San Francisco Fishing Charters

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Recently Booked Fishing Charters Near San Francisco, Ca

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Francisco

San Francisco Crab Trip (Only Available November/December)

NEW
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $200 / person

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Francisco

San Francisco Bay Premier Trip

100% (1)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $190 / person

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Francisco

Crabbing Trips

NEW
21 ft 1 - 5 People From $84 / person

Nearshore Fishing Charter in South San Francisco

Oyster Point Rocks And Reef Trip

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22 ft 1 - 4 People From $213 / person

Inshore Fishing Charter in Richmond

Marin Salmon Fishing

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30 ft 1 - 6 People From $192 / person

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Richmond

Open Ocean Salmon Trip

NEW
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $300 / person

Most Popular Types of Trips in San Francisco

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

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More Fishing Charters Near San Francisco, Ca

Captain Bill invites you to join him aboard his 24’ pilothouse fishing vessel, a custom-built boat manufactured by H&F Radon. She can fit up to 4 anglers at the same time, so gather your fishing crew! State-of-the-art Raymarine electronics and navigation equipment is present on board, so you can quickly find your fish and not waste time searching. She's also an excellent offshore vessel, with 8x13.5' of rear deck fishing area, and a 52-gallon live bait tank. On this charter, you'll target Chinook (King) Salmon on trolling gear. This is a fantastic way to hook these big, fast fish! You can also "mooch" for Salmon, using light tackle rigged with a sinker and a plug or other lure. Captain Bill is happy to show you the ropes at this technique if it's new to you! Catching Salmon on light tackle is truly a blast, and plus these fish taste great! High-quality gear is provided to you for use, such as Phoenix rods, Shimano reels, and custom Calstar rods. The captain will clean and fillet your catch, so don’t forget to bring a cooler to take your hard-fought dinner home. If you’re looking to spend the afternoon relaxing in San Francisco Bay or feel the heart-pounding action of battling huge beasts in the ocean, Captain Bill is here to help! All you need to bring is proper clothing and your California Fishing Licenses—everything else is provided for you. Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Richmond

Open Ocean Salmon Trip

NEW
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $300 / person

If the fish are biting, Captain Anthony is fighting 'em on this 4 to 5-hour morning trip on San Francisco Bay! And if the fish aren't biting, Captain Anthony will change locations, baits, and tactics until they do. And no matter whether the fish cooperate or not, you'll start your day off right with a beautiful sunrise on the Bay! On this trip, you'll be targeting King Salmon on the way to the spawn. These fish are big, beautiful, and fun to catch—plus, they're excellent eating! Captain Anthony provides all the gear and tackle, and he'll clean your keepers at the end of the trip as well. This trip is a great way for beginners to get on a boat and get a feel for sportfishing, without feeling totally exhausted at the end of the day. Anthony runs a newly-refinished 30' Sportcraft fishing vessel that's ideal for this water, and comes equipped with great amenities to enhance your experience, including a full cabin, flybridge, trolling gear, and more. Get out there and catch a bunch! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Richmond

Marin Salmon Fishing

NEW
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $192 / person

Join Captain Stephen on this awesome California bottomfishing adventure, where you'll drop lines for all kinds of classic Pacific species, including Halibut, Rockfish, White Seabass, Lingcod, and more! These fish inhabit the lower regions of the water column, where they feed on sea critters living on the bottom. You'll drop lines down over rocks, kelp beds, and structure, looking for bites from big bottomfish. These fish can get huge, so prepare for a big-time fight! Every species has different tactics when it comes to getting free, so pay attention to Captain Stephen's advice as you reel in your trophy! You'll be aboard a 22' fishing vessel that's built to handle anything that the Pacific can throw your way. She's comfortable and has a roomy deck for lots of fishing action! With Captain Stephen at the helm, you're in great hands, so all you need to do is hook fish! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in South San Francisco

