Striped Bass

Bodega Bay offers a unique striped bass fishery, blending the rugged Pacific coastline with the productive waters of Tomales Bay. Stripers here are often keyed in on seasonal forage like anchovies and crabs. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when stripers migrate inshore to feed. Focus your efforts around the mouth of Tomales Bay, where the tide exchanges nutrient-rich water. A key local tip is to pay close attention to the wind; strong northwesterlies can make boat fishing challenging. Launching from Spud Point Marina provides easy access to both the bay and the open ocean. The stripers in this area are known for their aggressive strikes, often hitting topwater lures early in the morning or late in the evening. Be prepared to adjust your depth and retrieve based on the current and water clarity, especially after rainfall.