Captain James Powers is the driving force behind NorCal Traditions Sportfishing, bringing a lifelong passion for angling to every excursion. From a young age, he developed a deep appreciation for fishing, which has since evolved into a commitment to sharing the excitement of the sport with others. As the leader of NorCal Traditions, he prioritizes both the success of each trip and the satisfaction of every guest, carefully selecting skilled deckhands to ensure a top-tier experience on the water. Beyond his expertise in fishing, Captain Powers is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. He supplies high-quality gear, including rods, reels, and tackle, and operates a Raider boat known for its safety and smooth ride, even in challenging conditions. With a conveniently located marina, he simplifies the logistics for clients, making it easy for them to step aboard and set on their adventure. His enthusiasm for the sport extends beyond personal enjoyment—he finds fulfillment in introducing newcomers to fishing and guiding them to their first big catch. NorCal Traditions Sportfishing offers a variety of excursions designed to cater to anglers of all skill levels. From deep-sea trips targeting rockfish, lingcod, bluefin tuna, and Albacore to bay cruises focused on halibut and striper fishing, every outing is crafted for both excitement and success. For those interested in a different kind of adventure, the Crabbing Experience provides the opportunity to catch fresh crab straight from the sea. Under Captain Powers’ leadership, NorCal Traditions is committed to exceeding expectations. His team of experienced professionals ensures that each guest receives personalized guidance, whether they are seasoned anglers or first-time fishers. By prioritizing quality and customer satisfaction, NorCal Traditions has built a reputation for delivering unforgettable fishing adventures. For Captain Powers, fishing is more than a profession—it’s a way of life, and he takes pride in sharing that passion with every guest who steps aboard. So, what are you waiting for? Book your next San Francisco Fishing Trip now!

EPSG:4269

Black Rockfish

Rockfish and striper

Brown Rockfish

Lingcod

Striped Bass

<div>we started out catching striped bass. after several of those we went out and drifted for halibut but the tides werent right yet so we switched over to rockfish. we managed limits of rockfish, 2 lingcod, and 3 striped bass for my group of 3. </div>

Striper shark combo

Leopard Shark

<div>we started out with limits of striped bass, followed by wide open shark bite in the san francisco bay. everyone was reeling in fish all day with no breaks in between. its hard to beat this action. </div>

<div>stubborn rods with penn reels </div>

Successful group fishing trip in Sacramento

Combo trip

<div>today our agreement was to fish for halibut and striped bass with live bait until 11, then switch over to sharks for the rest of the day. we started out the day with wide open striper bite and managed 7 beautiful stripers. when that bite died, we moved over to halibut but they just didnt want to play. at 11, we changed over to shark and the bite was wide open. we kept 3 of the 10 sharks in just an hour and a half. everyone had fun and went home with fish. </div>

4 leopard sharks and flathead grey mullets being caught in Sacramento

Two large fish caught while fishing in CA

<div>we went out to the same area we caught our fish yesterday and the bite was good but it wasnt wide open due to heavy pressure. we had multiple hookups and lost a lot of fish due to the barbless hook law. we should have had limits but we only got 4 in the boat. they were still nice quality and it was still a great day with plenty of whale action . at one point i had a full grown grey whale come up right off my bow. </div>

<div>360 flashers with tray anchovies</div>

Scenic shot of Sacramento during fishing trip

Impressive catch of 2 pink salmon in Sacramento

Salmon day 2

Chinook Salmon

Salmon opener

<div>we started our day at Duxberry reef where we landed 3 nice keeper salmon and lost about 5 due to barbless hooks. we also caught 5 coho salmon which we had to release. when the bite died, we made a move offshore where we scored our limits for 5. we returned to the marina by 4 pm buzzing with excitement. </div>

<div>we use flashers with tray anchovies</div>

6 big fish caught in Sacramento during a fishing trip

<div>today we started out with rockfish for the first half of the day, then came back to the bay and finished up with halibut and stripers. most halibut were caught in alameda. we also hooked into several bat rays that kept us busy. the halibut is improving as the water warms up. </div>

9 big fish caught during a fishing trip in Sacramento

Halibut and striper

<div>we launched the boat in berkeley and made our way to san francisco for live bait. we fished berkeley flats and caught about 10 halibut but only 2 were keeper size. we also got 2 keeper stripers and a bunch of bat rays kept us busy in between. at 1 oclock we went south to try for sharks. while on anchor, we picked up 2 keeper sharks and fought 3 more bat rays. all in all was a busy day and everyone stayed busy. </div>

<div>we use stubborn rods and penn reels. </div>

An impressive 36-inch California Flounder caught in Sacramento

A fishing trip with 2 people catching 3 winter flounder and striped bass in Sacramento

3 winter flounder and striped bass caught while fishing in CA

Halibut/shark combo 

<div>we ended the day with 5 halibut and a striper for a crew of 3. As the water temp increases and the tides slow down on the next moon phase, we will see improvements with the halibut. hopefully the offshore winds slow down so we can target some rockfish and lingcod. </div>

<div>we use live anchovies on a 3 way swivel. </div><div>fish caught using Stubborn Rods </div>

6 fish caught in Sacramento during fishing trip

Halibut 

<div>we ended the day with limits of halibut for our group of 3. we also managed 15 undersize halibut and one striped Bass making for an excellent day on the water for all.&nbsp;</div>

<div>we use Stubborn Rods, Penn reels and Top Coat Flashers&nbsp;</div>

4 big fish caught while fishing in California

California Halibut

Sharks sharks and more sharks. We had over 30 sharks hit the deck on Sunday all catch and release. This is great for the kids and ADHD friends Iykyk.

