Full Day Halibut And Striped Bass Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday private fishing trip targeting Halibut and Striped BassAll tackle, gear, and live bait included in trip priceEighthour charter departing from Marina Bay Yacht Harbor Richmond
Captain Sean Stafford knows these San Francisco Bay waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This full-day private charter targets two of the bay's most prized species – Pacific Halibut and Striped Bass – but don't be surprised if you end up battling White Sea Bass or wrestling with a hefty Leopard Shark. These potluck-style trips keep things interesting, and that's exactly what makes fishing the bay so addictive. You'll launch from Marina Bay Yacht Harbor in Richmond, perfectly positioned to hit the productive waters where the bay meets the Pacific.
Your 8-hour adventure starts early at Marina Bay Yacht Harbor, where Captain Sean will have the fishSFbay loaded and ready to roll. This isn't your typical party boat experience – you're getting a private charter that moves with the fish, not the clock. The bay offers incredible variety, from shallow flats where halibut ambush baitfish to deeper channels where stripers cruise in schools. One minute you might be drifting over sandy bottom in 20 feet of water, the next you're anchored up in 60-foot depths waiting for that telltale halibut bite. The captain provides all live bait, tackle, and gear, so you can focus on what matters – getting fish in the boat. Just bring your valid California fishing license, pack a lunch, and prepare for a day that could surprise you at every turn. Fair warning though – you'll need at least 3 anglers to make this trip happen, so rally your fishing buddies.
Captain Sean runs a variety of proven techniques depending on conditions and where the fish are holding. For halibut, expect to fish live bait on the bottom – anchovies and sardines work magic when presented right along the sandy flats these flatfish call home. The key is feeling that subtle pickup, because halibut don't slam baits like rockfish do. They mouth it, swim with it, then hopefully commit. Striped bass fishing is a different game entirely. Depending on the season and bait schools, you might be drift fishing with live anchovies, casting swimbaits to breaking fish, or even trolling if the stripers are scattered. The captain keeps a full arsenal of tackle on board, from lighter setups for schoolie stripers to heavier gear when the big halibut are biting. Live bait tanks stay topped off with fresh anchovies and sardines, because in San Francisco Bay, nothing beats the real deal. When White Sea Bass show up, they usually want that live bait suspended in the water column, while Leopard Sharks will grab just about anything that hits bottom.
Pacific Halibut are the crown jewel of bay fishing, and for good reason. These flatfish can grow massive in Northern California waters – we're talking fish that can stretch 4 feet long and weigh 40+ pounds. The best halibut action typically runs from late spring through early fall, when these ambush predators move into shallower water to feed on abundant baitfish. What makes halibut so special isn't just their size, but the way they fight. Once hooked, they turn sideways and use that flat body like a dinner plate, making every inch feel like you're pulling up a manhole cover. Plus, halibut are absolutely fantastic eating – firm, white meat that's perfect on the grill or in fish tacos. Striped Bass bring a completely different energy to your fishing day. These silver bullets are pure muscle, known for long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your arms. San Francisco Bay stripers range from schoolie-sized fish around 18 inches up to true cows pushing 30+ pounds. Peak striper season varies, but spring and fall typically offer the most consistent action as these fish follow bait migrations. What anglers love about stripers is their aggressive nature – when they're feeding, they hit hard and fight harder. Whether you're battling a school of 3-pounders or locked up with a 20-pound bass, stripers always put on a show.
San Francisco Bay delivers some of California's most consistent inshore fishing, and Captain Sean's local knowledge puts you right where you need to be. This isn't just about catching fish – though you'll definitely do that – it's about experiencing the bay's incredible diversity and learning from a captain who lives and breathes these waters. Every trip is different because the bay never stops changing. Tides shift, bait moves, and fish respond, which means your day could unfold in ways you never expected. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target trophy halibut or someone who just wants to bend a rod and have a good time, this full-day charter delivers the goods. The fact that all gear, bait, and tackle are included means you can show up ready to fish without worrying about the details. Remember, you'll need that minimum of 3 anglers to book, so grab your crew and get ready for a day on the water that reminds you why San Francisco Bay fishing is second to none. Don't wait too long – the best days book fast, especially during peak season when the halibut and stripers are really turning on.
Hop aboard the Defiance 290 Guadalupe for your full-day hunt for halibut and stripers in San Francisco Bay. This solid 29-footer cuts through the bay waters with confidence, equipped with everything you need to find and fight fish. The GPS and fish finder combo helps Captain Sean locate the productive spots, while the radar keeps you safe when the fog rolls in. VHF radio keeps you connected to the fleet for hot bite reports. The boat handles the bay's chop well and has enough room to work your tackle without bumping elbows. There's even a head onboard for those long 8-hour trips. Whether you're drifting for halibut in the shallows or chasing bass around the structure, this boat gets you there and back with all the electronics and safety gear you'd want for serious bay fishing.
Hippoglossus StenolepisThese flatfish are the barn doors of the Bay - think 20-50 pounds on average, but don't be shocked if we hook something pushing 100. They sit on sandy bottoms in 60-200 feet, waiting to ambush anything that swims by. Summer's prime time when they move shallower to feed, making them more accessible from the Bay. What draws people back? Pure power. A big halibut will take you to school, and the meat's some of the finest eating you'll find. They're sneaky fighters too - feels like you're stuck on bottom until they wake up angry. Pro tip: when you feel that telltale tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook. They like to mouth bait before committing, and patience pays off with these giants.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are hands-down one of the best fighters you'll hook in these waters. Most run 20-40 pounds, but we see plenty that'll test your drag system. These silver beauties with their signature dark stripes love structure - think rocky points, drop-offs, and areas where currents meet. They're here year-round, but spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding near the surface. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste amazing, and never give up easy. In the Bay, I always tell folks to watch for birds working baitfish - that's your money spot. Stripers will push anchovies and herring to the surface, creating feeding frenzies that'll keep your rod bent all day.
San Francisco, CA