Oyster Point Rocks And Reef Trip

NEW
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $213 / person

Come aboard this trip and discover the Central Coast river estuaries, rich in Dungeness Crab! This fun-filled experience delivers non-stop action and an opportunity to make some exciting and delicious memories. You’ll spend the trip aboard a 2019, 21’ Willie Raptor boat, powered by a 115 HP Yamaha outboard. It can accommodate 5 guests comfortably, all of who can fish at the same time. The boat features heated deluxe seats, the latest onboard electronics, and all the necessary safety equipment. There is also cold storage for both drinks and the catch – giving you everything you need for a fun and productive trip. Water, coffee, and soft drinks are included on all trips. All you need to bring is food, fishing license, and warm clothing. Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Francisco

Crabbing Trips

NEW
21 ft 1 - 5 People From $84 / person

The cold, rich Pacific currents that flow along California's coast make the San Francisco Bay an angler's paradise. The inshore, nearshore, and offshore water here supports a superb marine ecosystem with a huge diversity of top-notch sport and game species, all of which you can go after with Captain Craig. On this trip, Captain Craig will get you out there to target King Salmon, Halibut, Leopard Sharks, Lingcod, Rockfish, Striped Bass, and Sturgeon! This is a unique mix of species that will give you a ton of different challenges and things to enjoy! Because there are so many species to target, you'll mix it up with several different fishing techniques including bottomfishing, trolling, drifting, jigging, and more. Depending on the season, weather, and your fishing preferences, Captain Craig will make sure that you're equipped with the right gear and tackle to get the job done. You'll be out there aboard his 33' Crown Custom sportfisher. Originally built in 1979, she's a purpose-built vessel that can handle anything the Bay can throw at you. She runs a 250-HP Scania engine and sports bait wells, bathroom, and a full suite of electronics to enhance your fishing. With all the rods, reels, bait, and tackle provided, you just need to bring sunscreen and your California Fishing Licenses. Get out there and hook 'em! Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Francisco

San Francisco Bay Premier Trip

100% (1)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $190 / person

The cold, rich Pacific currents that flow along California's coast make the San Francisco Bay an angler's (or a crabber's) paradise! On this trip, Captain Craig will get you out into the Bay to drop down for Dungeness Crab, which are a delicious and easy species to catch. In addition, hitting the bottom for Crab will also let you get hooked up on Rockfish and potentially other bottomfish as well! Depending on the season, weather, and your fishing preferences, Captain Craig will make sure that you're equipped with the right gear and tackle to get the job done. You'll be out there aboard his 33' Crown Custom sportfisher. Originally built in 1979, she's a purpose-built vessel that can handle anything the Bay can throw at you. She runs a 250-HP Scania engine and sports bait wells, bathroom, and a full suite of electronics to enhance your fishing. With all the rods, reels, bait, and tackle provided, you just need to bring sunscreen and your California Fishing Licenses. Get out there and hook 'em! Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Francisco

San Francisco Crab Trip (Only Available November/December)

NEW
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $200 / person
See All Trips in San Francisco

Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in San Francisco

What are the best fishing charters in San Francisco?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 8 trips in San Francisco, and the most popular trips in the area are San Francisco Crab Trip (Only available November/December) guided by Craig, San Francisco Bay Premier Trip guided by Craig, and Crabbing Trips guided by David.

Our guides in San Francisco are rated a 4 out of 5 based on 2401 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Other popular cities nearby for booking a charter include Richmond and South San Francisco.

Looking for kid friendly charters in San Francisco? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in San Francisco.

What types of fishing charters are common in San Francisco?

Inshore fishing is the most popular in San Francisco as well as nearshore fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in San Francisco are: 1. rockfish, 2. halibut, 3. striped bass, and 4. chinook salmon.

The most common fishing techniques in San Francisco are light tackle fishing, drift fishing, and bottom fishing but live bait fishing and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.

How much do San Francisco fishing charters cost?

in San Francisco prices can range anywhere from an affordable $350 to $1,560, but the average price for a half day trip in San Francisco is $785. The average price for a full day trip in San Francisco is $1,132.

What month is best for fishing in San Francisco?

The most popular season for fishing in San Francisco is fall, and most anglers book their trips 42 days in advance.

Do I need a San Francisco fishing license and what are the bag limits in San Francisco?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in San Francisco, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in San Francisco. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in San Francisco.

