San Francisco Fishing Charters
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Shared fishing charter explores productive San Francisco Bay watersCaptain Don guides groups targeting multiple local fish speciesSixperson capacity ensures personalized attention and comfortable fishing
Captain Don's Sole-Man Sportfishing charter offers some of the best shared fishing adventures you'll find around San Francisco Bay. This isn't your typical tourist trap—we're talking about serious fishing with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. You'll be fishing alongside up to 5 other anglers in a laid-back atmosphere where everyone's focused on one thing: hooking into the Bay Area's top gamefish. Whether you're a local looking to get out on the water or visiting from out of town, this charter delivers the goods with stellar views of the San Francisco skyline as your backdrop.
Captain Don runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed and fun for everyone aboard. The boat heads out into San Francisco Bay's prime fishing zones where the action stays consistent throughout the day. You'll be sharing the experience with fellow anglers who range from weekend warriors to seasoned locals, creating that perfect mix where everyone learns something new. The captain provides all the essential tackle and knows exactly where to position the boat based on current conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns. Don't worry about bringing your own gear—everything you need is provided, from rods and reels to bait and terminal tackle. Just show up ready to fish and let Captain Don put you on the fish.
Most of the fishing happens using bottom fishing techniques with heavy sinkers to get down to where the rockfish and lingcod hang out. You'll also do some drift fishing for striped bass when they're running, and Captain Don switches up the approach based on what's biting. The boat carries medium to heavy action rods paired with conventional reels loaded with braided line—perfect for feeling those subtle bites and muscling fish up from deeper water. Live bait like anchovies works great for the stripers, while chunks of squid and rockfish jigs are money for the bottom dwellers. The captain reads the electronics constantly and moves the boat to stay on productive structure, whether that's rocky reefs, underwater ledges, or current breaks where baitfish concentrate.
Copper Rockfish are the bread and butter of San Francisco Bay fishing, and these beautiful orange and brown fish hit hard and fight well on medium tackle. They typically run 2-4 pounds and love rocky bottom structure in 60-120 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, and they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilling.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Bay Area fishing, with fish ranging from schoolie-size up to hefty 20+ pounders. These chrome-sided fighters are most active during their spring and fall migrations, though resident fish provide action year-round. They're ambush predators that love current edges and baitfish schools, making them one of the most exciting species to target. The fight is legendary—they make long runs and jump when hooked on lighter tackle.
Leopard Sharks offer something completely different with their spotted patterns and smooth, steady fights. These sharks typically run 3-5 feet long and are most common during warmer months when they move into shallower bay waters to feed. They're perfectly safe to handle and make for great photos before release. Kids especially love catching these unique-looking sharks.
Shortfin Mako Sharks are the ultimate prize for offshore adventurers. These speed demons are built for pure acceleration and can reach speeds over 40 mph. When you hook a mako, you're in for the fight of your life—they make blazing runs and spectacular jumps that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Summer months offer the best shot at these apex predators when they follow warm water currents closer to shore.
Pacific Halibut represent the holy grail of West Coast flatfish, with barn doors reaching 50+ pounds lurking in deeper bay channels. These ambush predators bury in sand and mud bottoms, waiting to engulf passing baitfish. They're most active during summer months and provide both an amazing fight and incredible eating. Landing a keeper halibut is something you'll remember for years—they fight like a giant underwater frisbee that doesn't want to come up.
San Francisco Bay fishing stays productive year-round, but booking with Captain Don means you're getting local knowledge that can't be beat. The shared charter format keeps costs reasonable while maintaining that authentic fishing experience you're looking for. With only 6 spots available, trips fill up quick, especially during peak season when the stripers are running thick and the rockfish bite is wide open. Whether you're planning a solo fishing adventure or bringing a buddy, this charter delivers consistent action with one of the Bay Area's most experienced captains. Don't wait too long to secure your spot—the fish are biting, and Captain Don's calendar fills up fast during prime fishing season.
Step aboard this classic 1974 Uniflite Pilothouse and get ready to chase fish in San Francisco's productive offshore waters! This 32-foot vintage beauty combines old-school charm with the modern gear you need for a successful day on the water. Captain Don knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish using the boat's fish finder and GPS system. The reliable 210 Cummins engine gets you to the hot spots quickly, while the radar keeps you safe when the fog rolls in. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rails without bumping elbows. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting feeding birds and bait balls, and when nature calls, the onboard head keeps you comfortable during those longer fishing sessions. Whether you're targeting rockfish, lingcod, or seasonal salmon runs, this well-equipped charter boat has everything needed for a productive day of bottom fishing and trolling the San Francisco Bay area.
Sebastes CaurinusThese copper-colored rockfish are perfect for beginners since they're not picky eaters and there's plenty of them around. You'll typically find them averaging 13 inches and 3 pounds, though they can hit 26 inches. They hang out in rocky areas between 30-150 feet, blending in with their surroundings thanks to their copper and orange blotches. Winter through early spring is prime time when they're spawning and more active. What makes them fun is they'll hit just about any bait you drop down - squid, shrimp, or small jigs work great. The key trick is to bounce your rig up and down near the bottom rocks where they hide. They're not huge fighters, but they're tasty eating and great for getting kids hooked on fishing.
Triakis SemifasciataDon't let the "shark" name scare you - leopards are completely harmless and actually pretty mellow fighters. These spotted beauties run 4-5 feet on average, with females getting a bit bigger. You'll find them in shallow bays and kelp forests, rarely deeper than 100 feet, cruising the bottom looking for crabs and small fish. They're active year-round in our mild waters, but warmer months see more action. What's cool is they're totally unique - not many places let you catch sharks this easily. They're curious but gentle, making for great family fishing. My go-to setup is squid or mackerel chunks on a 5/0 circle hook with enough weight to stay on bottom. Keep your bait fresh and away from the sun.
Hippoglossus StenolepisThese are the barn doors of the Pacific - massive flatfish that can weigh 100-500 pounds and fight like freight trains. They live on sandy and muddy bottoms between 150-500 feet, ambushing prey from below. Summer is prime time when they move into shallower feeding areas. What makes halibut special is the combination of size, fight, and some of the best eating fish in the ocean. The white meat is incredible - firm, sweet, and flaky. You'll need heavy gear and 1-2 pound weights to reach them. The secret is keeping your bait moving near bottom - bounce your rod tip to make that salmon belly or herring look alive. They hunt by sight in shallow water, so bright days can be productive.
Isurus OxyrinchusThis is big game fishing at its finest - makos are the fastest sharks in the ocean and absolute monsters to fight. We're talking 200-300 pounds of pure muscle that can jump 20 feet out of the water when hooked. You'll find them in open ocean waters, usually near the surface but they'll dive deep when chasing food. Summer and fall are best when water temps are right. What draws serious anglers is the challenge - these sharks are smart, powerful, and will test every piece of your gear. The meat is excellent too, like a firm tuna. Requires heavy tackle - 50lb class minimum. My tip: use fresh bluefish or tuna for bait and be ready for anything. They've been known to jump right into the boat, so stay alert.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of San Francisco Bay fishing. These silver beauties with their distinctive black stripes average 20-40 pounds but can push much bigger. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around rocky areas, drop-offs, and jetties in moving water. Spring through fall is your best bet when they're actively feeding near the surface during dawn and dusk. What gets people hooked is their powerful fight - they're smart, strong swimmers that'll test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. The local trick is to fish the tide changes around the bay's rocky points using live anchovies or herring. Work the bait in current lines where baitfish get pushed around.
San Francisco, CA