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"Springtime Stripers and Halibut in San Francisco Bay: Ideal Conditions for Productive Angling"
The fishing scene in San Francisco Bay is heating up as spring rolls in. On April 4, 2025, anglers can expect a productive day on the water, with striped bass and halibut leading the charge. The tidal conditions for today show a low tide around 7:15 AM and a high tide later in the afternoon, creating favorable windows for fishing during the tidal changes. Sunrise is at 6:47 AM, and sunset will be at 7:36 PM, offering plenty of daylight for a full day of angling.
The weather is shaping up to be ideal, with calm winds and clear visibility reported. Although water temperatures remain cool, striped bass activity is thriving. Recent reports indicate that stripers are biting well, with catches averaging 20-22 inches, and limits being reached on some outings. Halibut action is just starting to pick up, though warmer water will improve their presence in the bay.
For bait and tackle, anchovies and sardines (either live or cut) are top choices for striped bass, while soft swimbaits, bucktail jigs, and Rapala minnows can work effectively for both stripers and halibut. If targeting halibut specifically, glass minnow lures and slow-twitch baits are excellent. For a chance at sharks or rays, squid or chunks of smelt are reliable baits.
This time of year, fishing from piers or by boat offers great options. Hotspots include:
- **Berkeley Flats**: A solid location for halibut and striped bass.
- **Fort Point Pier**: Known for its accessibility and potential to catch a mix of species, including smaller rockfish and occasional stripers.
- **Candlestick Point Piers**: A great spot for striped bass and possible halibut action.
Regulations remain key—perch retention is prohibited until August, but shinerperch can be kept with a limit of 20. Dungeness crab cannot be taken within the bay, though rock crab is allowed.
Overall, spring fishing in San Francisco Bay is kicking off strong, with stripers showing consistent activity and halibut gearing up as temperatures rise. Whether from the shore or a boat, today promises rewarding opportunities for anglers.
The weather is shaping up to be ideal, with calm winds and clear visibility reported. Although water temperatures remain cool, striped bass activity is thriving. Recent reports indicate that stripers are biting well, with catches averaging 20-22 inches, and limits being reached on some outings. Halibut action is just starting to pick up, though warmer water will improve their presence in the bay.
For bait and tackle, anchovies and sardines (either live or cut) are top choices for striped bass, while soft swimbaits, bucktail jigs, and Rapala minnows can work effectively for both stripers and halibut. If targeting halibut specifically, glass minnow lures and slow-twitch baits are excellent. For a chance at sharks or rays, squid or chunks of smelt are reliable baits.
This time of year, fishing from piers or by boat offers great options. Hotspots include:
- **Berkeley Flats**: A solid location for halibut and striped bass.
- **Fort Point Pier**: Known for its accessibility and potential to catch a mix of species, including smaller rockfish and occasional stripers.
- **Candlestick Point Piers**: A great spot for striped bass and possible halibut action.
Regulations remain key—perch retention is prohibited until August, but shinerperch can be kept with a limit of 20. Dungeness crab cannot be taken within the bay, though rock crab is allowed.
Overall, spring fishing in San Francisco Bay is kicking off strong, with stripers showing consistent activity and halibut gearing up as temperatures rise. Whether from the shore or a boat, today promises rewarding opportunities for anglers.
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By Quiet. PleaseThe fishing scene in San Francisco Bay is heating up as spring rolls in. On April 4, 2025, anglers can expect a productive day on the water, with striped bass and halibut leading the charge. The tidal conditions for today show a low tide around 7:15 AM and a high tide later in the afternoon, creating favorable windows for fishing during the tidal changes. Sunrise is at 6:47 AM, and sunset will be at 7:36 PM, offering plenty of daylight for a full day of angling.
The weather is shaping up to be ideal, with calm winds and clear visibility reported. Although water temperatures remain cool, striped bass activity is thriving. Recent reports indicate that stripers are biting well, with catches averaging 20-22 inches, and limits being reached on some outings. Halibut action is just starting to pick up, though warmer water will improve their presence in the bay.
For bait and tackle, anchovies and sardines (either live or cut) are top choices for striped bass, while soft swimbaits, bucktail jigs, and Rapala minnows can work effectively for both stripers and halibut. If targeting halibut specifically, glass minnow lures and slow-twitch baits are excellent. For a chance at sharks or rays, squid or chunks of smelt are reliable baits.
This time of year, fishing from piers or by boat offers great options. Hotspots include:
- **Berkeley Flats**: A solid location for halibut and striped bass.
- **Fort Point Pier**: Known for its accessibility and potential to catch a mix of species, including smaller rockfish and occasional stripers.
- **Candlestick Point Piers**: A great spot for striped bass and possible halibut action.
Regulations remain key—perch retention is prohibited until August, but shinerperch can be kept with a limit of 20. Dungeness crab cannot be taken within the bay, though rock crab is allowed.
Overall, spring fishing in San Francisco Bay is kicking off strong, with stripers showing consistent activity and halibut gearing up as temperatures rise. Whether from the shore or a boat, today promises rewarding opportunities for anglers.
The weather is shaping up to be ideal, with calm winds and clear visibility reported. Although water temperatures remain cool, striped bass activity is thriving. Recent reports indicate that stripers are biting well, with catches averaging 20-22 inches, and limits being reached on some outings. Halibut action is just starting to pick up, though warmer water will improve their presence in the bay.
For bait and tackle, anchovies and sardines (either live or cut) are top choices for striped bass, while soft swimbaits, bucktail jigs, and Rapala minnows can work effectively for both stripers and halibut. If targeting halibut specifically, glass minnow lures and slow-twitch baits are excellent. For a chance at sharks or rays, squid or chunks of smelt are reliable baits.
This time of year, fishing from piers or by boat offers great options. Hotspots include:
- **Berkeley Flats**: A solid location for halibut and striped bass.
- **Fort Point Pier**: Known for its accessibility and potential to catch a mix of species, including smaller rockfish and occasional stripers.
- **Candlestick Point Piers**: A great spot for striped bass and possible halibut action.
Regulations remain key—perch retention is prohibited until August, but shinerperch can be kept with a limit of 20. Dungeness crab cannot be taken within the bay, though rock crab is allowed.
Overall, spring fishing in San Francisco Bay is kicking off strong, with stripers showing consistent activity and halibut gearing up as temperatures rise. Whether from the shore or a boat, today promises rewarding opportunities for anglers.