Premier Bodega Bay Salmon Charters | Sandy Ann

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Bodega Bay
$600 - $900 price range

Summary

Ready for a fun fishing trip in beautiful Bodega Bay? Sandy Ann Sport Fishing offers half-day charters that are great for families and first-timers. You'll head out on the water to catch prized Salmon like Chinook and Coho. Don't worry about gear – they provide everything you need, including rods, reels, and tackle. If you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at crabbing too. It's a chance to bring home a fresh catch and create some lasting memories. The boat can take up to 4 guests, so it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Remember to bring your fishing license, and you're all set. The waters around Bodega Bay are rich with fish, so you've got a good shot at reeling in something impressive. Book your spot soon – these trips fill up fast. It's a great way to spend a day outdoors and maybe catch dinner while you're at it!

Premier Bodega Bay Salmon Charters | Sandy Ann

Reeling in Bodega Bay

Two people enjoying a day of fishing at Bodega Bay

Best Bodega Bay Crab Season 2022

All smiles! Bodega Bay Crabbing Season!

Bodega Bay Best Boat Salmon Fishing

Family-friendly Bodega Bay Salmon Charter

Reel in Salmon Gold: Bodega Bay Charter Boats

Ready for some serious salmon action? Sandy Ann Sport Fishing's got you covered with our half-day charters out of beautiful Bodega Bay. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, we'll put you on the fish and show you a great time. Our trips are perfect for families looking to make memories or solo anglers aiming to land that trophy catch. We provide all the gear you need, so just bring your fishing license and a good attitude – we'll take care of the rest!

What to Expect on the Water

Once we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building as we head out into Bodega Bay's productive waters. Our experienced captain knows all the honey holes where salmon like to hang out. We'll get you set up with top-notch rods, reels, and the right bait or lures for the day. Don't worry if you're new to this – we're here to show you the ropes and make sure you have the best shot at hooking into some chrome-bright salmon. And if you're up for it, we can even drop some crab pots to bring home an extra treat from the sea. Just remember, space is limited on these popular trips, so don't wait to book your spot!

Trolling Tactics & Gear Talk

On our Bodega Bay charters, we typically use trolling techniques to target salmon. We'll set up lines with downriggers to get our bait or lures down to where the fish are feeding. You might hear us talking about "mooching" too – that's when we use a more active jigging technique if the fish are being picky. We provide all the specialized gear, including stout rods that can handle a big King salmon's power runs. Our reels are loaded with the right line to give you the best chance of landing that trophy. And don't sweat it if you're not sure how to use the gear – we'll give you a crash course and be right there to help you reel in the big one when it hits!

Top Catches This Season

Anglers have been crushing it on the salmon grounds this year. We've seen some real beauties come over the rail, with several 20+ pound Chinooks making an appearance. One lucky fisherman even battled a 30-pounder for nearly an hour before we could get it in the net – talk about an arm workout! And it's not just about size – the action has been steady, with most trips limiting out on these tasty fish. Clients love taking home fresh fillets for the grill or smoker. Remember, every trip is different, but we always do our best to put you on the fish and create some lasting memories.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon, also known as King Salmon, are the heavyweight champs of Bodega Bay. These hard-fighting fish can tip the scales at over 30 pounds, though most fall in the 10-20 pound range. They're known for their rich, flavorful meat that's loaded with healthy omega-3s. Chinooks typically show up in our waters from spring through fall, with peak season usually hitting in summer. When a big King decides to take your bait, hold on tight – their initial run can peel line off your reel like nobody's business!

Coho Salmon, or Silver Salmon, are another prized catch in these parts. While generally smaller than Chinooks, averaging 6-12 pounds, what they lack in size they make up for in acrobatics. Cohos are known for their spectacular leaps and fast runs when hooked. Their meat is a bit lighter in color and flavor compared to Kings, but still delicious. We typically see Cohos mixing in with the Chinooks during the summer months. Landing a nice Coho is always a thrill, and they're a favorite for those who prefer a milder salmon taste.

Chum Salmon, sometimes called Dog Salmon, are less common in our catches but still make an appearance. They average around 8-15 pounds and can put up a good fight. Chums are known for their pale pink flesh and are often smoked or used in salmon burgers. While not as highly prized as Kings or Silvers, hooking into a Chum can add some variety to your catch and they're still fun to battle. We might encounter them later in the season, usually mixed in with the other salmon species.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some hard-fighting salmon, our Bodega Bay charters are just the ticket. We've got the know-how, the gear, and the hot spots to make your fishing dreams a reality. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with delicious fillets or just want to experience the thrill of battling a big King salmon, we've got you covered. Remember, our trips are capped at 4 guests, so you'll get plenty of personal attention and fishing time. Don't let this season's salmon run pass you by – grab your spot on the Sandy Ann now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action! Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also known as kings, are the heavyweights of the salmon world. These bruisers typically run 15-30 pounds but can top 50 in the right conditions. You'll find them cruising deeper waters, often 30-100 feet down. Kings put up a legendary fight, so hang on tight when you hook one. Their rich, flavorful meat is prized by anglers and chefs alike. Late summer into fall is prime time as they start their spawning runs. Look for them near underwater structure like rock piles or steep drop-offs. Out here in Bodega Bay, we often troll with cut-plug herring to entice a bite. Pro tip: Let out plenty of line and use downriggers to get your bait down where the big ones lurk. Kings can be finicky, so don't be afraid to switch up your presentation if they're not biting.

Chum Salmon

Chum salmon might not get the glory of kings or silvers, but they're a blast to catch. Also called dogs, these fish average 10-15 pounds and can really rip some line when hooked. Chums prefer cooler, deeper waters around 40-50 feet down. You'll see them showing up in late summer through fall as they start their spawning run. What chums lack in size, they make up for in fight – these fish will give you a workout. Their meat is milder than other salmon, making them great for smoking. To target chums, try trolling with flashers and hoochies in chartreuse or pink. Here's a tip: chums spook easily, so when you spot a school, cast your lure just past them and retrieve through the group. With a bit of finesse, you'll be battling a hard-fighting chum in no time.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, or silvers, are the acrobats of the salmon family. Weighing in around 8-12 pounds, these feisty fish are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. You'll often find them in the upper part of the water column, especially near creek mouths and estuaries. Coho start showing up in late summer, with peak season running through fall. Anglers love targeting silvers for their aggressive strikes and delicious, mild-flavored meat. These fish respond well to flashy lures, so try casting spinners or trolling with hoochies in bright colors like pink or chartreuse. Here's a local secret: on calm days, look for "jumpers" breaking the surface – that's a dead giveaway coho are in the area. Cast near the activity, and hold on tight!

About the Sandy Ann Sport Fishing

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Volvo

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Looking for a fun day out on the water in Bodega Bay? Sandy Ann Sport Fishing has you covered with their half-day trips, perfect for families and fishing newbies alike. You'll be casting lines for prized Chinook and Coho salmon in the rich waters off the California coast. No need to worry about gear - they provide all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need to get in on the action. Want to spice things up? Try your hand at crabbing and bring home a tasty souvenir. Just remember to grab your fishing license before you hop aboard. With space for up to 4 guests, it's an intimate experience that's sure to create lasting memories. Don't forget, spots fill up fast and deposits are non-refundable, so book your adventure soon. Whether you're looking to reel in dinner or just enjoy a day on the waves, Sandy Ann Sport Fishing offers a great way to experience the beauty of Bodega Bay.

Sitemap