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Premier 10-Hour Rockfish Adventure at Sea

  • Published Date: July 18, 2025
  • Fishing
  • San Francisco
  • $150 - $700 price range
  • Updated Date: October 4, 2025

Summary

Looking for a serious deep water fishing adventure off San Francisco? Captain James Powers runs a top-notch 10-hour offshore charter targeting big rockfish in productive spots. You'll use quality gear and get hands-on guidance, whether you're a beginner or seasoned angler. The boat provides a smooth, safe ride out to the fishing grounds. Once there, you'll have plenty of time to try for memorable catches. Beyond rockfish, the captain also offers trips for lingcod, bluefin tuna, striped bass, and even crabbing charters. It's a full day on the water, but perfect if you want to experience some of the best offshore fishing San Francisco has to offer. The shared trip setup means you might meet some fellow fishing enthusiasts too.
Premier 10-Hour Rockfish Adventure at Sea

Deep Water Catches

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Fish Species

Two people fishing for summer flounder and striped bass in California

Big halibut and striped bass action!

Leopard shark fishing in CA

Spotted leopard sharks on deck!

California Flounder caught while fishing in Sacramento

Giant halibut catch success!

10 Chinook Salmon caught in Sacramento, California

Lone angler fishing in California

6 people fishing in California

Summer salmon

5 chinook salmon and rainbow trout in California

Photograph of a single brook trout caught while fishing in CA.

Scenic fishing spot in CA

Fish Species

Two people fishing for summer flounder and striped bass in California

Big halibut and striped bass action!

Leopard shark fishing in CA

Spotted leopard sharks on deck!

California Flounder caught while fishing in Sacramento

Giant halibut catch success!

10 Chinook Salmon caught in Sacramento, California

Lone angler fishing in California

6 people fishing in California

Summer salmon

5 chinook salmon and rainbow trout in California

Photograph of a single brook trout caught while fishing in CA.

Scenic fishing spot in CA

Fish Species

Two people fishing for summer flounder and striped bass in California

Big halibut and striped bass action!

Leopard shark fishing in CA

Spotted leopard sharks on deck!

California Flounder caught while fishing in Sacramento

Giant halibut catch success!

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Deep Water Rockfish Bonanza off San Francisco

Get ready for a serious rockfish adventure on this 10-hour offshore trip out of San Francisco. We're talking about the real deal here – deep water action where the big boys hang out. Captain James Powers knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the top-notch gear to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, this charter's got you covered. We'll cruise out to the sweet spots where trophy rockfish and other hard-fighting species are waiting to test your skills. It's a full day on the water, so come prepared for an epic battle with some of the Pacific's most prized bottom-dwellers.

What to Expect on the Water

Alright, let's break it down. We're not messing around with any nearshore stuff here – we're going deep, where the monsters live. The boat's a smooth rider, built for offshore conditions, so you can focus on fishing instead of fighting the swells. Captain James will get you dialed in with the right rigs and techniques. We're talking heavy-duty rods, beefy reels, and enough lead to reach the strike zone. Once we hit our spot, it's game on. You'll be working those rods hard, feeling for that telltale thump that means a big rockfish just couldn't resist your bait. And when you hook up? Hold on tight – these deep water bruisers don't come up easy!

Techniques & Gear Rundown

Listen up, because this is where the magic happens. We're not just dropping lines and hoping for the best. Captain James has got a few tricks up his sleeve to put you on the fish. We'll be using a mix of tactics – maybe some drift fishing over rocky pinnacles, or slow-trolling big swimbaits when the bite is tough. The key is staying on the bottom where these fish live. We're talking heavy sinkers, double-hook rigs, and chunky baits that can stand up to the abuse. You might be working metal jigs one minute and live bait the next. It's all about adapting to what the fish want. And don't worry if you're new to this – the crew's always there to lend a hand, tie a knot, or show you how to work that rod just right.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Alright, let's talk targets. The star of the show here is the rockfish – and we're not talking about those little guys you catch off the pier. These are deep water bruisers that'll make your arms ache. Vermilion rockfish are a favorite, with their bright red color and hard-fighting attitude. They can grow up to 30 inches and put up a serious battle on the way up. Then there's the bocaccio, or "long jaw" as some old-timers call 'em. These guys can hit 3 feet long and are known for their big mouths and even bigger appetites. Don't be surprised if you hook into a few lingcod while you're at it – these toothy predators love to hang around the same rocky structures as the rockfish. And if we're really lucky, we might even tangle with a yellowtail rockfish or two. They're not as common in the deep water, but when you find 'em, it's often in big schools that can light up the whole boat.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been running these trips for years, and I'll tell you why folks can't get enough. First off, it's the quality of the fish. We're not talking about dinking around with little 12-inchers here. When you're pulling up rockfish from 300 feet down, you're in for some serious action. These fish are old, they're big, and they fight like crazy. Plus, the variety keeps things interesting. You never know if your next drop is gonna bring up a bright red vermilion or a mottled green lingcod. And let's be real – the eating's good too. Fresh rockfish fillets are some of the best-tasting fish you'll ever put on a plate. But more than anything, it's the experience. Being out on the open ocean, miles from shore, with nothing but blue water and good company – that's something special. Whether you're a hardcore angler or just looking for a day away from it all, this trip delivers.

Top Catches This Season

Man, we've been on a hot streak lately. Just last week, we had a group out that absolutely crushed it on the vermilion rockfish. One guy pulled up a 28-incher that had to be pushing 15 pounds – a real trophy fish. We've been finding some killer lingcod spots too. Had a lady angler land a 30-pound beast that gave her the fight of her life. And don't even get me started on the yelloweye rockfish – when we find those, it's like striking gold. They're not as common, but when you hook one, you know it. We had a father-son duo both catch their personal bests on the same trip – talk about a memory that'll last a lifetime. Of course, every trip's different, and that's part of the fun. But I can tell you this – the fish are out there, and they're biting hard.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, here's the deal. If you're looking for a serious day of deep water action, this is your ticket. We're talking about world-class rockfish fishing right here off the San Francisco coast. Captain James Powers knows these waters better than anyone, and he's got the track record to prove it. You'll be fishing with top-of-the-line gear, getting hands-on instruction, and targeting some of the biggest, baddest bottom fish the Pacific has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time offshore, this trip's got something for everyone. And remember, we're not just limited to rockfish – we can chase lingcod, tuna, striped bass, or even go crabbing if that's what you're after. The ocean's full of possibilities, and we're here to help you make the most of it. So don't wait around – spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. Give us a call, lock in your date, and get ready for some of the best fishing San Francisco has to offer. Trust me, once you feel that first deep water rockfish hit your line, you'll be hooked for life.

About the Norcal Traditions Sportfishing

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready for some serious deep water fishing action in San Francisco? This 10-hour offshore charter takes you right to where the big rockfish are biting. Captain James Powers knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish using top-notch gear. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, you'll get plenty of hands-on help to land some impressive catches. The smooth-riding boat provides a comfortable home base as you target rockfish, lingcod, and more in the productive offshore grounds. With options for tuna trips, striped bass fishing, and even crabbing charters, there's something here for every fishing fan looking to spend a full day on the water. Bring your sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks) - it's time to experience some of the best deep sea fishing San Francisco has to offer!
Norcal Traditions Sportfishing

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