Half Day Halibut And Striped Bass Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour private halibut and striped bass fishing adventureAll tackle, bait, and gear included with tripDeparting Marina Bay Yacht Harbor with Captain Sean Stafford
Looking for a solid half-day fishing adventure without the commitment of a full day on the water? Captain Sean Stafford's 5-hour trip aboard fishSFbay delivers exactly what San Francisco Bay anglers are after. Based out of Marina Bay Yacht Harbor in Richmond, this top-rated charter puts you right in the heart of some of the bay's most productive fishing grounds. You'll be targeting the bay's bread and butter species—Halibut and Striped Bass—while staying open to whatever else decides to bite. With all tackle, live bait, and gear included, you just need to show up with your California fishing license and maybe pack a sandwich.
Captain Sean knows these Richmond waters like the back of his hand, and it shows in how he runs his trips. You'll launch from Marina Bay Yacht Harbor, which puts you within easy striking distance of the flats and channels where Halibut love to hang out, plus the structure and drop-offs that hold Striped Bass year-round. The boat handles 3 to 6 anglers comfortably, so you're not fighting for rail space or getting tangled lines every five minutes. Sean keeps the atmosphere relaxed but focused—he's there to put you on fish, not run a party boat. The 5-hour window gives you enough time to work different spots without feeling rushed, and if the bite is hot in one area, you'll stick with it until it cools off.
Sean's got the tackle dialed in for San Francisco Bay conditions, which means you're fishing with gear that actually works in these waters. For Halibut, you'll be working the bottom with live bait rigs—typically anchovies or sardines depending on what's available and active. The key is getting that bait down to where the fish are feeding and keeping it in the strike zone. Striped Bass fishing varies depending on conditions, but expect to use everything from live bait under floats to plastics and metals when they're schooling up. The captain provides all rods, reels, terminal tackle, and fresh live bait, so you don't need to worry about whether your gear is up to the task. He'll also throw in White Sea Bass and Leopard Shark techniques if those species are around and biting.
Striped Bass are the backbone of San Francisco Bay fishing, and for good reason. These fish fight hard, taste great, and you can target them pretty much year-round in these waters. The bay's Stripers range from schoolie-sized fish perfect for the dinner table up to bigger fish that'll test your drag system. Spring and fall tend to produce the most consistent action, but don't count out summer and winter—the fish are here, you just need to adjust your approach. What makes Striped Bass so popular with anglers is their willingness to eat both live bait and lures, plus they'll fight you all the way to the boat. When you hook into a good Striper, you'll know it immediately.
Pacific Halibut might be the ultimate San Francisco Bay prize fish. These flatfish can grow substantial in the bay, and even a smaller Halibut provides plenty of fillets for the freezer. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. The trick is presenting your bait right on the bottom where they're feeding, then being patient enough to let them take it properly. Halibut fishing requires a different mindset than Striped Bass—you're not covering water quickly, you're methodically working good bottom structure. When a Halibut hits, it's often subtle at first, then turns into a dogged fight as they try to get back to the bottom. The meat quality is outstanding, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the table.
This Richmond charter hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing without burning an entire day. Captain Sean's local knowledge, combined with his commitment to providing all the gear and bait, makes this a world-class fishing experience that keeps customers coming back. Whether you're targeting your first bay Halibut or looking to add some fresh Striped Bass to the cooler, this trip delivers consistent action in some of the bay's most productive waters. The 3-angler minimum ensures you're fishing with a small group, and the 6-angler maximum keeps things manageable. Just remember to grab your California fishing license before heading to the marina, and consider bringing along some lunch or snacks to keep your energy up during those 5 hours on the water.
Captain Sean Stafford's Defiance 290 Guadalupe is your ticket to productive fishing in San Francisco Bay waters. This well-equipped sportfisher comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - GPS to keep you on the fish, radar for those foggy Bay mornings, and a quality fish finder to locate schools of halibut and stripers hiding in the depths. The VHF radio keeps you connected while you're out there chasing big fish around Richmond's productive waters. With a private head onboard, you can focus on fishing without worrying about comfort during your 5-hour adventure. The boat handles Bay conditions with ease, getting you to the best halibut holes and striper hangouts quickly so you can maximize your time with lines in the water. All your tackle and live bait are covered - just grab your license and some snacks, and get ready to battle some serious San Francisco Bay gamefish.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the flatfish prize of the Bay - these "barn doors" can range from keeper-sized 22-inchers up to genuine monsters over 100 pounds. They're bottom huggers, lying in sandy areas and drop-offs in 80-300 feet of water, perfectly camouflaged until they ambush prey. Summer months give us the best shot as they move into shallower feeding zones. What draws anglers back is the anticipation - you never know if that tap on your rod tip is a 25-pounder or a fish that'll take 20 minutes to bring up. They're also premier table fare with firm, white fillets. My go-to technique here is bouncing heavy jigs or live bait right on bottom - halibut are lazy hunters, so keep your offering moving slowly to trigger that strike.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are one of the Bay's most popular targets, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters average 20-40 pounds but can push 50+ in our waters. You'll spot them by those distinctive dark stripes running down their flanks. They're structure-oriented fish, so we'll work drop-offs, rocky areas, and tide lines where baitfish get pushed around. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during moving tides at dawn and dusk. What makes stripers special is their aggressive fight - they'll make strong runs and put a serious bend in your rod. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Local tip: watch for diving birds - they'll show you where the bait is, and stripers are usually right underneath feeding hard.
San Francisco, CA