Frequently Asked Questions

Most of our trips leave from Tomales Bay and explore the ocean waters between Point Reyes and the Russian River.

Depends on the season.  Our main focus is ocean king salmon -- open season generally runs from mid-April through the October, with July and August being the prime months.   During the summer months, halibut enter Tomales Bay -- this is a great fishery for those prone to sea-sickness or who just prefer more sheltered waters.  In recent years the fall has brought both albacore and the giant bluefin tuna.  These trips often take us 30 to 50 miles offshore and offer the opportunity for the fish of a lifetime (fuel surcharge applies).    Dungeness crab season starts in early November, and Rockfish tends to be open March through December, though depth regulation vary from month to month

Yep!   We're pretty flexible.  Want to look for whales?  You got it.  Want to head 30 miles out to Cordell Bank and see an albatross?  Check.   Need a platform for photography?  We can do it.  Our usual launch is on Tomales Bay, but we can trailer the boat just about anywhere.    Let us know what you need, we'll try to make it happen.

Unless the salmon bite is wide-open.  Then we're salmon fishing.

Warm clothes in layers - it's often colder on the water than on shore.  Lunch and snacks.  Water. Sunscreen.  Seasickness medication if you use it.  FISHING LICENSE if you are over 16.  Cooler with ice in your car to bring your catch home.

We'll provide all the necessary fishing gear and tackle.

For full-boat charters, contact us and let us know what you're looking for, or ask for recommendations.   We also do a lot of last-minute "hop-aboard" charters.   Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram for the opportunity to join the captain fishing.  These are usually announced only a day or so in advance and only open to one or two anglers so fill up quickly!

We usually leave shore at sunrise.   We fish until we have limits or until about 3pm, whichever comes first.  Expect to be back at shore by 4 or 5pm.

Yep.  Licenses are required for everyone over 16 in California.  You should get one in advance here:  https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Online-Sales

If you don't have a valid license we're happy to take you on a boat ride, but you can't fish.

We'll sure try!  Fishing is by nature unpredictable, and we can't guarantee any specific day will be successful.  Still, we've been doing this for a long time, and if the fish are around, we usually do pretty well :)

We fish on the ocean, and conditions can vary from glassy calm to pretty frisky.  If you're prone to motion sickness, we highly recommend you take medication before the trip.  Over-the-counter options include Dramamine and meclizine.  Prescription options include scopolamine patches or promethazine tablets.  Oral medications should be taken an hour prior to scheduled departure, and patches applied the night before.

We're allowed up to six paying passengers, but for most fishing trips we recommend four maximum.   The enclosed cabin seats 3-5 passengers along with the captain.

Yep!  Your catch will be cleaned onboard and packed in a bag with ice for the trip home.   Having a cooler with additional ice in your car is highly recommended

Payment in full is due at the time of booking.   Bookings are non-refundable unless we have to cancel.   If we cancel the trip for any reason (usually weather or dangerous bar conditions), we will issue a full refund.   Clients who have not arrived at the launch ramp within 30 minutes of the stated departure time are considered no-shows and forfeit their spot without refund.

Not really.    In a pinch, there is a bucket with a seat, but it's far better to take care of business before we leave the shore.

Nope, sorry.   No smoking, vaping, alcohol or cannabis is allowed on our trips. 

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