%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F4231%2Fimages%2F1720849462460templogossheet.png&w=1200&q=100)
Top-Rated Deep Sea Fishing in San Francisco Bay
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- San Francisco, CA
- $1,200 - $1,800 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F55ee45db-1f11-4d61-97a6-b8295ed176d7%2Fratecard%2F201771999_10215424233317756_4494491768623584335_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Big Catches Off the Bay
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
Deep Sea Fishing Adventure in San Francisco
Get ready for an unforgettable day on the water with David Rooney Fishing! We're heading out to the legendary Farallon Islands and prime coastal hotspots to bag some of the biggest, most sought-after fish in the San Francisco Bay Area. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to deep sea fishing, our expert crew will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast. With top-notch gear and our local know-how, you'll be reeling in rockfish, lingcod, and maybe even a monster halibut before you know it.
What to Expect on the Water
Our deep sea fishing trips are all about action, variety, and those "fish on!" moments that keep you coming back for more. We'll cruise out past the Golden Gate Bridge, taking in epic views of the city skyline fading behind us as we make our way to the fish-rich waters around the Farallons. Once we hit our honey holes, it's time to drop lines and start filling the fish box. We use live bait to target the aggressive bottomfish these waters are famous for. The crew will be right there to help you bait up, land your catch, and snap some brag-worthy photos. And trust me, when that big lingcod slams your bait, you'll be hooked for life on SF deep sea fishing.
Techniques & Tackle Talk
We keep things simple but effective out here. Most of our fishing is done with conventional rods and reels, using a mix of live bait and artificial lures. We'll often start with heavy jigs to locate schools of rockfish, then switch to live anchovies or squid to entice the bigger predators. For lingcod, we might break out the swim baits or even try some "mooching" with live bait. The key is staying flexible and matching our approach to what the fish want on any given day. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques – the crew will walk you through everything and have you fishing like a pro in no time.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Vermilion Rockfish: These gorgeous red beauties are a staple of our deep sea trips. They hit hard, fight all the way up, and make for some killer fish tacos. Vermilions tend to hang out in rocky structures 100-300 feet deep, often mixed in with other rockfish species. They're suckers for squid strips and small jigs, and put up a great fight on light tackle. The average size is 3-5 pounds, but we occasionally land monsters pushing 10 pounds or more.
Lingcod: If there's one fish that'll test your arms and your drag, it's the mighty lingcod. These aggressive predators have a face only a mother could love, but man, do they fight! Lingcod typically ambush their prey near rocky bottoms and kelp beds. We target them with large jigs, live bait, and even whole rockfish as bait for the real giants. A good-sized ling runs 10-20 pounds, but 30+ pounders aren't unheard of. Just be ready for that signature head-shaking fight when you hook into one!
Yelloweye Rockfish: Often called "red snapper" (though they're not true snapper), yelloweyes are prized for both their striking appearance and excellent table fare. These long-lived fish are carefully managed, so there are strict limits on how many can be kept. We find them in similar habitats to other rockfish, often in waters 300 feet or deeper. They're not the biggest fighters, but landing a big yelloweye is always a highlight of any trip.
Pacific Halibut: The ultimate trophy on our deep sea trips. These flatfish are the largest of all the groundfish we target, with some true giants lurking in the depths off San Francisco. Halibut fishing requires patience and often specific techniques like drifting with large baits. While not an everyday catch, hooking into a 50+ pound "barn door" halibut is an experience you'll never forget. The season is limited, so be sure to ask about the best times to target these massive flatfish.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing the waters off San Francisco. Maybe it's the thrill of watching the city fade away as we head to open ocean. Or the excitement of dropping your bait down, knowing monster fish are lurking below. But I think what really keeps folks coming back is the sheer variety and quality of the fishing. One minute you're pulling up colorful rockfish two at a time, the next you're locked in an epic battle with a big lingcod. Add in the chance for halibut, and even the occasional salmon or albacore tuna (seasonally), and you've got a fishing experience that's hard to beat anywhere on the West Coast.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're ready for a day of world-class deep sea fishing right here in San Francisco, don't wait to book your trip with David Rooney Fishing. We've got room for up to 5 anglers, making this perfect for a group of friends or a family outing. While we don't provide meals, you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks for the day. And hey, if you land some keepers, we offer fish cleaning services for an additional fee – nothing beats fresh fish you caught yourself for dinner!
