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Fishing the Stormy San Francisco Bay: Tides, Targets, and Tactics for the Winter Solstice
For December 21, 2024, if you're planning to hit the waters of San Francisco Bay, here's what you need to know:
First off, today marks the winter solstice, so expect the shortest day of the year. Sunrise is at 7:21 AM, and sunset will be at 4:54 PM, giving you about 9 hours and 33 minutes of daylight[2].
Weather-wise, a storm is projected to hit the area, which might make the waters a bit rough, but this can also stir up the fish. Be prepared for some wind and possibly some rain.
Tidal conditions are crucial; check the tide tables, but generally, the best fishing times are around the changing tides. For today, the high tide is expected around mid-morning, and the low tide in the late afternoon.
Yesterday's fish counts from the party boats in the area showed some promising catches. For example, boats out of Monterey and Morro Bay reported decent numbers of rockfish, lingcod, and even some bocaccio[5].
In San Francisco Bay, you can expect to catch striped bass, rockfish, and possibly some halibut. The Golden Gate Bridge Fishing Pier is a hotspot for striped bass and rockfish. Alcatraz Island is another great spot, particularly for halibut and rockfish[3].
For lures and bait, striped bass are often caught using live bait like anchovies or sardines. For rockfish, try using squid or shrimp. If you're after halibut, a live bait like a herring or a lure that mimics a shad can be effective.
Given the stormy weather, it might be a good idea to use lures that can attract fish in murky waters, such as brightly colored jigs or spoons.
Paradise Park near Tiburon is also worth a visit, especially during the striped bass season. The Oakland Estuary is another productive area, with a variety of fish species including sturgeon and salmon.
So, bundle up, check the tides, and head out to your favorite spot in the bay. The storm might make things interesting, but it could also bring in some bigger fish. Good luck out there
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Published on 11 months, 4 weeks ago