Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around San Francisco Bay as of February 10, 2025.
First off, let's talk about the conditions. Today, the sunrise is at 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at 5:23 PM. The weather is looking partly cloudy with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 48 degrees, making it a decent day to be out on the water. Tides are crucial, and today we have a high tide at 9:15 AM and a low tide at 3:04 PM, which should give us some good windows for fishing.
Now, let's dive into the fish activity. February is a great time for catching perch, and you can find them throughout the bay, especially on piers closer to the entrance. Fort Point Pier and Fort Baker Pier are your best bets for perch, small rockfish, and even some sanddab if it's a rainy year, which it has been so far[1].
Striped bass are still around, although many have moved inland into the Delta and Sacramento River. You can try your luck using cut bait like anchovies, grass shrimp, or pile worms, along with some artificial lures. The Golden Gate Bridge Fishing Pier and Paradise Park near Tiburon are known hotspots for striped bass[3].
Jacksmelt are abundant right now, and you'll find them at almost every pier, including Fort Mason Piers, Brisbane Fishing Pier, and Oyster Point Pier. These spots are also good for catching small rockfish and the occasional bat ray[1].
If you're after something bigger, Alcatraz Island and the Marin Islands are great spots for halibut and rockfish. However, keep in mind that halibut catches have been rare lately, and you'll need a bit of luck to land one[3].
For those targeting crabs, it's prime season for Dungeness crabs, but remember you can't keep them if you're fishing inside the bay. You'll need to head outside the Golden Gate to keep Dungeness crabs, while rock crabs are fair game inside the bay[1].
In terms of lures and bait, for striped bass and halibut, use cut bait or artificial lures like spoons and plugs. For perch and jacksmelt, small hooks with bait like anchovies, grass shrimp, or even small pieces of squid can work wonders. If you're bottom fishing for rockfish or sanddab, use a combination of squid, shrimp, and possibly some lures that mimic small fish.
Two hot spots to consider today are Fort Point Pier and the Golden Gate Bridge Fishing Pier. Fort Point Pier offers a mix of perch, small rockfish, and the possibility of catching a cabezon or lingcod. The Golden Gate Bridge Fishing Pier is a hotspot for striped bass and rockfish, with the added bonus of breathtaking views[1][3].
So, gear up, check your tackle, and get ready for a day on the water. Remember to follow all local regulations, especially the sturgeon catch-and-release rules until new regulations come out in April[1].
Tight lines, and see you on the water