Trip preparation
What to Bring
Everything fits in a day pack. The boat carries the gear, the bait and the ice; you carry the layers, the license and the snacks.
Pack this
Layers
Mornings offshore run cold even in August. Bring a windbreaker or fleece you can peel off by midday.
Sun protection
Sunscreen, a hat and polarized sunglasses. The water doubles the sun.
Soft-soled shoes
Non-slip, soft-soled shoes or sandals with a back strap. Leave black-soled shoes ashore - they mark the deck.
Camera
A phone or camera for the catch. A waterproof case or dry bag earns its keep offshore.
A cooler in the car
Leave a cooler with ice in the car for taking the catch home. No need to carry it down the dock.
Personal medications
Anything you take daily, plus seasickness medication if you use it - see the prevention notes below.
Food and drink: bring your own
Every trip is BYOB. Bring whatever food and drink you like, alcohol included. A refrigerator and a cooler with ice keep everything cold; overnight trips are bring-your-own too, or add catering for a fee. Food is included on 1.5-day+ trips.
Pack for grazers: sandwiches, snacks and plenty of water hold up better offshore than a single big meal.
No glass containers aboard
Glass breaks, and broken glass and bare feet do not mix. Bring cans, plastic bottles or boxed wine instead. The crew will happily pour.
Fishing licenses
Anyone 16 or older who plans to fish needs a California sport fishing license. One-day and two-day licenses work fine for a charter.
Buy online before the trip from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, or pick one up at most local tackle shops.
Islands trips are different: Mexican fishing licenses and FMM permits are required and not included in the trip price. The crew walks you through exactly what to buy before you book.
Seasickness: beat it before it starts
Most queasy days are preventable. The pattern that works is boring and simple.
Before the trip
- Take seasickness medication the night before and again the morning of the trip. It works far better as prevention than as a cure. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which one suits you.
- Hydrate the day before and the morning of.
- Eat a light breakfast. Bland beats empty - toast or crackers, not a heavy greasy plate.
- Acupressure wristbands help some guests and cannot hurt.
If it hits anyway
- Tell the crew early. They have seen it a thousand times and can help.
- Move into fresh air and keep your eyes on the horizon, not on your phone or a book.
- Stay out of the cabin and sip water in small amounts.
What we provide
- All tackle, bait and fishing gear - or bring your own
- Captain and crew
- A refrigerator and a cooler with ice for your food and drinks
- Cabin with sleeping quarters, a full bathroom, kitchen and dining area
- Life jackets in adult and child sizes
- Food on 1.5-day+ trips (arranged by direct contact)
- Fish processing arranged on request as an add-on, priced in your written quote
One bag, one license, fifteen minutes early.