8-Hour Halibut Adventure in San Francisco Bay

Reel in Trophy Halibut on SF Bay

Get ready for a top-notch day of fishing on the San Francisco Bay! This 8-hour halibut trip with Norcal Traditions Sportfishing is perfect for anglers looking to land some serious flatties. We'll be targeting California halibut, with chances at striped bass and other Bay Area favorites. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, our expert crew will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast. The Bay's halibut fishing is red hot right now, so don't miss your chance to get in on the action!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet up bright and early at the dock, where you'll hop aboard our comfortable, well-equipped fishing vessel. After a quick safety briefing, we'll cruise out to some of the Bay's prime halibut grounds. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you can bet we'll be fishing the hot spots. We use a mix of drift fishing and trolling techniques, depending on what the fish are doing that day. You'll be using top-of-the-line gear, and our crew is always ready to lend a hand with baiting hooks, netting fish, or showing you the ropes if you're new to halibut fishing. The action can be fast and furious when we find a school, so be ready for some serious rod-bending fun!

Halibut Hunting Tactics

Halibut fishing in the Bay is all about finesse and knowing where these flatfish like to hang out. We'll be focusing on sandy or muddy bottoms where halibut love to ambush their prey. Our go-to technique is drifting with live bait - usually anchovies or shiner perch. We'll rig them on a three-way swivel setup with just enough weight to keep the bait near the bottom. When a halibut hits, it's all about the subtle bite. You might feel a tap-tap or just extra weight on the line. That's when you set the hook hard and get ready for a fight! These flatties can put up a serious battle, especially the bigger ones. We'll also do some trolling with artificial lures, dragging them slowly along the bottom to trigger strikes from aggressive halibut. The captain will be constantly checking the fish finder and adjusting our tactics based on what he's seeing, so you can count on being in the thick of the action all day long.

Species You'll Want to Hook

California halibut are the stars of the show on this trip, and for good reason. These flatfish are prized for both their fighting ability and their fantastic taste on the dinner table. In the Bay, we typically catch halibut in the 5-15 pound range, but fish over 20 pounds aren't uncommon. The current California state record is a whopping 67 pounds, so there's always a chance at a true monster! Halibut are ambush predators, lying camouflaged on the bottom waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey fish. They're most active in the warmer months from late spring through early fall, which is when we run most of our trips. What makes halibut so exciting to catch is their initial burst of power when hooked. They'll often make a strong run, then settle in for a tug-of-war as you work them up from the bottom. Landing a big 'but is always a thrill!

While we're primarily after halibut, don't be surprised if you hook into some other Bay Area favorites. Striped bass are common catches, especially around structure and current lines. These hard-fighting fish can range from 5-30 pounds and put up an awesome battle on light tackle. We also see our fair share of leopard sharks, bat rays, and even the occasional sturgeon. The diversity of species in the Bay means you never quite know what might end up on the end of your line!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing San Francisco Bay that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of battling a big halibut against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge. Or the satisfaction of limiting out on tasty flatfish that'll feed the family for days. For many, it's the camaraderie of spending a day on the water with good company, swapping fish stories and enjoying the Bay's ever-changing moods. Our trips are designed to be fun and productive for anglers of all skill levels. Beginners love the hands-on instruction and thrill of their first halibut, while experienced anglers appreciate our local knowledge and commitment to putting clients on quality fish. And let's be honest - there's nothing quite like the bragging rights that come with landing a trophy halibut in one of the most iconic fishing destinations on the West Coast!

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the Bay and tangle with some hard-fighting halibut, now's the time to lock in your spot. Our 8-hour trips are perfect for both locals looking for a quick fishing fix and out-of-towners wanting to experience the best of Bay Area angling. We provide all the gear you need, so all you have to worry about is showing up ready for action. Remember to bring some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up throughout the day. With the halibut bite in full swing, these trips are filling up fast. Don't miss your chance to get in on some of the best fishing San Francisco has to offer. Give us a call or book online today, and get ready for an unforgettable day chasing flatties on the Bay!