Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing in and around San Francisco Bay. Today, February 8th, 2025, promises to be an interesting day on the water, so let's dive into the details.
First off, let's check the tides. According to the tide charts, we have a low tide at 00:49 AM with a height of 1.43 meters, followed by a high tide at 6:55 AM reaching 2.48 meters. The next low tide is at 2:24 PM with a height of just 0.22 meters, and the final high tide of the day is at 9:17 PM with a height of 1.92 meters[2].
The weather is looking relatively calm, which is perfect for a day out on the bay. Sunrise is at 7:06 AM, and sunset will be at 5:42 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to catch some fish.
Now, let's talk about the fish activity. This time of year, you can expect to catch a variety of species. Perch are abundant throughout the bay, especially around the entrance areas like Fort Point Pier and Fort Mason Piers. These spots are also good for small rockfish and occasionally some larger species like cabezon or lingcod, though those are less common[1].
Striped bass have largely moved inland into the Delta and Sacramento River, but you might still catch some using cut bait like anchovies, grass shrimp, or pile worms, along with artificial lures. Jacksmelt are plentiful, with both large solitary fish and numerous smaller ones. Keep an eye out for herring, which can show up any day and attract a crowd of anglers[1].
If you're after sanddab, this time of year is good, especially during rainy periods, and piers near the mouth of the bay like Fort Point Pier and Fort Baker Pier are your best bets[1].
For those targeting sturgeon, remember that it's currently catch-and-release only until new regulations are issued in April. Dungeness crabs are off-limits inside the bay, but you can keep rock crabs. If you're outside the Golden Gate, you can keep Dungeness crabs, but make sure to follow the rules[1][3].
In terms of bait and lures, for perch and small rockfish, small hooks with bait like bloodworms or tiny jigs work well. For striped bass, use those cut baits or artificial lures that mimic baitfish. If you're after halibut, which are rare but possible, especially at spots like Ferry Point Pier, use larger lures or bait like live baitfish or squid[1][4].
Here are a couple of hot spots to consider:
- **Fort Point Pier**: This is a great spot for perch, small rockfish, and occasionally sanddab. It's also one of the better places to catch a halibut if you're lucky.
- **Ferry Point Pier**: This pier saw a couple of halibut catches in January, so it's worth a try. You'll also find jacksmelt and perch here, and keep an eye out for herring.
In summary, today looks like a great day to get out on the water in San Francisco Bay. With the right bait and a bit of luck, you could catch a variety of fish species. Just remember to check the tides and follow the local fishing regulations.
Happy fishing, and tight lines
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