Overview
Here is exactly what makes this unique:
The "Live Bait Chain": Halibut ignore dead bait. We don't buy frozen anchovies. You will learn to master the Sabiki Rig, catching your own live Shiner Perch, Smelt, or Anchovies right from the pier. You learn the entire food chain: catch the bait to catch the beast.
Rigging: Halibut teeth and gill plates slice weak lines. Using Salty’s background in Non-Destructive Inspection, you will learn to build a bulletproof Carolina Rig. You will learn to check leaders for microscopic abrasions that lose trophies, ensuring your gear holds when it counts.
"Mental Sonar" (Reading the Floor): We teach you to visualize the bottom topography using the "Dragging Retrieve". You will learn to feel the transition from mud to sand to rock, identifying the "ambush holes" where Halibut hide.
The hardest skill in fishing. You will learn to distinguish the "tap-tap" of a Halibut from a snag, mastering the discipline of "feeding the fish" before setting the hook.
What's Included
- All gear, bait and tackle is ready for your adventure!
Meeting Location
900 Dornan Drive
Richmond, CA 94801, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Halibut are ambush predators that rely on camouflage. To catch them from a pier, you can't just throw bait and wait. Guided by "Salty"—a Master Gear Inspector (NDI) and Local Native—you will learn the "Finesse Protocol" required to detect the subtle bite of a "doormat" Halibut.
Halibut are the ultimate test of patience and precision. Join Salty, a Bay Area Native and Mariners Specialist, to master the subtle art of the "Flatfish." Forget casting blindly; we teach you to map the ocean floor.
You will learn to catch your own live bait, tie the specialized Carolina Rig, and perfect the "Dragging Retrieve" to target elusive Halibut hiding in the sand. This is not just fishing; it is a masterclass in finesse, bite detection, and marine biology. Book your spot and learn the skills to land a "doormat" anywhere on the coast.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Is bait provided?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5612907P8
Traveler Photos
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Experience the excitement of piloting a helicopter with personalized, one-on-one instruction. Whether it’s your first time in the air or you’re training toward a private...
$230
Exploring Tahoe National Forest is a wonderful activity any time of the year and at any time of day. There is an extra level of...
$90
Lake Tahoe & Yosemite Private Tour – 4-Day Luxury Adventure to California’s Top Natural Wonders, Scenic Roads, Outdoor Activities & Hidden Gems Ready to escape...
$1,910
What sets this tour apart is the perfect blend of iconic Yosemite landmarks, a stunning sunset, and a fun, campfire experience with s’mores! You won’t...
$429
Experience the excitement of piloting a helicopter with personalized, one-on-one instruction. Whether it’s your first time in the air or you’re training toward a private...
$230
Exploring Tahoe National Forest is a wonderful activity any time of the year and at any time of day. There is an extra level of...
$90
Lake Tahoe & Yosemite Private Tour – 4-Day Luxury Adventure to California’s Top Natural Wonders, Scenic Roads, Outdoor Activities & Hidden Gems Ready to escape...
$1,910
What sets this tour apart is the perfect blend of iconic Yosemite landmarks, a stunning sunset, and a fun, campfire experience with s’mores! You won’t...
$429
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket
On a hot summer's day, one of the best things to do in Palm Springs is to take a ride from the dry desert floor...
$34
Hollywood and Celebrity Homes Bus Tour
• See Hollywood, West Hollywood & Beverly Hills on our Open Air Buses. • Experience The World Famous Hollywood Sign, Famous Landmarks, Celebrity Homes &...
$31
Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
During your whale-watching cruise, learn fascinating details about all types of California sea life from the onboard naturalist with the beautiful coastal scenery of Newport...
$39
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, an 1,800-acre wildlife park, is home to more than 3,600 animals representing over 300 species. More than 1 million...
$78
On a hot summer's day, one of the best things to do in Palm Springs is to take a ride from the dry desert floor...
$34
• See Hollywood, West Hollywood & Beverly Hills on our Open Air Buses. • Experience The World Famous Hollywood Sign, Famous Landmarks, Celebrity Homes &...
$31
During your whale-watching cruise, learn fascinating details about all types of California sea life from the onboard naturalist with the beautiful coastal scenery of Newport...
$39
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, an 1,800-acre wildlife park, is home to more than 3,600 animals representing over 300 species. More than 1 million...
$78
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
Yes. Whatever the fishing calls for: live bait, frozen bait, cut bait, or chum, our Charter Captains will have plentiful supplies on hand. The same thing goes for artificial bait such as lures, flies, or plugs.
Jul 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).
- All gear, bait and tackle is ready for your adventure!.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 12. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Learn to Pier Fish:: Halibut Hunt (No license Required) is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Learn to Pier Fish:: Halibut Hunt (No license Required) will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- All gear, bait and tackle is ready for your adventure!
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
