• San Francisco Bay Fishing Forecast: Stripers, Rockfish, and Halibut Abound Amidst Crab Season Changes

  • Jan 12 2025
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

San Francisco Bay Fishing Forecast: Stripers, Rockfish, and Halibut Abound Amidst Crab Season Changes

  • Summary

  • As of January 12, 2025, the fishing scene in San Francisco Bay is shaping up to be quite interesting, especially with the recent developments in the Dungeness crab season.

    ### Tidal Report
    Today, the tides in San Francisco Bay are as follows: high tide at 9:44 AM with a height of 6.4 feet, and low tide at 3:34 PM with a height of 1.3 feet. These moderate tides should provide a good balance for both shore and boat fishing.

    ### Weather
    The weather is mild, with a light breeze out of the southeast at about 5 mph. Skies are partly cloudy, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s, making it a comfortable day to be out on the water.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today was at 7:25 AM, and sunset will be at 5:09 PM, giving you a full day of daylight to enjoy your fishing trip.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a decent amount of activity, particularly around the Golden Gate Bridge Fishing Pier and Alcatraz Island. Anglers reported catching striped bass, rockfish, and even some halibut. The striped bass were active in the early morning and late afternoon, while the rockfish were more consistent throughout the day.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
    Several anglers reported catching between 2 to 5 striped bass each, with the largest catch being around 10 pounds. Rockfish were plentiful, with some boats bringing in up to 10 fish per trip. Halibut catches were less frequent but still rewarding, with a few anglers landing fish in the 5-7 pound range.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, using live bait such as anchovies or shad has been highly effective. Lures like spoons and jigs also worked well, especially in the deeper waters near the Golden Gate Bridge. For rockfish, squid and shrimp have been the go-to baits, while halibut have been biting on live bait and plastic lures that mimic baitfish.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Golden Gate Bridge Fishing Pier**: This spot continues to be a hotspot for striped bass and rockfish. The structure of the pier and the surrounding waters create an ideal environment for these species.
    - **Alcatraz Island**: Fishing near Alcatraz has yielded great results for halibut and rockfish. The island's unique underwater terrain attracts a variety of fish.

    ### Additional Notes
    Keep in mind that the commercial Dungeness crab season has recently opened in central California with a 50% trap reduction to mitigate whale entanglements. However, this does not directly impact recreational fishing in the bay. Always ensure you are compliant with local fishing regulations and respect any closed areas or species restrictions.

    Enjoy your day out on the water, and tight lines
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