San Francisco Inshore fishing

San Francisco has always been a strong fishing destination. It started because of its proximity to the ocean and the natural harbor that protects it from the weather. These aquatic roots are still present today with the cities love for seafood and an abundance of fishing options. Whether you want to fish close to shore for striped bass or offshore for giant deepwater species, you can find it here.

The striper fishing in San Francisco is great for anglers of all skill levels and the action gets even better in the summer and fall when they are spawning. Aside from the popular striper, chinook salmon is a favorite among anglers here. Most frequently caught while trolling, the "king" of all salmon is fun to catch and delicious to eat. Artificial lures and live bait are popular options for targeting striper and salmon whether casting or trolling. Both of these fish are incredibly powerful and are formidable fighters. Inshore fishing San Francisco is sure to be action-packed and send you home with some tasty fish.

San Francisco Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing for halibut, lingcod, and rockfish in a great time with a more laid-back approach to fishing. Drop bait down to the depths where these predators hunt and wait for a bite. While you are waiting it can be calm and relaxing but when one of these fish crushes your bait, everything changes. These bottom-dwelling species grow huge and will make you battle to get them on board. For anglers who want a true prize, there are sturgeon in these waters but catching one is not for the faint of heart. This dinosaur of a fish can grow to 12 feet long and easily overpower tackle that is too light. If you are set on catching sturgeon, make sure to book a dedicated trip.

Popular Types of Fishing In San Francisco

San Francisco fishing charters offer a variety of options for anglers of all levels. The most common types of fishing charters in San Francisco are salmon fishing, rock fishing, and crabbing.

Salmon fishing charters take you out to the Pacific Ocean to catch Chinook and Coho salmon. Rock fishing charters take you to the rocky reefs and kelp beds to catch rockfish, lingcod, and halibut. Crabbing charters take you to the San Francisco Bay to catch Dungeness crab.

Some popular landmarks that San Francisco fishing charters visit include the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. So, whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, there's a San Francisco fishing charter that's perfect for you.

The Best Places To Fish In San Francisco

San Francisco is a great place for fishing enthusiasts, with plenty of options for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Here are some of the best places to fish in San Francisco, whether you're looking for a fishing charter or just a spot to cast your line.

1. Golden Gate Park: This park offers several ponds and lakes that are stocked with trout and catfish, making it a great spot for freshwater fishing.

2. Ocean Beach: This beach is a popular spot for surf fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch perch, striped bass, and other species.

3. San Francisco Bay: The bay is home to a wide variety of fish, including halibut, salmon, and sturgeon. Fishing charters are available for those who want to explore the bay's waters.

4. Lake Merced: This lake is stocked with trout and catfish, and also has bass and bluegill. It's a great spot for freshwater fishing, and there are several fishing charters available in the area.

5. Fort Point: This historic fort is located at the entrance to the Golden Gate Bridge, and is a popular spot for fishing. Anglers can catch rockfish, perch, and other species from the pier.

6. Pacifica Pier: This pier is located just south of San Francisco, and is a great spot for surf fishing. It's known for its large population of striped bass, as well as other species like halibut and perch.

7. Half Moon Bay: This coastal town is a popular destination for fishing charters, with opportunities to catch salmon, rockfish, and other species in the waters off the coast.

8. San Pablo Reservoir: This reservoir is located just north of San Francisco, and is a popular spot for freshwater fishing. It's stocked with trout, catfish, and bass, and there are several fishing charters available in the area.

Other Things To Do In San Francisco

While San Francisco fishing charters are a popular attraction, there are plenty of other things to do in this bustling city. Take a stroll through Golden Gate Park, visit the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, or explore the vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown and Haight-Ashbury. For a taste of history, check out Alcatraz Island or the Palace of Fine Arts. Foodies will love the diverse culinary scene, from fresh seafood at Fisherman's Wharf to the famous sourdough bread at Boudin Bakery. And don't forget to catch a Giants game at Oracle Park or take a scenic drive down Lombard Street. With so much to see and do, San Francisco is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

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