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Premium Half Day Inshore Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- San Francisco
- $175 - $500 price range
Summary
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Catch of the Day
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Striper/shark combo
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Striper/shark combo
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Half Day Captain's Choice: Inshore Adventure
Ready for some spontaneous fishing action? Hop aboard with Norcal Traditions Sportfishing for a half-day trip where we'll chase whatever's biting. This flexible outing is perfect for anglers who want a taste of the local hotspots without committing to a full day on the water. We'll wrap up around 11 or 12, giving you plenty of time to swap fish tales over lunch.
What to Expect on the Water
This captain's choice trip is all about going where the fish are. We'll kick things off early, loading up the boat with our gear and heading out to the day's most promising spots. Maybe we'll be drifting for stripers, bottom fishing for flounder, or setting up for some shark action – it all depends on what's running. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility. We can change tactics on the fly, maximizing your chances of hooking into something good. It's a great way to sample different fishing styles and learn what you like best.
Tactics and Techniques
On this half-day trip, we might use a variety of fishing methods. For striped bass, we could be throwing lures, live-lining bait, or trolling. If we're after California halibut, we might drift with live bait or work the bottom with jigs. Leopard shark fishing often involves anchoring up and using heavier tackle with chunk bait. I'll walk you through each technique as we go, so don't worry if you're new to any of these styles. We've got all the gear you'll need on board, from light tackle for finesse fishing to heavier setups for the big boys.
Top Catches This Season
While every day on the water is different, we've been having some killer action lately. Striped bass have been hitting topwater lures early in the morning, making for some exciting blow-ups. The California halibut bite has been steady, with some nice flatties coming up from structure spots. And for those looking for a real tug-of-war, the leopard sharks have been putting on a show, with some bruisers in the 5-foot range testing anglers' arms.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks love our captain's choice trips because they're never the same twice. It's like a fishing sampler platter – you get to try a bit of everything. Plus, with just one angler on board, you've got my full attention. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, dial in your skills, or just have a relaxed morning on the water, we can make it happen. The half-day format is perfect for fitting in some fishing without eating up your whole day, and it's a great option if you're bringing along a less-experienced angler who might not be up for a full 8 hours.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Striped Bass: These hard-fighting fish are a local favorite. Stripers can be found cruising the shorelines, hanging around structure, or chasing bait schools. They're known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. Most of our catch falls in the 5-15 pound range, but there's always a chance at a 30+ pound trophy. Spring and fall are prime times, but we can find them year-round.
California Halibut: Don't let their flat shape fool you – these ambush predators can put up a serious fight. We typically target them over sandy or muddy bottoms, where they lie camouflaged waiting for prey. The average size is around 5-10 pounds, but 20+ pounders aren't unheard of. Summer is usually the best time for halibut, but we can catch them from spring through fall.
Leopard Shark: These beautifully patterned sharks are a blast to catch. They're not the toothiest sharks out there, but they've got some serious pulling power. We usually find them in shallower waters, especially around bays and estuaries. Most leopard sharks we catch are in the 3-5 foot range, but they can grow up to 7 feet. They're around all year, but the bite tends to be best in the warmer months.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to get out on the water and see what's biting, our Half Day Captain's Choice trip is calling your name. It's the perfect blend of flexibility, variety, and action-packed fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or a newbie wanting to learn the ropes, we've got you covered. Remember, with just one spot available per trip, you're getting a personalized experience tailored to your skill level and interests. So why wait? Grab your spot now, and let's make some waves together. The fish are out there – let's go find 'em!
Learn more about the species
Striped Bass
Striped bass are some of the most popular gamefish on the East Coast. These powerful swimmers can grow up to 5 feet long and 70 pounds, though most caught are 20-40 pounds. You'll find them in saltwater along the coast, but they also run up rivers to spawn. Look for stripers around structure like reefs, sandbars, and shorelines. They love moving water, so fish the currents. Spring and fall are prime seasons as the bass migrate. Anglers prize stripers for their strong fights and excellent eating. To boost your chances, try live bait like herring or eels. Fish early morning or dusk when stripers feed near the surface. Use a sensitive rod to detect their subtle bites. Once hooked, hang on - these fish will give you a workout before they come to the boat!
Leopard Shark
Leopard sharks are some of the coolest-looking fish you'll catch. They get their name from the dark spots covering their slender bodies. Most are 4-5 feet long, but the biggest females can reach 7 feet. You'll find them cruising in shallow bays, estuaries and kelp forests, usually in water less than 20 feet deep. They're most active at night, so early morning or evening fishing is your best bet. Leopard sharks put up a decent fight, but the real thrill is seeing those spotted beauties up close. They're harmless to humans, despite the "shark" name. To land one, use squid or mackerel chunks on a heavy weight to keep your bait near the bottom. Circle hooks work great - when you feel a bite, just start reeling and the shark will hook itself.
California Flounder
California flounder, also called California halibut, are masters of camouflage. These flatfish lie on the seafloor, blending in perfectly with sand or mud. They grow up to 5 feet long and 70 pounds, but most are smaller. Look for them in coastal waters up to 330 feet deep, especially near sandy bottoms. Spring is prime time during spawning, but you can catch them year-round. Flounder aren't known as big fighters, but anglers love their delicate, flaky white meat. To target them, try drift fishing with light tackle. Live bait like squid or sardines works best. Here's a pro tip: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab just part of the bait at first. Give them time to fully take it, then reel 'em in!
