North Bay Area Rockfish

Does anyone have tips for rockfishing between the GG bridge and Doran beach area? 

Same basic techniques up & down nor-cal coast.  Big Hammer, shrimp fly, irons, or dead/live bait drop looping.

What rod would you recommend? A lot of rockfish rods ive looked at seem too stiff to have a fun fight.

The good starter rod would be a Tiger or Tiger Lite rod.  Heavy bass rods work good.  Honestly, for RF almost ANY rod will work.  They aren't very finesse fish.

I fish from shore just outside the gate sometimes and like to use a 7'-8' med hvy spinning. 30-40#braid. I'll throw swimbaits and grubs for bass and lings.

Thanks I think ill check out the tiger rods. Ive noticed in the past that they are a good price

Thanks I think ill check out the tiger rods. Ive noticed in the past that they are a good price

Look at swim bait rods like guide selects by okuma or dobyns

I'm looking at the 6'6" or 7' Trevala Shimano

I use my bass crank bait rods mh

I fish these areas from shore quite frequently. I use an 8'6" clarus rated 10-20 most of the time. Heavy braid and leader cause the area is real sticky. If you're fishing bait, then 3 oz torpedos are the sinker of choice. SINGLE dropper loop is the key here. Two hooks and you don't stand a chance against the snags. A lot of the area has been picked over, so the harder a spot is to get to, the better. Be safe and aware. Good luck!

I hear the tidal currents at the Golden Gate is big and afraid of heading out alone. I see people kayaking out of Fort Baker, but I like to error on the side of caution. Any insight to launching out of Fort Baker and fishing around the Golden Gate Bridge for rockfish and lings?


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I hear the tidal currents at the Golden Gate is big and afraid of heading out alone. I see people kayaking out of Fort Baker, but I like to error on the side of caution. Any insight to launching out of Fort Baker and fishing around the Golden Gate Bridge for rockfish and lings?


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Yes.  The tides are big.  Plenty of other places to fish that you aren't fighting heavy tides, currents & boat traffic.

I too have been searching for a safe place to target Rockfish/Lings around the SF Bay Area. Please shoot me a PM if you come across a place. I plan on spending Labor Day weekend out that way.

I'd look into launching from Muir Beach. There is a lot of good Rocky structure in that area. My PB kayak-caught lingcod came from there, as did my PB halibut.


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