Frequently Asked Questions
 

Q: How far out are we going?

A: On a half-day trip, the range is usually restricted by time available. On most trips, fishing is done three to ten miles from the harbor entrance. On the overnight freelance trips you could be fishing as far out as 100 miles. 3/4 day trips generally fish in Mexican waters around the Coronado Islands. 1/2 Day map click HERE. 3/4 Day Map click HERE. Overnight and Longer map click HERE.

Q: How long until we get there?

A: It varies according to where we want to fish. Travel time is about 45 minutes to reach the usual fishing area off La Jolla, Pt. Loma, or the 270. You can usually get a good night's sleep as you'll travel all night on many overnight freelance trips. On 3/4 day trips to the Coronado Islands, travel time is about 2 hours.

Q: How deep is it?

A: Summer half-day fishing is usually in water 60 to 100 feet deep. Winter bottom fishing is in greater depths, 100 to 300 feet.

Q: How do you know where to fish?

A: Familiarity with local waters from years of experience suggests likely areas for good catches. Hot spots are located by lining up landmarks, using electronic aids and visual signs. Following the movement of offshore schools of fish requires the Captain to constantly monitor all radio reports, use the sonar, and be on look out at all times.

Q: Do you have a fish finder? How does it work?

A: We have an electronic depth sounder that shows the bottom contour directly under the boat and to the sides. If fish are large enough or concentrated they will sometimes, but not always, make a mark on the screen. The more modern scanning sonar helps to locate fish that are swimming off to the side of the boat.

Q: What will we catch?

A: In the warm months, we fish on or near the surface and are most likely to catch Yellowtail, Tuna, Dorado, Kelp Bass, Barracuda, Bonito, Sea Bass, and Mackerel. Occasionally, we get a Marlin or Spearfish. Bottom dwelling Rockfish, Sheephead, Lingcod and Whitefish make up the usual winter catch.

Q: How come you caught so many fish yesterday? We aren't catching that many today!

A: There are many factors that determine whether or not fish will bite. A change in current, a drop in temperature, a dirty streak, or a choppy sea can all stop a feeding spell. Often the answer is simply that the fish are just not hungry at the time we are fishing. Fish have tails to help them swim and many times they don't tell the Captain where they are going.

Q: What kind of bait do we use?

A: Whatever is in the live bait tank. Most often we have live anchovies or sardines and occasionally we have brown bait, small croakers and queenfish. For winter bottom fishing we sometimes use cut squid or mackerel chunks.

Q: How should I rig my tackle?

A: The deckhands will be glad to assist you to properly rig for the type of fishing you are likely to do. Pay attention to the Captain's announcements on the loudspeaker. Necessary information will be forthcoming.

Q: Why are we fishing in these weeds where my line gets tangled all the time?

A: Many times the desirable game fish are found in or near the kelp beds, particularly calico bass. We fish in the kelp because that is many times where the fish are biting best.

Q: Do the people on the boat help you with the tackle and the fishing if you need it?

A: The deckhands are willing to assist all anglers--pros or first timers. When coming aboard, let the deckhand know that you would appreciate some help for yourself and/or the kids.

Q: Can we keep the fish we catch?

A: As long as the fish are of legal size and you are still under the limit, you can keep your catch. If you would like, the crew will clean your fish and get them ready for the frying pan, crock pot, or the BBQ.

Q: How do we get there?

A: Just click on this link - Directions

Q: Do you offer group rates?

A: Groups of ten or more are eligible for a discount. Groups must pay at least 24 hours in advance to receive a discount. For the discount, groups must be paid together. We will not accept payment from each individual in the group.

Q: How cold is it out there? What should I wear?

A: It is about 5-10 degrees colder at sea than on land. A rain poncho or water resistant jacket is always a good idea. The weather changes, so bring a jacket or sweatshirt. Some other items to bring are: sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, extra socks, soft-soled shoes or shorty boots, and medications (motion sickness, etc.).

Q: What fish are biting?

A: On our trips there are a variety of fish that can be caught. On the 1/2 day and 3/4 day trips during the summer, fish commonly caught are: Yellowtail, Barracuda, Bonito, Calico Bass, Sand Bass, White Sea Bass, and Mackerel. On the 1/2 day and 3/4 day trips during the winter, fish commonly caught are: Barracuda, Bass, Rock Cod, a large variety of Rockfish, Whitefish, Ling Cod, Sculpin, Sheepshead, Halibut, and Mackerel. On the 3/4 day Rock Cod trips fish caught are: Red Rock Cod, Cow Cod, Salmon Grouper, and others. On our overnight trips many fish can be caught. Common types caught are: Albacore, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Yellowtail, Dorado, Big Eye Tuna, and Skipjack.

Q: What kind of tackle do I need?

A: For surface fishing, use 15-30 lb. test line, size 2 and 2/0 live bait hooks and bring some 1/4 ounce rubber core sinkers to keep your line down out of the wind. For bottom fishing, use 15-30 lb. test line and a size 2/0 live bait hook with a 4-8 oz torpedo sinker. For the Rock Cod trips, 60-80 lb. dacron line on a 4/0 or 6/0 reel, a 2 hook ganion and 3-5 lbs of weight. Our tackle shop has a good selection of everything you'll need for your trip.

Q: Can we bring our own beer?

A: No, all vessels are licensed to sell beer. Please do not bring any alcoholic beverages, glass containers, coolers or ice chests on board. Thank you for your cooperation.

Q: Will I catch a fish?

A: Most probably. On many trips anglers catch limits, and once in a while anglers get skunked.

Q: How big are the fish you are catching?

A: The bottom fish, rockfish, are usually less than 5 lbs. Surface fish range from 5-25 lbs locally, and occasionally over 50 lbs on overnight trips.

Q: When do the "big" fish come in?

A: As the waters get warm going into the spring, summer, and fall months the larger migratory schools of Tuna, Dorado, and Yellowtail are more likely to appear.

Q: How much fishing time do we get?

A: The amount of fishing time can vary trip to trip depending on how far to the fishing spots, if the skipper needs to reposition the boat very often, and if the fleet is anchor fishing or trolling.

Q: Is there an age limit for children?

A: Children of all ages are welcome. Parents please remember that the younger the child, the more attention they will need. There is no charge for children age two and younger.