For November 22, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing scene in the San Francisco Bay area:
Today, November 22, the sun rises at 6:53 AM and sets at 4:53 PM, giving you a decent window for a full day of fishing. The tidal report shows a high tide at 8:34 AM with 6.4 feet and a low tide at 2:34 PM with 1.3 feet, which could affect the fish activity, especially for species like halibut and rockfish.
Weather conditions are expected to be partly cloudy with a high of 58°F and a low of 48°F, making it a comfortable day to be out on the water. Winds will be moderate, around 10-15 mph, which might make the sea a bit choppy but still manageable.
Yesterday's fishing reports indicate that halibut are still active in the area. Depths of 40 to 80 feet are your best bet for catching these flatfish, especially around the reefs and nearshore areas. Rockfish are also plentiful, particularly near the reefs that reopened on November 1. Surfcasters have been finding quality perch and even some striped bass from the sandy beaches north towards Moss Landing.
For those targeting Dungeness crab, the season opened on November 2, and while the initial opener was challenging due to undersized crabs, recent reports suggest better catches. Boats launching from Moss Landing have been successful in finding crab, especially when traveling to reefy areas closer to Monterey or Santa Cruz.
If you're looking for hot spots, Half Moon Bay is a great place to start. Charters like the Queen of Hearts and the Riptide have been posting near limits of crab and rockfish. In the San Francisco Bay itself, areas around the Golden Gate Bridge and the Farallon Islands can be productive for halibut and rockfish.
For lures and bait, live bait such as anchovies and sardines are always a good choice for halibut and rockfish. For rockfish, using squid or shrimp can also yield good results. If you're after Dungeness crab, traditional crab traps baited with squid or fish guts are the way to go.
Overall, it's shaping up to be a good day for fishing in the San Francisco Bay area, with a variety of species available and favorable weather conditions. Just be mindful of the tidal changes and adjust your fishing strategy accordingly.