Farallon Islands Fishing Charter: Lingcod & Rockfish (8 hours)

An offshore day at the Farallones

A private Farallon Islands fishing charter for up to 4 anglers: 8 hours, $2,280 for the whole boat, starting at 7:00 AM from Hyde Street Harbor at Fisherman's Wharf. The islands are about 30 miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge, and this is deep sea fishing for lingcod and rockfish (rock cod) on the grounds around them.

Season and limits (San Francisco area, 2026)

• Season: open April 1 to December 31 at all depths, closed January 1 to March 31. CDFW sets the season each year.
• Rockfish: 10 per person per day, combined with cabezon and greenling. Within that, no more than 1 copper, 2 vermilion or sunset, and 2 canary rockfish.
• Not to be kept: quillback, yelloweye, cowcod and bronzespotted rockfish.
• Lingcod: 2 per person per day, at least 22 inches.
• Descending device: required on board, and Miss Molly carries one, so rockfish you release go back down to depth.

Weather and the ocean

The Farallones need a good ocean window. Captain Molly decides whether it is safe to go, and if she cancels for weather you get a full refund or a new date. The ride out is open ocean: if you're prone to seasickness, read the seasickness advice and take medicine before the trip, not after.

Wildlife on the way

The Farallones hold the largest seabird nesting colony south of Alaska, and humpback and blue whales are around from about March to November. If the wildlife is the point of the day, see the Farallon Islands tour and the whale watching guide.

What's provided and what to bring

• Provided: rods, reels, tackle and bait, plus a heated cabin and a private bathroom aboard Miss Molly.
• Bring: a California fishing license for everyone 16 and older (buy it online before the trip: how and what it costs), lunch, warm layers and a cooler for your fish.
• Your catch: fish you keep are filleted and bagged. Leave your cooler on the dock and it's ready for them when you're back.

Where to meet: Hyde Street Harbor, 2951 Hyde St, at Fisherman's Wharf. When you arrive, text Captain Molly from the bench. Please don't walk down to the boat on your own.

Booking and cancellation

Book online and pay in full at booking. There's no deposit. Cancel free up to 7 days before your trip. Within 7 days there's no refund. If Captain Molly cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a new date.

Other fish by month: what you can catch on San Francisco Bay. Give this trip as a present: fishing gift certificates.