How Do You Catch Halibut In San Francisco?

Trolling and drifting are the two basics approaches to catching Bay Area halibut. Trolling will generally put more fish in the box, but it is tough to match the adrenaline rush you feel when a halibut grabs your anchovy as you drift with light tackle.

Where can I catch halibut in San Francisco?

The best places to catch Halibut in the San Francisco bay area are as follows: Alameda rock wall, Oyster point, Paradise Pier, Berkeley Flats, Alcatraz Island and Angel Island. These spots are not in any particular order and fishing can be better in different areas throughout the week.

How do you catch halibut from shore in San Francisco?

Ledges and eddies are good locations to find halibut because bait fish prefer to congregate around these areas. Here are some productive ledges in the bay and ocean: Alameda Rock wall (Flag Pole), Paradise Cove, right in front of the pier, and Moss Landing, right outside the harbor, are all productive halibut areas.

Is there halibut in San Francisco Bay?

The halibut and striped bass fishing is in the San Francisco bay. Halibut are renowned for putting up a good fight when you’re trying to reel them in. It’s a big part of what makes halibut fishing so much fun.

How fast do you troll for halibut in the San Francisco Bay?

2.5 to 3.0 mph
Trolling speeds are another important part of the process. I have caught them at some very high speeds before but find that a speed of 2.5 to 3.0 mph is about right. They aren’t the lazy sluggish fish that you might think.

What is the limit on halibut in San Francisco Bay?

The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish, with no minimum size limit.

What is the best bait for California halibut?

Halibut Baits
However, if you prefer bait, some of the best halibut bait include sardines and Pacific mackerel. These fish drift over the bottom of the water which makes them prime targets for this flatfish. You can also use lizardfish, anchovies, and squid.

What is the best month for halibut fishing in California?

Wondering to yourself, “When is halibut in season?” May through September is peak halibut season. That means this is one of the best times to fish to pursue these flatfish that vary between small and enormous. While the average size of this fish species is between 15 and 20 pounds, many are caught over 150 pounds.

How many rods can you fish for halibut in California?

While fishing from public piers inside San Francisco and San Pablo bays you cannot use more than two rods and lines, two hand lines, or two nets, traps or other appliances used to take crabs.

What is the size limit for halibut in California?

22 inches total
The recreational fishery for California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) remains open year-round. The daily bag and possession limit is five fish south of Point Sur, Monterey County. The minimum size limit is 22 inches total length.

What is the difference between California halibut and Pacific halibut?

The easiest way to identify them is to compare the lateral line shape. Pacific halibuts have a straight lateral line; California have an arched that goes above the pectoral fin.

Do you need a fishing license to fish in San Francisco Bay?

No. A fishing license is required when fishing everywhere except for a public pier. Even if you hooked the fish on the pier and only came down onto the beach to land the fish, you would need a valid license to avoid a potential citation.

Is it safe to eat halibut from Bay Area?

We’re lucky to be able to eat fresh fish from the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean. Many fish in the bay and Ocean are healthy and safe to eat, but some fish have high levels of toxins like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and mercury that can harm your health and are NOT safe to eat.

What tide is best for halibut fishing?

The best time of day for halibut fishing is during slack tides which are the 2 hours before and 2 hours after both high and low tide. These slack tide hours consistently produce the best halibut bite.

Where can I find halibut in Northern California?

Top Northern California Halibut Fishing Destinations

• San Francisco. 25 fishing charters.
• Richmond. 28 fishing charters.
• Bodega Bay. 6 fishing charters.
• Crescent City. 7 fishing charters.

What kind of lures do you use to catch halibut?

Here are some of the best halibut baits to use:

• Salmon Bellies.
• Salmon Heads.
• Squid.
• Octopus.
• Herring.
• Pro Tip: Not catching big enough fish? Try increasing your hooks to a slightly larger circle hook and using larger bait like salmon heads.
• Jigs.
• Artificial Squid.

Is California halibut good eating?

A prized catch for both commercial and recreational fishermen, California halibut is fun to catch and delicious to eat. With its mild flavor, smooth texture, and large flakes, it is an easy and versatile fish to prepare.

What depth do you fish halibut?

Scout your location. Halibut prefer to remain near the bottom of the ocean, usually at depths of around 40–80 feet (12–24 m); rarely will they be found below 120 feet (36.6 m) (36 m).

How deep do California halibut live?

California halibut may be found statewide in sandy and sand-mud environments. They have been found at depths of up to 300 ft., but are most abundant in waters less than 60 ft. deep. At times they are especially abundant in San Francisco Bay, and in the fast-running channels within Morro Bay and Mission Bay.

Is there a size limit on Pacific halibut?

The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish, with no minimum size limit.

What size hooks for halibut?

For your rig, circle hooks sized 16/0 to 22/0 are considered to be the best since they generally hook in the corner of the fish’s mouth. Many Halibut anglers in Alaska will also include a skirting that fish will be drawn to even if the bait has come off the hook.