Fishing in San Francisco

Fishing

Fishing boats angle for salmon and halibut outside the bay or striped bass and giant sturgeon within. On land, you can cast your line at the Municipal Pier, Fisherman's Wharf, Baker Beach, or Aquatic Park. Fishing licenses are not necessary when casting from public piers. (The exception is sturgeon fishing, for which you need a Sturgeon Fishing Report Card.) Licenses are required for all other types of fishing, and can be purchased from the California Department of Fish and Game (www.dfg.ca.gov). Non-California residents can purchase 1-, 2-, or 10-day licenses for $12, $19, and $37, respectively.

Sportfishing charters depart daily from Fisherman's Wharf during the salmon-fishing season (March or April through October), and cost about $60 to $70.

Lovely Martha's Sportfishing (Fisherman's Wharf, Berth 3. 650/871-1691. www.lovelymartha.com) has salmon-fishing excursions and bay cruises.

Wacky Jacky (Foot of Jones St. at Jefferson St., Fisherman's Wharf. 415/586-9800), skippered by a straight-shootin' woman named Jacky, takes you salmon fishing in a sleek, fast, and comfortable 50-foot boat.