What makes them special is their fighting style – they're not just strong, they're smart. They'll run under the boat, jump, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook. The bay's striper population has been incredibly healthy, with excellent year classes providing consistent action throughout the season.
Pacific Halibut are the real prize fish here, and San Francisco Bay produces some genuine doormat-sized flatfish that'll have you grinning for days. These are ambush predators that lie buried in sand waiting for the perfect moment to strike. When a big halibut hits, there's often no subtlety – your rod just loads up and starts heading toward the bottom. The fight is different from a striper's acrobatic display; halibut use their broad, flat bodies like a sail, making powerful runs and trying to stay glued to the bottom. Bay halibut typically run from slot-sized fish around 22 inches up to genuine trophies exceeding 40 pounds. The best action happens during the warmer months when baitfish are abundant and halibut are actively feeding. What really gets anglers fired up is the unpredictability – you never know when that next drop might produce a fish of a lifetime. The bay's structure, from deep channels to sandy flats, creates perfect halibut habitat that keeps these fish resident year-round.
Here's the deal: private charters like this book up fast, especially during peak season when both species are most active. You're getting exclusive access to some of California's most productive fishing waters with a captain who knows exactly where to find fish when conditions are right. No crowded decks, no rushing to grab a spot at the rail, just you and your crew with room to fish properly. The 8-hour window gives you real value – enough time to work different areas, try various techniques, and capitalize when the bite turns on. Plus, you're creating memories with your group that'll last way longer than any fish story. Whether you're planning a bachelor party, family outing, or just want to treat your fishing buddies to something special, this trip delivers. The season runs through August 12th, so don't wait until the last minute. Book your date now and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing California has to offer. Trust me, once you experience the thrill
Your fishing adventure launches from a solid 28-foot Parker cabin cruiser that knows these San Francisco Bay waters inside and out. Built in 2005 with twin 250HP Yamaha engines, this boat cuts through the bay at speeds up to 40 knots, getting you to the prime halibut and striped bass spots quickly. The cabin keeps you comfortable during those early morning starts, while the onboard kitchen and fridge let you fuel up between fishing sessions. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate the best fishing grounds around Alcatraz and Angel Island. With space for six anglers, an icebox for your catch, and a private head, you'll have everything needed for a productive day targeting trophy fish. The boat's deep-V hull handles bay conditions smoothly, so you can focus on landing that keeper striped bass or hefty halibut while taking in views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the barn doors of the bay - these massive flatfish can reach 100+ pounds, though most we catch run 20-50 pounds. They're bottom huggers, sitting in 80-200 feet of water on sandy or muddy flats waiting to ambush prey. Summer months are best when they move into shallower feeding areas. What guests love about halibut fishing is the surprise factor - you never know if that weight on your line is a 15-pounder or a monster. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Pro tip: keep your bait moving slowly along the bottom with occasional lifts - halibut strike when the bait looks like it's trying to escape.
Morone SaxatilisSan Francisco Bay stripers are some of the hardest fighting fish you'll hook out here. These silver beauties with their signature black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds, though we've landed some pushing 50. They love structure - rocky points, bridge pilings, and drop-offs where baitfish gather. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're actively feeding in 15-40 feet of water. What makes stripers special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging runs that'll test your arms. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, sweet meat. Local tip: watch for diving birds - that's your best sign of a feeding school below. We'll position you right in the action.
Eureka