Episodios

  • San Francisco Bay Fishing Report: Halibut, Stripers, and Offshore Action

    San Francisco Bay Fishing Report: Halibut, Stripers, and Offshore Action
    May 24 2025
    Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your San Francisco Bay fishing report for Saturday, May 24, 2025.

    Let’s start with today’s conditions. Expect partly cloudy skies with mild morning temps rising toward the low 60s by the afternoon. There is a light breeze out of the west but nothing like the gusty days last weekend that kept some boats docked. The tide will be incoming through most of the morning, peaking around midday and turning around early afternoon. Sunrise hit at 5:51 AM and sunset will be at 8:21 PM, giving you a generous window to chase the bite.

    The Bay has been producing some excellent action all week, with recent party boat counts looking strong. Yesterday out of San Francisco, the Lovely Martha pulled in 8 California halibut and 2 striped bass for just 4 anglers on a half-day trip. Over in Emeryville, the Pacific Pearl tallied 16 halibut and 6 striped bass with 16 anglers. Berkeley boats have been posting similar numbers, with halibut remaining steady and stripers showing up in nice batches. Offshore, Half Moon Bay boats continue to limit out on rockfish, but the main game for most Bay anglers right now is halibut and bass[2].

    If you’re targeting halibut, drifting live anchovies or shiner perch has been the ticket. Trolling or drifting with herring, sardines, or a swimbait with a flashy tail will get you bit too, especially near the edges of deeper channels and drop-offs. For striped bass, try casting 4- to 6-inch white or chartreuse swimbaits, hair jigs, or the classic red and white bucktail lure. Topwater plugs and poppers can work around dawn if you find birds and active fish at the surface.

    Hot spots this past week include the flats off Berkeley and Paradise Cay, where both halibut and stripers have been stacked up on the incoming tide. The deeper holes around Alcatraz and the south side of Angel Island are also kicking out solid numbers, especially during the tide swing. If you’re looking for a change of pace, the rock piles off Treasure Island have been holding mixed bass and the occasional bonus lingcod.

    Word on the dock is the action should keep up as long as the tides move and the winds stay light. Bring plenty of bait and don’t be afraid to switch up your presentation if things slow down. Best of luck out there, and remember to send in your fish photos for bragging rights.

    That’s the bite for today. Tight lines and see you on the water[2][4][1].
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    3 m
  • San Francisco Bay Fishing Report: Halibut, Stripers, and Offshore Action

    San Francisco Bay Fishing Report: Halibut, Stripers, and Offshore Action
    May 23 2025
    Artificial Lure here with your San Francisco Bay fishing report for Friday, May 23, 2025.

    We’ve got some classic late spring Bay weather today—cool in the morning with a steady, stiff wind that’s been hanging around most of May. Expect highs in the upper 50s to low 60s, with lows dipping into the low 50s. Patchy fog should burn off by mid-morning, but the wind is sticking around, making things a little choppy out there. Sunrise was at 5:53am and sunset is slated for 8:20pm, giving you a generous window to fish.

    Tides are working in our favor for the morning bite, with a medium incoming tide peaking late morning before swinging back out in the afternoon. That should push some fresh water and bait into the shallows and get the predators moving.

    Fish activity has been solid, especially for California halibut and striped bass. The latest party boat counts from yesterday are promising: the Gatherer II out of Berkeley saw 10 halibut and 4 stripers for 5 anglers, while the Pacific Pearl out of Emeryville reported 16 halibut and 6 stripers for 16 anglers. The Lovely Martha from San Francisco itself brought in 8 halibut and 2 stripers for 4 anglers on a half-day local run. Out at Half Moon Bay the rockfish bite is strong, with limits for all anglers aboard the Riptide[3].

    The halibut action remains decent, about a fish per person is the norm, and some boats are doing even better when the wind lays down. Striped bass are turning up both as a bonus and a target, especially near the flats and channels around Red Rock and the Berkeley Flats[2][5]. Lingcod and rockfish are solid up the coast towards Bodega, but winds have made offshore trips tough lately[2].

    For best results, drift live anchovies or herring on a halibut rig, or try bouncing swimbaits and artificial lures like chartreuse or white paddletails along the bottom. For stripers, white hair jigs, topwater poppers early, and cut anchovy baits are producing. If you’re after rockfish or lingcod and the weather lets you out, shrimp flies or small metal jigs tipped with squid are the way to go.

    Hot spots this week include the Berkeley Flats for halibut and stripers and the area around Red Rock for a mixed bag. If you can slip out to the Marin Islands or the Emeryville Channel during that incoming tide, you’ve got a good shot at landing a few nice fish.

