Bay Area Sportfishing Boats Can Operate Social Distancing Trips Soon

The San Francisco Bay Area charter boat fleet has been grounded from taking parties out for saltwater fishing trips to help combat COVID-19 spread, but as the state slowly begins to reopen, local skippers have been advised they can begin hosting trips – with social distancing guidelines in place – beginning this weekend for the Memorial Day holiday. Here’s more from the San Francisco Chronicle:

“We’re out on the bay today, wiping the dust off,” said Erik Anfinson, skipper of the Bass-Tub out of Fisherman’s Wharf, as he cruised near Alcatraz on Tuesday. “It feels so good to be out of the house, breathing in the fresh air. We’ll make our first trip for salmon on Saturday.”

For vessels launching from San Francisco and Berkeley, the new rules limit the number of people aboard such that at least 6 feet of space can be maintained between guests at all times. Also, rod holders on boat decks must be placed at least 6 feet apart and fishing equipment cannot be shared. Hand-shaking or physical contact is off limits. Bathrooms must be sanitized after each use and hand sanitizer must be available throughout the boat and at each rod station.