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8-Hour Halibut Adventure in San Francisco Bay
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- San Francisco
- $150 - $700 price range
- Updated Date: October 4, 2025
Summary
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Bay Area Beauties
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Big halibut and striped bass action!
Spotted leopard sharks on deck!
Giant halibut catch success!
Summer salmon
Big halibut and striped bass action!
Spotted leopard sharks on deck!
Giant halibut catch success!
Summer salmon
Big halibut and striped bass action!
Spotted leopard sharks on deck!
Giant halibut catch success!
Reel in Giants: SF Bay Halibut Adventure
Ready to chase some of the biggest flatfish in the Bay? Norcal Traditions Sportfishing's halibut charter is your ticket to hooking into some serious slabs. Captain James Powers knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the skills to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this 8-hour trip is tailored to give you the best shot at landing a trophy halibut. Plus, you might just run into some striped bass or California flounder along the way. It's time to get out on the water and see what the Bay's got in store!
What to Expect on the Water
From the moment you step aboard, you'll feel the excitement in the air. Captain James and his crew will get you set up with top-notch gear - we're talking premium rods, reels, and all the tackle you need to entice those big flatties. The boat's smooth ride means you can focus on fishing, not on keeping your sea legs. As we cruise to the hot spots, you'll get the inside scoop on halibut habits and the best techniques to land them. Whether you're drifting live bait or working a jig, the crew's always there to lend a hand or share a pro tip. And when that rod doubles over? Get ready for a fight - halibut might be flat, but they're all muscle!
Halibut Hunting Grounds
San Francisco Bay is a halibut haven, and we know just where to find them. We'll hit prime spots like the Berkeley Flats, Angel Island, or maybe even venture out towards the Golden Gate if conditions are right. The key to halibut fishing is understanding the bottom structure and tides - lucky for you, that's our specialty. We use a mix of techniques, from slow-trolling with live bait to bouncing jigs off the sandy bottom. It's all about reading the water and adjusting our approach. And hey, if the halibut aren't biting, we're always ready to switch gears and target stripers or other Bay residents. Flexibility is the name of the game out here.
Species You'll Want to Hook
California halibut are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These ambush predators can grow upwards of 50 pounds, though a solid keeper in the Bay typically runs 10-30 pounds. They're masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom until they explode on their prey. The fight? It's like reeling in a freight train - all power and no quit. Halibut season peaks from May through September, but we can find them year-round in the Bay.
Don't sleep on the striped bass, though. These hard-fighting fish are a Bay Area staple, known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic leaps. They school up in the Bay, chasing bait and giving anglers a run for their money. Stripers in the 5-15 pound range are common, but trophy fish over 30 pounds aren't unheard of. They're most active in spring and fall, but summer can produce some epic topwater action.
And let's not forget about the California flounder. While they might not get as much glory as their halibut cousins, these flatfish put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. They're typically smaller, averaging 1-3 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers. Flounder are year-round residents in the Bay, often hanging out in the same areas as halibut. They're a great target when the bite is slow, and they make for some tasty table fare.
Top Catches This Season
The Bay's been on fire lately, with some real doormat halibut coming over the rails. We're talking fish in the 30-pound class, with a few pushing 40. One recent trip saw a father-daughter duo both land personal bests - a 38-pounder for dad and a 25-pounder for his teenage daughter. Talk about family bragging rights! Striped bass have been showing up in force too, with schools of 10-15 pounders keeping rods bent all day. And for the light tackle enthusiasts, the flounder fishing has been steady, with plenty of fish in the 2-3 pound range to keep things interesting between halibut bites.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the fish - though that's a big part of it. Our regulars rave about the laid-back vibe on board. There's something special about spending a day on the Bay, surrounded by iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline. Captain James has a knack for making everyone feel at home, whether you're a first-timer or a salty veteran. The crew's always ready with a helping hand or a bit of banter to keep spirits high. And when that big halibut hits the deck? The whole boat erupts in cheers. It's moments like these that keep folks coming back season after season.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, the Bay's calling, and those halibut aren't going to catch themselves. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch, want to learn from some of the best in the business, or just need a day away from the grind, this trip's got you covered. With only room for one guest per trip, you're guaranteed personalized attention and the best chance at landing that fish of a lifetime. The season's in full swing, and the bite's been hot. Don't miss out on your chance to get in on the action. Give Norcal Traditions Sportfishing a call and lock in your date. Trust me, your only regret will be not doing it sooner. See you on the water!
