FAQ
What types of fish can we catch?
We don't target specific fish on our ticketed fishing trips. We keep our cost low by staying within a 7 mile radius of Berkeley Marina. We almost always aim for the best water conditions, and if fish are there, it's just because of luck. Leopard Shark bite all year. There is also a good chance someone will catch a ray, striped bass, halibut, perch, or many other species that are local to our waters.
How long are the trips?
Lengths of all voyages are noted on the sales screen for that specific voyage. If you are chartering the boat, the length depends on your needs.
What should I bring?
Nothing ilegal. A fishing permit if you are over 16 and fishing. And otherwise, whatever you want.
Know that we often have young kids aboard. If you want to partake in a party scene, maybe it's best to charter the boat. Our trawler is 35', which can get cozy when everyone is inside. Your welcome to bring your own food, beverages, clothes, baloons, stuffed animals....
Please don't bring electronics though. Seriously, we prefere to keep the boat free of phones and other techy-gadgets.
Are life jackets provided?
Yeah
What is there to know about the fishing gear that is provided with each fishing trip?
We have a whole page on that, HERE.
In short, we provide basic conventional reel and rod combos, frozen bait, and all the fixings for you to fish.
A crew member (sometimes just the captain) will help you do all the work, and can literally do all the work for you other than land the fish - you have to do that.
We can keep the fish on ice for you till we get home. Bring your own cooler/bag/case to get the fish home.
Have more questions?
So do we. Maybe email us, or just show up. Honestly, this should be enjoyable for everyone. If you want to ask a thousand questions at this point, you probably won't enjoy this experience. At this point it should be pretty simple. We offer fishing trips, charters, and tours. We do it cheaper than our competitors but with more value, more genuine interaction, more presentness with the Bay. You do you, and we do us. I try not to regulate, but I abide by the laws and I care about manners and smiling..
MORE FAQS
What is the boat like?
Fucking awesome, wethinks! It is a 1981 35' Coastal Cruising Trawler. It's built to conserve fuel and hunker down for long hauls. There are two bedrooms (one converted to a museum and the other for sleeping kids). There are two bathrooms (one is now a fishing supplies locker). The outside deck wraps around the entire cabin and there is enough room on the upper deck for all passengers. The cabin is comfy and has wrap around windows for perfect views on colder days. This is small for a charter boat, but it's plenty of space for the seven of us.
I still don't know what to bring?
We use the phrase BYOB not because you must bring beer, but because you must bring burritos. Just kidding, sort of.... Hum. Bring clothes for wind. Bring food or drinks, unless you want to purchase ours. Don't bring phones... This is a boat on an adventurous mission in San Francisco Bay. It can get rocky, windy, and salt water spray is common. Dress for the occasion.
Are you really tech free?
We have a Poloroid Camera aboard that you can take photos with. Please leave your technological crap at home or in the trash. This means phones, computers, laptops, earbuds, robots, lazer beams, and drones. Am I serious? Yes, but no. I'm not going to scold anyone for having a phone, but I'll roll my eyes at you and whisper to the other passengers.
How do I pay you if I can't use my phone?
Well, tickets are bought online, while you're at home. The items available on the boat (see our food an beverages link) are all available for donations - feel free to donate the standard price plus mark up for my efforts. Tips are welcome too. There is a jar that says "Paper Money" and "'F' Jar" in the main cabin - that is where you can deposit cash. There is also one of those venmo and zelle scanner duddle square thingys in the main cabin - which you could potentially use to pay through zelle or venmo. There are to-go business cards with those little square thingies on them too.
Should I bring Fishing Gear
Check out the Fishing Page for more info. In short - we provide the basics: a pole, reel, line, weight and dead bait, all for you to sink a hook to the bottom where things like shark, rays and hallibut hang out.
Do I need a fishing license?
If you are fishing and 16 or older, yes. Buy your own - I don't sell them. See the Califonria Fish and Game website for information and to buy one online.