Navigating the Depths: Unveiling the Riches of South San Francisco Bay’s Fisheries

Embarking on a fishing expedition in South San Francisco Bay unveils a hidden world of estuarine wonders, where the intricate dance of water temperature and salinity orchestrates a symphony of marine life. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the depths of the South Bay’s diverse ecosystem, exploring the types of fish you can expect to catch, unraveling historical nuances, and providing essential tips and recommendations for a fruitful angling experience.

Types of Fish You Can Expect to Catch:

• Halibut (Seasonally): Pacific Halibut migrate through the Bay in spring and summer, lurking near deeper channels and flats. Jigs or bait fished slowly can entice these bottom-feeders.
• Striped Bass (Migratory): The Bay’s rockstars, particularly from October to May. They chase baitfish along shorelines, around structures, and even in open water. Trolling or baitfishing are effective techniques.
• Sharks (Occasionally): Leopard Sharks and Bat Rays sometimes cruise the sandy bottoms, especially near piers or during low tides. Use bait with caution and respect these magnificent creatures.
• Rockfish (Resident): Sculpins, Cabezon, Lingcod, and various other rockfish hide around rocky structures, pilings, and reefs. Jigs, bait, and even sabiki rigs can tempt them out.
• Surf Perch (Year-round): Walleye, Silver, and Pile Perch love sandy shores and shallows. Lures or bait fished near the bottom are perfect for light tackle fun.
• Herring (Seasonally): Large schools of herring, especially in the spring, attract other fish and offer exciting jigging opportunities near structures and shorelines.
• Dungeness Crab (Seasonally): During crab season (November-June), traps baited with fish scraps or clams can lure these tasty crustaceans from their hiding places.

Local Insights:

• Know the Tides: Incoming tides bring baitfish closer to shore, attracting predators like stripers. Outgoing tides are good for bottom feeders like halibut and crabs.
• Fish the Structure: Piers, jetties, reefs, and rocky outcrops harbor hungry fish. Cast jigs, bait, or sabiki rigs near these areas for rockfish, Cabezon, and even Lingcod.
• Trolling Secrets: Trolling lures or baitfish along channels, shorelines, and around structures can yield stripers, halibut, and even the occasional surprise. Experiment with depths and speeds.
• Sandy Stretches: Don’t underestimate the sandy areas. Try bait or lures for sharks and rays during low tide, and cast lures for surf perch in the shallows year-round.
• Respect the Environment: South San Francisco Bay is a fragile ecosystem. Be responsible, dispose of trash properly, and avoid disturbing the natural habitat.

Unique Things to Pay Attention To:

• Strong Currents: The Bay can experience strong currents, especially near channels and during outgoing tides. Be cautious when wading and use proper anchoring if needed.
• Limited Access: Some areas of the Bay are only accessible by boat. Research boat launches or consider joining a fishing charter if you want to explore deeper waters.
• Seasonal Regulations: Be mindful of specific regulations for fish like halibut, crab, and rockfish. These restrictions change throughout the year, so check the CDFW website before heading out.
• Weather Changes: The Bay’s weather can be unpredictable. Dress warmly in layers and be prepared for wind, fog, or sudden showers.

Specific Locations (A Few Examples):

1. Oyster Point Marina: Fish the pier for rockfish, stripers, and even halibut during migrations. Try bait near the pilings or cast lures along the shoreline.
2. San Bruno Shoal: This shallow area is a haven for surf perch. Cast lures or bait near the shore for an enjoyable light tackle experience.
3. Redwood Creek: This tidal creek offers opportunities for rockfish, stripers, and even the occasional halibut venture. Fish around the rocky edges or cast lures near the mouth during incoming tides.
4. Dumbarton Bridge: Troll near the bridge for stripers and herring, or fish the rocks for Cabezon and Lingcod. Be mindful of strong currents.
5. Arrowhead Marsh: This area is a hidden gem for fly fishing, particularly for stripers during the fall. Cast streamers or baitfish imitations along the shoreline or near the marsh edges.

Embrace the challenge and allure of South San Francisco Bay’s unpredictable waters, where each cast holds the promise of an extraordinary catch. With these insights and a touch of local wisdom, you’re ready to embark on an angling adventure that transcends the ordinary.