Introduction
There is lots to love when fishing Oyster Point– Especially in the spring. Oyster point is a great location to find California Halibut and Stripers in the Spring time and one of my favorite place to target starting around March through April. Here are some important details to know before fishing oyster Point Marina.
Check out Moomoo Land his personal best California halibut at oyster point!
How to get to Oyster Point Marina
Launching
Parking is free at oyster point but there is a launch fee at the ramp. However there is a free kayak launch in the back near fishing pier.
Weather Patterns
Safety is the most important factor when fishing at Oyster Point, and understanding the wind patterns will help you stay safe. I highly recommend you read my article understanding wind conditions in the bay.
However, here is a quick summary. The winds at oyster point can get down right nasty in the afternoon and will blow you off shore, which is extremely dangerous. There have been plenty of people who have been rescued over the years, and the coastguard is constantly patrolling the area for distressed mariners.
Pay close attention to the wind. Normally the wind will pick up around 1 pm. Stay close to the channel markers and be prepared to go in should it pick up.
How to target fish at Oyster Point
Typically in the spring time the water temperatures warm up in the South Bay first which drives many of the bait fish to the South Bay and the larger predatory fish in with them.
When fishing for halibut at oyster point it is important to find natural ledges and channels where the bait fish like to congregate. The ledges are also places where the Halibut and stripers like to stay around too.
Here is a map listing some of the area’s that typically hold fish.
Channel Markers:
The Channel markers are actually boating channels. Over the years the boats, recreational and ferry, build deep groves in the mud that eventually becomes ledges that bait fish congrats around. The halibut and stripers will cruise around these ledges waiting to attack the fish when the tides begin.
Bait selection:
In the early spring live bait is normally not available at the docks, however, there are other options. I recommend learning to catch your own Sex Herring for bait. What is sex herring you ask? Well sex herring are spawning herring that enter the bay starting in December and stay until early march. There is a whole community found on this website that focuses on finding and catching them. They make excellent halibut bait, in the bay and especially in the ocean!
Here is my tutorial How to fish the Annual Herring Spawn.
Additionally there are also “shiner perch” and jack smelt that can be caught around the bay pilings with a sabiki lure. Finally, you can always buy some anchovies or a hoochie to troll around for halibut at your local bait store.
Conclusion:
There is lots of love about fishing for halibut and strip bass in Oyster Point in the spring. My first fish from a kayak was at Oyster Point — A nice 28 inch California Halibut! There is also lots to take into account and be aware of. Remember when kayak fishing, we are kayakers first and fisherman second!
If you have any questions about kayak fishing, come to any of the California Canoe and Kayak Stores in the Bay Area and our staff will help you. Good luck and tight lines! –TLA
I don’t have a kayak ,I fish from shore what’s a good spot to fish from ? I have a bad hip so mobility is limited. Thanks.
From shore you can try oyster point pier, Candlestick pier, or the Alameda Rock wall. Those are productive spots for Halibut. Just get some live bait and send it out. Hopefully you get a fish on. Good luck –TLA