    That’s your Friday report from your local source, Artificial Lure—tight lines and be safe out there!
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    3 m
  • 'Springtime Splendor: Halibut, Bass, and Rockfish Abound in the San Francisco Bay'

    'Springtime Splendor: Halibut, Bass, and Rockfish Abound in the San Francisco Bay'
    May 21 2025
    Artificial Lure reporting from the San Francisco Bay, and today is a prime day to be out on the water. The weather is gorgeous, with mild spring temps, light wind, and plenty of sunshine making for perfect angling conditions. Sunrise hit around 5:55 AM and sunset will be close to 8:20 PM, giving you a long window to get your lines wet and take advantage of the good tides[1].

    The tides today are favorable, with enough movement to keep the bite active in the bay and around the bridges. Recent fishing activity has been strong, especially for halibut. Reports from charter captains show limits of quality halibut being caught north of China Camp and south of Red Rock. Trolling small dodgers with anchovies has been the most consistent producer. Anchovy remains the top natural bait, while artificials like white swimbaits and chartreuse hoochies are working well during tide changes and when the water gets murky[5].

    Along with halibut, striped bass action is picking up, especially near Oyster Point and the Berkeley Flats. Look for birds working bait balls for a clue to active fish. Casting shad-patterned soft plastics or trolling deep-diving plugs can pick them up. Early mornings and late afternoons have been best for bass.

    If you are after a mixed bag, rockfish are going well outside the Golden Gate and up the Marin coastline. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife reminds all anglers to check for open seasons and regulations before targeting salmon, as the 2025 ocean salmon season details are being set this month[4].

    For hotspots, China Camp and Red Rock are excellent for halibut right now, and the Berkeley Flats and Oyster Point are reliable for bass. Keep an eye on the weather and tides, and make sure to bring plenty of anchovy and a good selection of white and chartreuse artificials.

    To sum up, the bite is hot, the weather is beautiful, and today is one of those days where you do not want to leave your gear at home. Good luck out there, and tight lines from Artificial Lure[1][4][5].
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    2 m
  • Stripers and Halibut Hitting Hard in the Bay - Artificial Lure's SF Fishing Report

    Stripers and Halibut Hitting Hard in the Bay - Artificial Lure's SF Fishing Report
    May 19 2025
    This is Artificial Lure, your local San Francisco Bay fishing expert, checking in with today’s report for Monday, May 19, 2025.

    We’re coming off a lively weekend with strong tides moving through the Bay. Early morning saw a mild northwest wind, with air temps in the low 60s before warming up by midday. Skies started off overcast but cleared nicely. Sunrise hit at 5:56 am and sunset will be at 8:17 pm, leaving plenty of daylight for anglers to work the tides.

    Fish activity around the Bay this past weekend was buzzing, especially with the striped bass and California halibut bite. Party boat reports from Berkeley and Emeryville were impressive. The California Dawn II out of Berkeley tallied up 40 striped bass (some reaching an impressive 36 pounds) plus 11 halibut up to 15 pounds for its 20 anglers. The California Dawn had 15 halibut and 3 good-sized stripers for 16 anglers, while the Pacific Dream landed 15 stripers and 12 halibut for a dozen anglers. Over in Emeryville, the New Huck Finn saw 30 striped bass and a halibut for 22 anglers. Even the half-day trips produced, with the Bass Tub in San Francisco notching 24 striped bass for 12 anglers. The C Gull II hauled in 37 stripers and 4 halibut with 19 folks on board[1][2][3].

    Most of the action has been concentrated on the flats and channel edges from the Berkeley Flats out toward the Alcatraz and Treasure Island areas. Paradise Park shoreline is also producing, especially for early risers. Hot spots are the deeper drop-offs near Angel Island and the Richmond Breakwater.

    For lures and bait, you really can’t go wrong right now with live anchovies or shiners, particularly for halibut. Drifting with herring, sardine chunks, or using a trap rig tipped with squid is also effective on the flats. Striped bass are smashing at white or chartreuse swimbaits, hair jigs, and live anchovies. Trolling broken-back Rapalas or drifting with cut anchovy has put plenty of keepers in the box lately.

    If you’re looking to fill a limit or just enjoy some steady action, the top picks today are the Berkeley Flats for a shot at a mixed bag of stripers and halibut, or work the waters south of Treasure Island where big stripers are lurking. The wind this afternoon may kick up a bit, so plan your trips accordingly.

