TOP TECHNIQUES FOR CATCHING HALIBUT IN SAN FRANCISCO BAY

If you're targeting California halibut, few places offer better opportunity than San Francisco Bay. These hard-fighting, great-tasting fish can be caught just minutes from shore—and with the right techniques, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of landing a keeper. At Bill’s Sportfishing & Guide Service, we’ve spent years perfecting the methods that consistently bring halibut over the rail.

Whether you're brand new to saltwater fishing or a seasoned pro, here’s a breakdown of the most effective halibut fishing techniques in San Francisco Bay—and how we put them to work for you.

1. Drift Fishing with Live Bait – The #1 Halibut Method

Drifting live bait is the most tried-and-true technique for halibut fishing in the bay. On our guided trips, we use live anchovies, sardines, or shiners rigged on a sliding sinker (Carolina) rig. This setup allows the bait to move naturally in the current, attracting attention from nearby halibut.

Why it works:

• Mimics natural prey
• Keeps bait near the bottom where halibut feed
• Covers ground efficiently as you drift with the tide

We monitor tide changes carefully, adjusting drift angles and depths to keep bait in the strike zone at all times. Our boats are fully equipped with high-end electronics to locate bait balls and bottom structure where halibut hang out.

2. Trap Rig Trolling – Slow and Deadly

Trolling is another highly effective technique we use when conditions are right. Using a trap rig (double hook setup), we troll live or dead bait slowly over sandy or muddy bottoms. This keeps the bait moving while giving it a natural presentation.

Trolling is ideal when:

• The drift is too fast or inconsistent
• We need to cover more ground to locate fish
• Halibut are suspended just off the bottom

Our guides at Bill’s Sportfishing adjust trolling speeds and bait setups based on water clarity, tide flow, and bait movement in the area.

3. Jigging and Artificial Lures – When Conditions Are Right

While not always the primary method, jigging with soft plastic swimbaits or bucktail jigs can be surprisingly effective when water conditions are clear and halibut are actively feeding.

We use:

• 4"–6" swimbaits with paddle tails
• White, chartreuse, or anchovy-colored jigs
• Scented soft plastics or bait-tipped jigs for extra attraction

We often introduce this technique when targeting aggressive fish near structure or when visibility allows fish to see and chase down artificial presentations.

4. Tide Timing – A Key to Success

No matter which method we use, timing the tides is critical for successful halibut fishing in San Francisco Bay. We plan our charters around incoming tides, which tend to bring in cooler, cleaner water and active baitfish—perfect conditions for halibut to hunt.

Bill and the crew pay close attention to:

• Tidal swings and current strength
• Water clarity and bait activity
• Wind direction and bottom drift speed



This kind of expert planning is part of what makes our trips successful—and what sets us apart from other fishing services.

5. Custom-Tailored Setups for Every Skill Level

At Bill’s Sportfishing & Guide Service, we provide all rods, reels, tackle, and bait—customized to your experience level. Whether you're new to fishing or looking to master advanced techniques, our guides are patient, hands-on, and ready to coach you every step of the way.

Book Your Halibut Fishing Trip in San Francisco Bay Today

If you want to learn and use the most effective halibut fishing techniques in San Francisco Bay, there’s no better way than fishing with the pros at Bill’s Sportfishing & Guide Service. Our decades of experience, high-quality gear, and deep knowledge of the bay’s behavior mean more hookups—and better fish.

Departing from the best halibut spots in the Bay Area
Call today at (916) 647-6441 or book online to reserve your next halibut adventure!