Fishing San Francisco Bay: Rockfish, Halibut, and Striped Bass Hotspots for January 19, 2025

For January 19, 2025, if you're planning to hit the waters of San Francisco Bay, here's what you need to know:

First off, let's talk about the daylight. Sunrise today is at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at 5:13 PM, giving you a good 9 hours and 49 minutes of daylight[2].

As for the weather, it's typically cool this time of year, so dress in layers. The tidal report shows a mix of high and low tides, but for fishing, the changing tides around dawn and dusk are usually the best times.

Yesterday's fish counts from nearby areas indicate that rockfish, halibut, and striped bass are active. For example, fishing spots near the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island are known hotspots. At the Golden Gate Bridge Fishing Pier, you might catch striped bass and rockfish. Alcatraz Island is particularly good for halibut and rockfish[3].

In terms of specific catches, while there aren't exact counts from San Francisco Bay itself, nearby party boats reported catches like 6 halibut and various rockfish species. For instance, the "Native Sun" out of San Pedro caught 7 halibut and 64 sculpin on a 3/4 day trip[1].

For lures and bait, live bait such as anchovies or sardines work well for halibut and rockfish. Jigs and spoons can also be effective, especially during the changing tides. For striped bass, try using lures that mimic baitfish or use live bait like shad or herring.

If you're looking for specific spots, Paradise Park near Tiburon is another great location, especially during striped bass season. The Oakland Estuary is also worth a visit, with its variety of fish species including striped bass, sturgeon, and salmon[3].

So, gear up, check the tides, and head out to these hotspots for a productive day of fishing in San Francisco Bay.