Shark Fishing!

4 anglers fishing in California catching fish

Two pink salmon being caught while fishing in CA

Top San Francisco Fishing Charters

NorCal Traditions Sportfishing provides top-rated San Francisco fishing charters and Sacramento fishing charters, offering unforgettable trips for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're chasing halibut, striped bass, lingcod, or rockfish in San Francisco Bay, or heading offshore for bluefin tuna fishing in California, we ensure every trip is packed with excitement and opportunity. Our experienced crew leads rockfish fishing charters in SF Bay, lingcod fishing trips in San Francisco, and San Francisco deep sea fishing for those seeking the ultimate offshore adventure. Looking for something different? Our California crabbing charters let you pull in fresh, delicious crab straight from the ocean. With top-tier gear, expert guidance, and a comfortable, high-performance boat, we prioritize your success and satisfaction. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, NorCal Traditions Sportfishing guarantees an incredible time on the water. Book your trip today and get ready to reel in the catch of a lifetime!

Captain James Powers is the driving force behind NorCal Traditions Sportfishing, bringing years of experience and an unmatched passion for fishing to every trip. From a young age, he was drawn to the water, and today, he dedicates himself to providing unforgettable fishing adventures for anglers of all skill levels. His expertise, combined with his commitment to top-tier service, ensures that every charter is both exciting and successful. Whether guiding experienced anglers or introducing newcomers to the challenge of the sport, Captain Powers prides himself on creating memorable fishing experiences for all who step aboard. His vessel, a 24-foot Raider Hard Top, is built for comfort, safety, and performance on the water. Powered by a 300HP Suzuki engine, it offers a smooth and stable ride, even in challenging offshore conditions. Fully equipped with premium rods, reels, tackle, and top-tier electronics, the boat is designed to maximize success when targeting halibut, striped bass, rockfish, lingcod, and even bluefin tuna. Conveniently docked at a marina for easy access, Captain Powers’ boat is the perfect platform for an unforgettable day of fishing on the waters of San Francisco and beyond.

Captain James Powers & Norcal Traditions Sportfishing

Things to Do

Things to Do in San Francisco

Fishing License

California Fishing License

Fishing Tips

How to Catch Striped Bass in San Francisco Bay

Tuna Hunt

Top-Rated 12 HR Tuna Fishing Trip in California

Shark Quest

Expert-Guided Shark Fishing in San Francisco Bay

Salty Salmon

World-Class Ocean Salmon Fishing with NorCal Pros

Capt Choice

Premium Half Day Inshore Fishing Adventure

Rockfish Rush

Premier 10-Hour Rockfish Adventure at Sea

Halibut Haul

8-Hour Halibut Adventure in San Francisco Bay

Bay Rocks

Elite SF Bay Rockfish Trip with NorCal Traditions

Common Questions: What types of fishing trips does NorCal Traditions Sportfishing offer?NorCal Traditions Sportfishing provides a variety of trips, including excursions targeting halibut, rockfish, and tuna. Who is Captain James Powers?Captain James Powers is the heart and soul of NorCal Traditions Sportfishing. With a passion for angling dating back to his childhood, he has dedicated his life to sharing the thrill of fishing with others. What is the typical duration of a fishing trip with NorCal Traditions Sportfishing?Trip durations vary depending on the type of excursion. For specific trip lengths, it's best to contact NorCal Traditions Sportfishing directly. What is the maximum number of passengers allowed on a trip?NorCal Traditions Sportfishing offers personalized experiences. For specific capacity details, please reach out to them directly. Do I need to bring my own fishing equipment?NorCal Traditions Sportfishing provides top-of-the-line equipment for all guests. However, if you prefer to use your own gear, you are welcome to bring it along. Are fishing licenses required, and can they be obtained on the day of the trip?Yes, a valid California fishing license is required for all anglers aged 16 and over. It's recommended to obtain your license in advance online or at local retailers. What should I bring on my fishing trip?Guests are advised to bring appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and any personal items or snacks they may need. How can I book a trip with NorCal Traditions Sportfishing?To book a trip, visit NorCal Traditions Sportfishing's website or contact them directly to discuss available dates and trip options. What is the cancellation policy for booked trips?For information regarding cancellations and refunds, it's best to consult NorCal Traditions Sportfishing's policies directly. Are there age restrictions for participants?NorCal Traditions Sportfishing welcomes anglers of various ages. For specific age-related inquiries, please contact them directly.

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