Book Your Fishing Charter in Sausalito, CA

Fishing in Sausalito has never been exhilarating and freeing. Anglers can choose whether they want to go freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing.

Book Your Fishing Charter in Sausalito, CA
Book Your Fishing Charter in Sausalito, CA
Team Guidesly

March 3, 2021, 4 min read

Updated on June 19, 2023

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Sausalito California: Fishing on a Dock by the Bay

Sausalito Village

If that line sounds familiar to you, you should know that Otis Redding’s popular hit, ‘Sitting on a Dock by the Bay’, referred to this beautiful city of Sausalito.

Sausalito is a city located north of the Golden Gate Bridge where people love to visit not only for its excellent fishing spots but for its sceneries and beaches. The place was home to musicians and artists inspired by its story of living by the Bay Area as its seas and landscapes inspire them.

But mostly, this city is a great fishing getaway for anglers. Tourists come and visit Sausalito to enjoy year-round fishing of huge trophy fish.

Choose Your Sausalito Fishing Experience

Fishing in Sausalito has never been exhilarating and freeing. Anglers can choose whether they want to go freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing.

The nearby Sacramento and Trinity Rivers are great spots for both inshore and offshore freshwater fishing abundant in bass and trout. The city also has impoundments and lakes to enjoy.

Sausalito Yacht Harbor

But nothing beats saltwater fishing, especially in a city facing the San Francisco and San Diego Bays. Its coasts, piers, harbors, and beaches are always filled with eager anglers for the season’s most awaited catch.

You can opt to stay off waters with pier fishing. Many private and public piers allow anglers just to sit down, relax, and just enjoy a good catch for the day. The most popular spot is Fort Baker, which is not only rich with perch and jacksmelt; you can enjoy the city and island landscapes from there, too. You can also enjoy shore fishing and just prop up a chair and cast your line.

However, if you want a great fishing experience, you can charter a boat and go for deep-sea fishing! It is where you’ll find the best and biggest fish such as salmons, tunas, sturgeons, and even sharks, depending on which time of the year you’re planning to visit. Fishing guides will help you get to the best fishing hotspot in the area, especially if you’re looking to catch a specific fish.

Fishing for All Seasons 

What makes Sausalito a fantastic fishing spot is the availability of fish in all seasons.

Enjoy winter fishing as it is the best time to catch the White Sturgeon in the area. These are considered trophy fish because of their size and intense fights once you reel them in. Other fish species abundant during the cold season are halibut, lingcod, rockfish, and flounder.

Catch some huge Chinook Salmon during the spring and autumn season, especially in the ‘Salmon Highway’ from the California Delta down to the Bay Area. Anglers love these aggressive swimmers in the open sea because it gives them that kick of adrenaline rush. You can find bass, halibut, and some sharks in spring along with the Chinook Salmon. You’ll find rockfish, halibut, and lingcod during autumn as well.

Lastly, you won’t get the real fishing experience in Sausalito unless you catch Albacore Tuna. Often found during summer up until autumn, they are considered a must-catch because of their size, speed, and strength. Anglers love the fight with this one. 

A Complete Weekend Experience

Sausalito may be known as a fishing spot, but you can do more than just fishing if you’re planning for a weekend trip. The Bay Area is rich with side-trip experiences; even some are still related to fish and fishing.

1. From line to the table

Enjoy a sumptuous meal of seafood and more with an array of restaurants in the city. After a day of fishing, some restaurants allow you to enjoy your fresh catch. However, many restaurants have their menus filled with the day’s catch so you can enjoy delectable fish dishes without having to go out to the water.

2. Bay Area recreation

Spend time with your kids and take them to the Bay Area Discovery Museum or have some ‘me’ time in different recreational and wellness spots around the area. You can enjoy retail therapy as there are fashion, houseware, and specialty shops nearby. 

3. A sight to see

Bask into the beauty of nature around Sausalito. Head to Marin Headlines and enjoy the view of Muir Woods and Mount Tamalpais.

4. Enjoy the beach

Sausalito’s beaches have some unique treats for everyone. Rodeo and South Rodeo beaches let you enjoy a day at the beach, walking on the shores, or have a quiet picnic. On the other hand, Schoonmaker Beach has something more to offer for sports lovers where you can find playing courts and even enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding. At the same time, Point Bonita Lighthouse gives you a different experience of hiking paths, tunnels, and the lighthouse's view for sightseeing.

Fish in Sausalito and beyond.