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San Francisco Fly Fishing Guide
Master shore fly fishing on guided beach trips targeting striped bass and halibut in the SF Bay with Spencer & Mike.
Rated #1 by Customers
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Top San Francisco Shore Fly Fishing Trips
Land-based casting instruction and guided outings targeting Striped Bass and California Halibut across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Strip Set Fly Fishing Adventures | San Francisco Fly Fishing Guides
Expert land-based fly casting instruction and guided shore fishing trips for striped bass and halibut across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Strip Set Fly Fishing Adventures is led by equal co-owners and expert San Francisco fly fishing guides Spencer Johnson and Mike Lawson. Operating entirely along the beaches and tidal zones of the San Francisco Bay Area, we specialize in land-based shore fly fishing for striped bass and California halibut. By combining over a decade of high-end hospitality experience with years of dedicated local coastal expertise, our goal is to help you unlock the unique puzzle of the Pacific coast fishery.
Every outing is an education-first experience built around reading the coastal ecosystem, from observing bird activity to analyzing the tides. Whether you are a beginner looking for welcoming, personalized fly casting instruction or a seasoned angler wanting to refine your striped bass fishing techniques from the sand, our trips are tailored to your individual skill level. We provide all the premium, beach-specific equipment you need—including custom hand-tied flies matched to the exact seasonal conditions—so you walk away with tangible, practical skills that last a lifetime.
San Francisco Fly Fishing Lessons & Guided Shore Trips
We offer a range of specialized land-based outings, from short two-hour lessons to comprehensive half-day and full-day San Francisco fly fishing trips. Operating entirely from the beach rather than a boat, we focus on reading the coastal environment and targeting local striped bass, California halibut, and barred surfperch. By wading the shorelines and tidal zones of the San Francisco Bay Area, we use the surrounding ecosystem—like bird activity and shifting currents—to locate fish and solve the puzzle of the bay.
Every outing includes all the necessary beach-specific equipment and custom, hand-tied flies chosen specifically for the season and daily water conditions. We welcome all skill levels, whether you are a beginner looking for patient, foundational fly casting instruction or a seasoned angler wanting to refine your surf fly fishing techniques. You will leave the sand with much more than just a great day on the water; you will walk away with practical, tangible skills and the confidence to read the water successfully on your own.
Trip Inclusions
Your trip includes all necessary beach-specific fly fishing equipment, carefully selected for your skill level and the daily coastal conditions. We also provide our custom, hand-tied flies designed specifically to target local striped bass and halibut. Throughout your time on the sand, you will receive personalized casting instruction and expert environmental knowledge from your guides.
What to Bring
All anglers must purchase and bring a valid California sport fishing license before stepping onto the beach. We highly recommend wearing comfortable, layered clothing so you can easily adapt to the shifting San Francisco coastal weather. Finally, be sure to pack polarized sunglasses and a hat for essential sun protection and improved visibility when reading the water.
Tailored Fly Casting Instruction
San Francisco Shoreline Fly Fishing
Experience world-class, 100% land-based fly fishing along the iconic beaches and productive tidal zones of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Guided Shore Trips & Casting Lessons
From our signature half-day outings to dedicated two-hour lessons, our educational trips are designed to build your casting skills and target striped bass right from the sand.
5-Star Guest Reviews
See why anglers consistently praise our exceptional hospitality, welcoming approach, and the practical, lifelong fly casting skills they gain on every trip.
Our latest news and updates
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San Francisco Shore Fly Fishing FAQs
Find answers to common questions about our guided land-based trips, fly casting lessons, and what to expect on the beaches of the San Francisco Bay Area.
1. Is San Francisco fly fishing good for beginners?
Yes, our trips are perfectly suited for beginners. Guides Spencer and Mike focus heavily on personalized fly casting instruction, ensuring you learn the fundamental mechanics at your own pace in a welcoming environment before targeting fish.
2. Do we fish from a boat or the beach?
All of our guided trips are 100% land-based. We wade the shorelines, beaches, and tidal zones of the San Francisco Bay Area, teaching you how to read the coastal environment and surf to find fish on foot.
3. What fish will we target during our trip?
Our primary targets along the coast are Striped Bass and California Halibut, as well as Barred Surfperch. We provide all the specialized gear and custom, hand-tied flies matched specifically to these species and the seasonal conditions.
4. What do I need to bring on my guided shore trip?
We supply all the necessary fly fishing equipment. You only need to bring a valid California sport fishing license, comfortable layered clothing for the shifting coastal weather, a hat, and polarized sunglasses for eye protection and reading the water.
5. What is the best time of day to fly fish in San Francisco?
Success on the beach is driven by the SF Bay tides rather than a specific time of day. We constantly monitor the currents and fishing reports, scheduling your outing during the most productive tidal windows to give you the best opportunities at fish.