    That’s today’s report from Artificial Lure: get on the water early, keep your baits moving, and tight lines!
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    3 m
  • SF Bay Stripers Crush It! Fishing Report 5/18/25

    SF Bay Stripers Crush It! Fishing Report 5/18/25
    May 18 2025
    Howdy anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Sunday morning fishing report for May 18th, 2025.

    The action's been heating up around San Francisco Bay this past week! Captain Steve Talmadge on the Flash 2 has been absolutely crushing it with striped bass. His recent trips have been limiting out, with bass hitting consistently on both half-day and full-day trips. Smiles all around on those boats, folks!

    Looking at today's conditions, we're seeing favorable tides with an incoming flow through mid-morning, perfect for working the edges where those stripers love to feed. The weather's cooperated nicely with light winds under 10 knots expected until afternoon, so the bay should stay relatively calm for your morning cast.

    For those targeting halibut, they've been showing up too, though in fewer numbers than the stripers. Flash 2 reported landing some nice flatties mixed in with their bass hauls earlier this week.

    Bait-wise, live anchovies are producing well, but don't overlook swimbaits in the 5-7 inch range if you're an artificial fan like yours truly. White and chartreuse patterns have been getting the most attention from hungry bass.

    Important regulation reminder: the recreational fishery for surfperch inside SF and San Pablo bays remains closed until July 31st, reopening on August 1st. However, shiner perch are exempt from this closure with a separate bag limit of 20 fish, so you can still target those little fighters.

    For you salmon enthusiasts waiting patiently, mark your calendars for June 7-8 when the recreational season briefly opens with that 7,000 Chinook harvest quota. If they don't hit the quota, additional dates might open up.

    Hot spots this week? Berkeley Flats has been consistently productive for stripers, especially on the incoming tide. The south end of Angel Island is another prime location where anglers are finding action, particularly during the first couple hours after sunrise, which happens around 5:50 AM today. You've got until about 8:20 PM before sunset to get your lines wet.

    The Salty Lady reported excellent fishing in the bay on May 15th, so those patterns should hold through the weekend.

    Want to get in on this action? Flash 2 is booked solid today, but Captain Steve mentioned he's got room during the week. Give him a ring at 510-851-2500 to lock in your spot.

    That's the word from the water today, folks. This is Artificial Lure signing off – tight lines and bent rods to all of you out there!
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    3 m
  • Bay Area Fishing Report: Halibut & Stripers Heating Up the Weekend

    Bay Area Fishing Report: Halibut & Stripers Heating Up the Weekend
    May 17 2025
    Artificial Lure's Bay Area Fishing Report for Saturday, May 17, 2025

    Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your weekend fishing report for the San Francisco Bay area.

    The halibut and striped bass action is heating up around the Bay! Recent reports show excellent results, especially from the Berkeley fleet. The California Dawn II brought in 13 California halibut and 36 striped bass yesterday, with some stripers reaching up to 20 pounds. The Pacific Dream also had a solid day with 13 halibut and 10 striped bass in the Bay. Several other charter boats are reporting similar success, which means it's prime time to get out there.

    For those looking to fish from shore or smaller craft, word is the halibut fishing near the Lighthouse and the west side is improving for anglers putting in the work. In February, successful halibut trolling was reported in 15-20 feet of water, and that pattern seems to be holding as we move into late spring.

    Weather-wise, we're looking at decent conditions today, but expect the winds to pick up tomorrow. If you're heading out, get an early start to beat the afternoon chop. The early bird gets the fish, as they say!

    For those targeting halibut, slow-trolling anchovies or sardines has been the ticket. If you're more of an artificial lure person (like yours truly), try white or chartreuse swimbaits dragged just above the bottom. For striped bass, the usual suspects are working: swimbaits, topwater lures in the early morning, and live bait for those who don't mind getting their hands dirty.

    Hot spots this weekend:

    Berkeley Flats has been on fire lately for both halibut and stripers. The deeper channels near Angel Island are also producing quality fish, especially on the incoming tide. Don't overlook the waters near Treasure Island - several locals have been quietly pulling in nice halibut there without much company.

    If you're not looking to venture far, the shoreline near Crissy Field has been giving up some decent stripers for those casting swimbaits during the incoming tide.

    Remember, the regulations are in flux this year, with new salmon rules expected to take effect by July 1, so keep an eye on the latest updates.

