Unforgettable Sportfishing & Private Charter Experiences
Welcome to California Dawn Sportfishing
About Us
Welcome to California Dawn Sportfishing, your premier destination for unforgettable fishing adventures on the West Coast. With decades of experience, we specialize in providing top-tier fishing trips, including Bay and Ocean Potluck Fishing, Salmon Charters, Crab Combos, and Private Parties tailored to your group.
Our fleet, featuring the California Dawn and California Dawn II, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and luxurious amenities to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Whether you’re an avid angler or new to fishing, our dedicated crew is here to guide you, making every trip an exciting and memorable experience.
Join us on the water for world-class fishing, breathtaking views, and gourmet onboard dining prepared by our professional chefs. Let California Dawn Sportfishing turn your next outing into the adventure of a lifetime!
Our Services
Experience unforgettable adventures on the water with California Dawn Sportfishing. Whether reeling in the fish of a lifetime, celebrating on a private charter, or savoring in the breathtaking views, we provide top-tier service and exceptional fishing experiences for all.
Bay Potluck Fishing
Target species include halibut and striped bass in the San Francisco Bay.
Private Charters
Fully customizable trips for group events or specialized fishing experiences.
Ocean Potluck Fishing & Seasonal Salmon
Focused on catching rockfish, lingcod, and seasonal salmon in coastal waters.
Rockfish & Crab Combos
Combines fishing with Dungeness crab harvesting for a multi-species experience.
Hop Aboard the Dawn Fleet!
California Dawn
A 50-foot fiberglass sport fishing vessel equipped with twin diesel engines, advanced marine electronics, scanning sonar, a heated cabin, and a full galley.
California Dawn II
A 55-foot catamaran featuring twin Caterpillar engines, spacious pontoons, and a large cabin with a full galley, designed for enhanced comfort and capacity.
Latest Reports
Braided line is a must!
Please no monofilament or Dacron!!!!!
We fish 40 pound braid on our rentals.
You can use up to 65 pound but anything heavier will undoubtedly float a bit and may cause tangles. There are many things that will catch a ling cod. We are recommending swim baits with 16-20 oz heads. The water is deep! We will be in the 300 to 400 range. There is a closure zone around the banks and you  cannot fish inside of 50 fathoms of water . We will be targeting lings to start the day. This is why we are recommending bigger jigs so you don’t get the schoolfish . There are plenty of rockfish anywhere around the banks. We have shrimp flies on 80 pound. I am not planning on stopping for dabs. From the guides and private boaters that have been out there, live bait has not been necessary . What’s your number? Grab your stuff ahead of time if you can. The Berkeley Baitshop has what you may need as well. Please show up early if you need jigs from the shop. I am planning on departing no later than 5:15. If everybody shows up by five, we will depart . It’s a nearly 60 mile run roughly 3 hours. Please make sure you’re geared right if you are geared too lightly, we will ask you to go to a heavier set up .  I have some examples in the pics. If you missed out on these specials, we may schedule another trip to the banks on Friday and Saturday. I’m keeping a close eye on the weather and will announce if we are going on these days. I’m seriously excited about going out there. It’s been roughly 30 years for me personally and fishing was amazing last time I was there. Should be some great fishing since the banks have been closed for over a decade.. Our regular staff will be on board including chef Tami so bring your appetite. See everyone this week!
Captain James
We depart by 515 am. The cost of the trip is 275
Cordell has been closed for over a decade to bottom fishing. This may be our last available date for the banks. Just because weather is very unpredictable off shore but this week looks great!
For reservations
(510)4175557
Tackle recommendations
16/20 oz scampi/ grub tails. We will not be stopping for dabs. (It’s been wide open on plastics). 8oz brand teasers or flies for the rockfish. We will be focusing on lings with the bigger stuff
This trip will sell out quick
Tackle recommendations
16-20 oz jig heads big tails. I will do a follow up post for tackle but this is were I would start. Call Julie
(510)4175557 for reservations
Testimonials
Resources
CDFW – California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Sep’s Outdoors – Bringing you the best in outdoor information.
Capt Steve’s Lodge – Kenai Peninsula’s premiere fishing experience.
Sportfishing Report – Bringing West Coast fishing reports to you.
Fish Sniffer – The Magazine for West Coast Sportsmen.
Sponsors