Remember, the best days fill up fast, especially during peak season. So grab your spot now and get ready for an awesome day of San Francisco deep sea fishing. Whether you're chasing your personal best or just want to experience the thrill of ocean fishing, we'll make sure you have a day on the water you won't soon forget. Book now and let's go catch some fish!
Learn more about the species
Lingcod
Lingcod aren't actually cod, but they're one mean-looking fish. With a massive head, huge mouth full of teeth, and mottled green-gray coloring, they're unmistakable. These ambush predators usually hang out near rocky bottoms, 30 to 300 feet deep. Most lingcod we catch are 2-3 feet long, but the big ones can hit 5 feet and 70 pounds. They're not speedsters, preferring to lie in wait and then lunge at prey. That lazy nature makes them fun to target - when they bite, they bite hard. We fish for lingcod year-round, but spring and fall are best. Use a medium-heavy conventional setup with at least 30-pound braid. They love to wrap you around rocks, so you need that strength. Metal jigs work great, but live bait is killer too. Anglers get a kick out of lingcod for their prehistoric looks and the fight they put up. Plus, the meat is delicious - firm, white, and mild. Here's a local secret: if you're using live bait, try a large greenling or small rockfish. Lingcod are cannibals and often can't resist.
Pacific Halibut
Vermilion Rockfish are a real looker - bright red with black speckles, they stand out in the deep. These guys typically run 14 to 22 inches, but can hit 30 inches and 15 pounds. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms and reefs, usually 100 to 500 feet down, but sometimes as deep as 900 feet. We target Vermilion year-round, but they're most active in summer and fall. They're not the fastest swimmers, preferring to hide out in rocky structures. That means when you're fishing for them, you've got to coax them out. Use a light tackle setup with small hooks. A strip of squid usually does the trick, but sometimes they'll hit bare hooks too. For the deep water spots, we'll use a two-hook rig with squid or cut bait. Anglers enjoy going after Vermilion for their beautiful color and the challenge of fishing deep structure. Plus, they're excellent eating - firm white meat that's great for fish tacos. Here's a local tip: if you're not getting bites, try moving just a few feet. Vermilion are territorial and often stay put, so a small shift can put you right on top of them.
Vermilion Rockfish
Pacific Halibut are monsters of the deep, often weighing 20-40 pounds but can reach a whopping 500 pounds. These flat, diamond-shaped fish hang out on the ocean floor, usually 150-500 feet down where it's nice and cold. They're most active in summer, moving to shallower waters to feed. That's when we target them. Fishing for halibut is a real workout. They're strong swimmers and put up one heck of a fight. We use heavy gear - a 6-7 foot rod with 60-pound line and a 1-2 pound weight to get down deep. Bait with salmon heads, squid, or herring. Let it sit on the bottom, giving the rod a little bounce now and then. Folks love going after halibut not just for the challenge, but for the excellent eating. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect for grilling or fish and chips. Pro tip: Add some scent to your bait. In the deep, dark waters, halibut hunt mostly by smell. A little extra attractant can make all the difference in getting that big one to bite.
Yelloweye Rockfish
Yelloweye Rockfish are a prized catch, known for their striking appearance and tasty meat. True to their name, they have bright yellow eyes that stand out against their orange-red body. These big boys can live over a century and grow up to 3 feet long, weighing in at 39 pounds for the record catch. You'll find Yelloweyes hanging out in rocky areas, usually 300 to 600 feet deep. They're solitary fish, often spending their whole life in one spot. We target them year-round, but summer's usually best when the weather's good for deep dropping. Fishing for Yelloweye takes some muscle. Use heavy weights to get down deep, and stout tackle to pull them away from their rocky lairs. Natural baits work well, or try heavy metal jigs. Anglers love Yelloweye not just for the challenge, but for their sweet, delicate flavor. Just remember, these slow-growing fish are carefully managed, so we follow strict catch limits. Pro tip: When you hook one, reel steady and fast. Give 'em a chance to rest, and they'll duck back into the rocks quicker than you can blink.
About the David Rooney Fishing
%2F%2Fusers%2F55ee45db-1f11-4d61-97a6-b8295ed176d7%2Fvehicle_picture%2F294953018_3326763710902844_7493403021242805307_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 17
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