Learn more about the animal
California Flounder
California Flounder (Paralichthys californicus) Description
The California Flounder or the California Halibut is notable for having a tiny head and a well-developed set of large teeth. Like all the other flatfish species, it lies on its side and blends well into the sandy ocean floor as an adult.
A juvenile California Flounder normally starts out with eyes on both sides, and as it matures, its eyes migrate to the other side until it is able to swim on its side upon maturity. Its coloring on its eyed side is typically greenish-brown or greyish, speckled to blend more naturally with the sand or mud, while its “belly” or bottom side is lighter in color, usually white or cream.
Compared to the Pacific Halibut for which it is typically mistaken, the California Flounder is smaller and has a more oval-shaped body. Its dorsal and anal fins are also a little more curved in appearance compared to the Pacific Halibut which has more edgy and triangular fins.
Size & Diet
The California Flounder can grow to at least 60 inches in length and 72 pounds in weight. These fish species are reported to live up to 30 years of age. The California Flounder typically spends most of its time on the seafloor, but it does venture up to feed. When feeding, it can use its camouflaging powers and sharp teeth to attack its prey. It can also actively chase down prey, which is why they can sometimes be seen on the water surface. Its diet typically consists of squids, sardines, and anchovies.
Interesting Facts about the California Flounder
- The California Flounder has the ability to change its coloring to adapt to the color of the seafloor.
- The California Flounder is atypical of flatfishes. Normally, it is considered a left-eyed flatfish, but roughly half of its observed population is also right-eyed.
- This fish species is also an atypical flatfish in that its teeth are quite well-developed and very sharp. Anglers are advised to take caution when handling this fish as it can bite hard.
- The California Flounder is not a particularly migratory fish species. Its young are considered pelagic until they reach 1 year, at which point they begin their journey to the bottom where they will settle as adults.
- When served raw, the California Flounder has a clean taste and buttery texture.
- The California Flounder is also quite easy to prepare and cook as its flesh easily absorbs flavors. It should be cooked with a light touch and must not be overcooked - or else it will become tough to eat.
- Eating a single serving of the California Flounder will satisfy 30 percent of an adult’s recommended daily intake of protein. It is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B-6 and B-12, and potassium.
- The skin only moderately shrinks when cooked, allowing for fillets to be fried or poached without distorting the meat.
Fishing Technique: How to Catch California Flounder
The California Flounder is not a popular game fish as it is not a fighter. A particularly popular method to catch this species is by flounder gigging. This is especially true in Texas. This is done typically at night, when anglers will go on flats-stye boats, aim LED lights at the bottom to prevent the flounder from changing colors and blending with the bottom, then target them with gigs.
Anglers will do well catching them through drift fishing with a light tackle. The best baits for this fish include bull minnows, live squid, sardines, Pacific mackerel, mullet, pinfish, spots, croakers, and shrimp if you’re aiming for a large one.
Using a trap hook is also recommended because some California Flounder will just bite a portion of your bait so you may not be able to hook them. If you’re using a single hook, you may have to wait a few seconds for the flounder to swim away with the bait before you can set it.
Artificial lures will not yield as much success as live bait. However, some anglers have reported moderate success bouncing along with the bottom plastic grubs on jig heads.
The California Flounder can typically be caught on the shores of Southern California. It is available all-year-round, but fishing for them in the late spring during the spawning period is particularly fruitful. While it may not be a big fighter, it can make quite a scene once on the boat. Anglers are also advised to handle it with care as its teeth are particularly sharp.
Habitat and Distribution
The California Flounder occurs in the waters of Magdalena Bay, Baja California, Mexico up to Quillayute River, British Columbia. It can also be found in the upper Gulf of California. A majority of its population also occurs in the southern part of San Francisco.
It is a demersal fish species at adulthood, preferring to stay in sandy sediments. It congregates and spawns on bays and estuaries. Juveniles are found settling in nurseries where they are born. Male juveniles swim towards the open coast upon maturity at 2 to 3 years. Females are much larger when they migrate towards the coast. Some of these fish species can be found near the surf zone up to 330 feet but most are typically found 100 feet away.
About the Norcal Traditions Sportfishing
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
