Argo Sportfishing runs year round out of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, a 33 foot potluck boat for up to six anglers under Captain Craig Hanson, a San Francisco native with more than 45 years on Bay Area waters. The Argo chases whatever is in season: king salmon, striped bass, rockfish, and halibut through the warmer months, sturgeon in winter, and catch and release leopard shark, with rods, tackle, bait, and fish cleaning included. It is the smallest hull in the ranked fleet, and the captain’s local knowledge is the draw.
The verdict and where it ranks
At 7.4, Argo ranks in the middle of the San Francisco field, the pick for a small group that wants a captain who has fished these waters longer than most and the run of a private boat off the Wharf. Craig Hanson’s 45 years and a deep, consistent review record carry the boat. The trade is the boat itself: at 33 feet it is the smallest in the ranked fleet, fine inside the bay and on a calm nearshore ocean day but tight for a long, rough run to the Farallones, and the rates are not posted on its own site. For the other Fisherman’s Wharf six pack with a deeper record still, Warrior Poet is the comparison; for a posted party boat seat, California Dawn is the value. See the San Francisco ranking.
The boat
The Argo is a 33 foot boat with cabin space, licensed for six passengers. It is a sturdy, working potluck boat rather than a comfort cruiser, and at its size it is at home inside the Golden Gate and on the nearshore ocean, less so on a long offshore day when the west wind is up. As a six pack the deck never crowds, so a small group fishes in space, which is the point of booking a private boat over a party boat rail. The honest read is that the boat is the most modest in the ranked fleet and the captain is what lifts it.
The fishing and what you target
Argo is a potluck operation: the captain picks the trip to match the bite. Through spring and summer that means salmon when the 2026 ocean season is open, striped bass and halibut in and around the bay, and rockfish on the nearshore reefs. Winter turns to sturgeon in the bay, and summer and fall add catch and release leopard shark. It is more a bay and nearshore boat than a dedicated offshore runner, which suits an angler who wants a varied day on local waters rather than a hard push to the Farallones.
Trips and prices
Argo books as a private boat for up to six anglers, from about $420 for the trip on FishingBooker, with all rods, tackle, bait, and fish cleaning included. Split among a group of six that is a fair per person price, cheaper than a private six pack like Warrior Poet, though the boat is more basic. The mark on transparency is that the operator does not post a full rate card on its own site, so you confirm the current rate through the listing or by phone. Our cost guide and the party boat versus private charter guide weigh a private boat against a shared seat.
The crew
Captain Craig Hanson is the boat. A San Francisco native with more than 45 years on these waters, he carries the kind of local knowledge that comes only from time on the grounds, and the review record backs it up: a deep run of trips at close to five stars, with anglers describing a captain who keeps moving until the bite is on and shares what he knows freely. On a six pack the captain sets the day, and Hanson’s experience is the strongest reason to book.
Booking and what to know
Book through FishingBooker or call (415) 361-7757, ahead for summer salmon and good weather weekends. The Argo leaves from Fisherman’s Wharf. Everything is provided, so bring food, drinks, layers, and motion sickness medication if you plan a day outside the gate. A bay trip is an easier introduction if the open ocean is new to you.
How we scored it
Argo earns 7.4 on a standout local captain and a deep, consistent record, with everything included on the boat. It is held back by the smallest, most basic hull in the ranked fleet and by rates it does not post on its own site. For a small group that wants a San Francisco native’s local knowledge and a private deck off the Wharf, it is a sound pick. See how we scored this boat and the San Francisco ranking.