Where are the good areas to catch striped bass in the S.F. Bay Area and what bait/lures are best?
I’m hoping to find some stripers this weekend, May 9-11, so your answers are really appreciated. Also, if you know where one can use a casting net to gather shad or other bait fish, that would help immensely. Thanks!
You can catch stripers from the deep water port in Stockton to the golden gate bridge. The rock wall off of San Quinten is good, as is the area around the SF airport. Try drifting live bullheads or anchovies and you may land a halibut or a leopard shark along with your striped bass. Both baits are readily available in the bay area.
If you want to catch your own, rather than using a casting net for shad, which are real hard to come by in the bay area, try a small sabiki rig or snagging rig to catch herring or smelt.
Fishing Lures & Baits : How to Rig a Crankbait