Expert-Led SF Crab & Rockfish Combo Fishing Trip

San Francisco's Ultimate Rockfish & Crab Combo

Hey there, fellow fishing enthusiasts! Get ready to double down on some serious Bay Area action with our Full Day Rockfish and Crab Adventure. Starting November 5th, we're kicking off crab season in style, giving you the chance to load up on those sweet Dungeness beauties and some hard-fighting rockfish to boot. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. We're talking non-stop fishing, jaw-dropping views of the Golden Gate, and the kind of fresh seafood that'll make your neighbors green with envy. So grab your gear and let's hit the water – it's time to fill those coolers!

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're cruising out of San Francisco Bay as the sun's coming up, fog rolling off the water. We'll start by dropping pots for those tasty crustaceans, then while they're doing their thing, we'll hit some prime rockfish spots. You'll be jigging and bottom fishing for a mixed bag of colorful rockfish and maybe even a trophy lingcod. Once we've got our fill of finned friends, it's back to check the pots. There's nothing quite like hauling up a pot full of feisty Dungeness crab – it's like winning the seafood lottery! With a max of 6 anglers on board, you'll have plenty of elbow room and personal attention from yours truly. Just remember, we don't provide meals on this one, so pack a lunch and stay fueled for the action.

Rigging Up for Success

Alright, let's talk tackle. For our rockfish pursuit, we'll be using a mix of techniques. We'll start with some classic bottom fishing – heavy sinkers, circle hooks, and chunks of squid or anchovy. When the bite's on fire, you might feel like you're hauling up Christmas trees with all the colorful rockfish on your line. If the fish are being picky, we'll switch to jigging with swim baits or metal jigs. For the crabbing part, we use commercial-grade pots baited with the good stuff – usually oily fish parts that the crabs can't resist. Don't worry if you're new to this; I'll walk you through every step, from baiting hooks to measuring keepers.

Target Species Breakdown

Let's chat about our star players for this trip. First up, the Vermilion Rockfish. These guys are the kings of the rock piles, sporting a brilliant red color that'll make your Instagram pop. They typically hang out in depths of 150-300 feet and put up a solid fight on the way up. Vermilions can grow up to 30 inches, but most of what we catch are in the 2-5 pound range. They're aggressive feeders and will often be the first to hit your bait. The meat is white, flaky, and perfect for fish tacos.

Now, onto everyone's favorite, the Dungeness Crab. These bad boys are the reason people lose their minds when crab season opens. They can grow up to 10 inches across the shell and weigh up to 2 pounds. The legal size for keepers is 5.75 inches, measured across the shell just in front of the spikes. Dungeness are known for their sweet, tender meat that's unbeatable in a crab feed or in your favorite recipes. November through January is prime time for these tasty crustaceans, so you're hitting the sweet spot on this trip.

Why Anglers Can't Get Enough

Listen, I've been running these combo trips for years, and let me tell you, they never get old. There's something special about the variety – one minute you're feeling the thump of a big rockfish, the next you're watching a pot full of crabs come over the rail. It's like a seafood buffet where you catch your own meal. Plus, the scenery around San Francisco Bay is world-class. You might see whales, sea lions, or even catch a glimpse of Alcatraz as we're motoring out. It's the kind of day that reminds you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place.

Time to Lock In Your Spot

Alright, folks, here's the deal – these trips fill up fast, especially once crab season hits. If you're looking to stock that freezer with some of the best seafood the Pacific has to offer, don't sleep on this. Remember, we're limited to 6 anglers per trip to keep things comfortable and make sure everyone gets their fair share of the action. Bring your A-game, a good attitude, and maybe some motion sickness meds if you're prone to the wobbles. Oh, and don't forget – deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. Ready to make some waves and fill some coolers? Give us a shout, and let's get you on the books for a day you won't forget. Trust me, your taste buds (and your buddies at the next cookout) will thank you!