Full Day Advanced Salmon Fishing In Bodega Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour advanced salmon charter targeting Chinook, Coho, and Chum species.Expert Captain George provides guidance on trolling techniques and conditions.All fishing gear included with maximum four guests per trip.
This isn't your typical salmon charter. Captain George's full day advanced salmon fishing trip is designed specifically for experienced anglers who know the difference between good fishing and great fishing. You'll spend eight solid hours targeting the Pacific's premier salmon species in Bodega Bay's most productive waters, where Chinook, Coho, and Chum salmon stage during their peak seasonal runs. With a maximum of four anglers, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your techniques without crowding the rails.
Captain George knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about sharing the advanced tactics that separate weekend warriors from serious salmon anglers. You'll learn how to read the subtle current breaks where salmon hold, adjust your trolling speeds based on water temperature and bait activity, and fine-tune your downrigger depths to stay in the strike zone. The Sandy Ann comes equipped with top-rated gear including quality rods, reels, and a full tackle selection, but Captain George encourages experienced anglers to bring their own setups if they prefer. Early morning departures give you the best shot at hitting multiple productive zones before other boats crowd the grounds, and the eight-hour duration means you can adapt your strategy as conditions change throughout the day.
This trip focuses on the nuanced trolling methods that consistently produce salmon in Bodega Bay's dynamic conditions. Captain George will walk you through proper flasher and dodger setups, optimal leader lengths for different lure presentations, and how to adjust your spread based on sonar readings and water clarity. You'll work with proven salmon catchers like spoons, plugs, and herring rigs, learning when to switch between presentations as fish behavior changes. The boat's electronics include fish finders and GPS units loaded with waypoints marking productive structure and seasonal hotspots. Understanding how to read these tools and interpret what they're showing you is part of the advanced education you'll receive. Captain George also covers boat positioning, turn sequences, and speed adjustments that keep your lures in the strike zone longer and trigger more aggressive strikes from trophy-sized fish.
Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of Bodega Bay fishing, with mature kings ranging from 15 to 40 pounds showing up during prime season from May through September. These powerful fish prefer deeper water and stronger currents, often holding near underwater structure where baitfish concentrate. Chinooks are notorious for their bulldogging fights and long runs, making them a favorite among experienced anglers who appreciate a fish that tests both tackle and technique. Captain George knows the seasonal patterns that bring the biggest kings within range of the bay, and he'll position you over the proven holding areas where these trophy fish stage before their spawning runs.
Coho salmon offer a different but equally rewarding challenge, typically running smaller than Chinooks but making up for it with acrobatic fights and aggressive strikes. These silver bullets usually weigh between 8 to 15 pounds and are known for their jumping ability once hooked. Cohos often feed higher in the water column and respond well to flashy presentations trolled at moderate speeds. They're particularly active during overcast conditions and tend to bite throughout the day, making them reliable targets when Chinook action slows down. Their excellent table fare and spirited fights make them a customer favorite on Captain George's charters.
Chum salmon round out the target species with their distinctive hooked jaws and powerful builds. While they're not always the primary target, chums provide exciting action when encountered during their late summer and fall runs. These fish can reach impressive sizes and offer surprising strength for their streamlined appearance. Chums often travel in schools and can provide fast action when located, making them a welcome bonus species that adds variety to your fishing day. Captain George knows the timing and locations where chums are most likely to appear, giving you shots at all three salmon species during peak overlapping periods.
Advanced salmon fishing in Bodega Bay requires timing, technique, and local knowledge that Captain George has spent years developing. This isn't a trip for beginners looking to learn the basics – it's designed for experienced anglers who want to elevate their salmon fishing game and target trophy fish during peak seasons. The four-angler limit ensures personalized instruction and plenty of space to work your gear effectively. Remember to secure your valid California fishing license before the trip, and consider booking early since the most productive dates fill quickly among serious salmon anglers. Whether you're looking to dial in your trolling techniques, learn new presentations, or simply enjoy world-class salmon fishing with an expert guide, this full day charter delivers the advanced fishing experience that keeps customers coming back season after season.
This 4-person motorboat cuts through Bodega Bay's salmon-rich waters with the power and stability needed for serious fishing. Built for inshore trolling runs, she handles the coastal swells while you work the proven salmon grounds where Chinook, Coho, and Chum gather during their seasonal runs. The boat's setup lets Captain George position you perfectly over productive structure and current breaks. With enough space for four anglers to fish comfortably without tangled lines, you can focus on reading the sonar, adjusting your spread, and working those deeper channels where the big salmon cruise. Her reliable engine keeps you moving between hot spots as conditions change throughout the day.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of salmon fishing here in Bodega Bay. These bruisers typically run 12-30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 40+ pounds during peak runs. They're silver-sided with distinctive black spots and prefer deeper water, usually hanging 20-60 feet down near structure and baitfish schools. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when they're feeding heavily on anchovies and sardines. What makes them special is that legendary fight - they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag and stamina. The meat is top-shelf too, with that rich, orange-red flesh that's perfect for grilling. Here's a local tip: when trolling for kings, don't be afraid to run your gear deeper than you think. They're light-sensitive and often sit below the main thermocline where the water stays cool.
Oncorhynchus KetaChum salmon are the sleepers of our local runs - underrated but absolutely worth targeting. These fish average 10-20 pounds and are built like football players, giving you a sustained, bulldogging fight that'll wear you out. They prefer the 20-40 foot range during the day but move shallower at night. Fall is prime time when they're moving through our waters on their spawning migration. What makes chums interesting is they're spookier than other salmon but more aggressive once hooked. The meat has a milder flavor than chinook, making it great for smoking or grilling. They're also the most widely distributed salmon, so you'll often find them when other species are scarce. Here's the key with chums: don't cast right into a school or you'll spook the whole bunch. Instead, work the edges with bright chartreuse or pink lures.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or silvers as we call them, are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. Running 8-15 pounds on average, these acrobatic fighters will jump clear out of the water multiple times during a fight. They cruise the mid-water column, typically 15-40 feet deep, and love structure like kelp beds and rocky drop-offs. Fall is prime time when they're staging for their spawning runs, but we see good action from late summer through October. What sets cohos apart is their aerial show - they'll tail-walk and somersault like no other salmon. The bright orange meat is fantastic eating too. Pro tip for Bodega Bay cohos: when you see birds working over baitfish, get your gear down fast. Silvers follow the feed, and when they're hot, they'll hit just about anything with flash and movement.
Bodega Bay