    Tight lines and screaming drags to all of you! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next week. Remember, the worst day fishing still beats the best day working!
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    3 m
  • San Francisco Bay Fishing Report: Big Halibut, Stripers Dominate the Central and North Bay

    San Francisco Bay Fishing Report: Big Halibut, Stripers Dominate the Central and North Bay
    May 16 2025
    Good morning anglers this is Artificial Lure with your San Francisco Bay fishing report for Friday May 16 2025. The sun rose at 5:56 AM and will set tonight at 8:14 PM giving you a long window to chase some fish before the weekend fleet arrives. Today looks promising with cool temps in the low 60s typical patchy morning fog but clearing by the afternoon and light winds forecasted for most of the day.

    Tides are favorable for early action. Expect a morning outgoing tide until around 11 AM followed by a mellow incoming push. Halibut and striped bass usually bite best during these transitions so plan to fish around those swings if possible.

    Recent catches tell the story—striped bass and California halibut continue to steal the show throughout the central and north bay. Party boat counts this week out of Berkeley show consistent results. Just yesterday the California Dawn II reported 13 halibut and 36 stripers (some pushing 20 pounds) for a full boat of 22 anglers. The Pacific Dream hooked into 13 halibut and 10 stripers while smaller charters like Reel Addiction found 3 halibut and as many as 11 stripers for just a handful of anglers. The action has definitely turned on for both quality and quantity right in the bay[1][3].

    Live bait remains king—anchovies are the hot ticket for both halibut and stripers. Drifting whole anchovies on a three-way rig is the go-to tactic. If you are fishing artificials, white or chartreuse swimbaits and soft plastics like 6-inch paddle tails are bringing steady hookups especially for stripers. Trolling broken-back plugs or drifting cut sardines has also picked up a few bonus fish. For those who prefer casting, topwater action is sporadic but can be electric at first light especially near shoreline flats.

    If you are on the hunt for the hot spots, start by checking the Berkeley Flats and the area around Alcatraz—they’ve both been firing for halibut and quality bass. Paradise Cay in the north bay is another solid bet as is the usually productive South Bay zone from Oyster Point to Coyote.

    Lingcod and rockfish reports are stronger further offshore toward the Gate and into the Marin coastline but the main bay remains all about those halibut and stripers right now.

    Overall, the spring bite is in full effect. Get out early for the best conditions, keep an eye on that tide chart, and don’t forget your net. See you on the water—tight lines!
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    3 m
  • Halibut and Stripers Heating Up in San Francisco Bay

    Halibut and Stripers Heating Up in San Francisco Bay
    May 14 2025
    Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your mid-May fishing report for the San Francisco Bay area as of this Wednesday morning.

    The bite is definitely heating up around the bay with halibut and striped bass action really picking up. Recent party boat reports from Berkeley show some solid numbers, with California Dawn II bringing in 13 halibut and 36 striped bass, including some lunkers up to 20 pounds! The Pacific Dream also had a nice haul with 13 halibut and 10 stripers on a recent full-day trip in the bay.

    The weather today is looking pretty decent - we've got mild temps with a light westerly breeze, perfect conditions to get out on the water. Sunrise was around 6:00 AM, and we're looking at sunset around 8:15 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to wet a line.

    Tide-wise, we're seeing a moderate exchange today with an incoming tide through mid-morning, then an outgoing in the afternoon. That transition period between tides has been particularly productive for halibut fishing.

    For you halibut hunters, drift fishing with live anchovies or shiner perch has been the ticket. The Berkeley Flats and Angel Island areas are producing well. If you're tossing artificials, white or chartreuse swimbaits in the 6-8 inch range have been getting bit. Don't forget to slow your presentation down - that spring halibut bite is more about precision than speed.

    Striped bass are hitting swimbaits, spoons, and soft plastics in the 5-7 inch range. Chartreuse and white patterns have been hot, especially around structure and current lines. Live bait anglers are scoring with anchovies and bullheads.

    Hot spots right now include the south side of Angel Island, the Berkeley Flats, and Paradise Cove. If I had to pick just one spot for tomorrow, I'd hit the Berkeley Flats on the incoming tide with live bait for halibut, then switch to trolling for stripers as the tide changes.

    One important note - remember that salmon season is extremely limited this year. The Pacific Fishery Management Council has approved some recreational salmon opportunities for the first time since 2022, but they're very restricted, so check regulations carefully before targeting salmon.

    For those looking to book a charter, several boats from Berkeley and Emeryville are reporting consistent action, so you might want to get on their calendars soon as the bite is definitely picking up.

    Tight lines, folks! This is Artificial Lure signing off - see you on the water!
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    3 m
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