We had a 5 hour kelp fishing trip with Captain Doug. We had a great overall experience on the trip. It was both of our first times being out on a fishing charter in the ocean so we weren’t sure what to expect. Just wanted to have fun and enjoy the outdoors. Captain Doug did everything he could to put us on some fish. We had some luck around the kelp chasing Calico Bass. Went after some Yellowtail right after we left the dock but couldn’t connect. But overall we had a great experience. Boat was clean and well kept. Captain had great energy and was helpful for a couple of people who haven’t fished this style of fishing before. Definitely worth the time.

It was a beautiful November afternoon during the Thanksgiving week, calm water and warm air. Our family of four with two kiddos had some casual fishing experience on a lake or from share, and decided to try out bottom fishing for halibut on a boat.

The boat is clean and well stocked with live bait (almost aquarium like and delighted our youngest, who is not that much into fishing). Plenty of drinks and snacks to keep the kids happy too. Captain Rob showed us the best route to target halibut, especially the channels, bridges and jetties. And we tried all these places non-stop. There were a few good bites, but we did not land a halibut that afternoon. But after all, that’s fishing.

Overall a great learning experience for the whole family, and we will try again next time in town!

Rob was great all around!  First off- when he found out that we had been bailed on in the morning by Guardian Charters- Rob rearranged his personal schedule to accommodate us and make sure that my kids had the fishing experience they had been hoping for for a long time.  Rob was very knowledgeable and incredibly helpful with the kids (ages 12 and 14)- making sure they had a great experience catching fish and that they learned more about fishing along the way.  He made sure that even for a short trip we had plenty of action with calico bass and a sheepshead.  Equipment was great as well.  I would definitely book with Rob again!

We selected the kelp bed 5 hr trip for our family trip—two adults and four kids ranging 7-23 y/o. We (Parents) have had a lot of charter fishing experience in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf, but our kiddos are mainly lake fishers. We wanted something that would keep the kids busy and interested and Capt. Doug and mate Jantz didn’t disappoint. We got hits right away, and had a variety of fish hooked.

The day was ideal, with mild waves and just the right amount of overcast. The boat is just big enough for a party of six, and there was a nice mix of light and heavy tackle for fishing the deeper range and the shelf. There is not a lot of cover on board, so be sure to have sunscreen, hats and skin cover available. I wished we’d had 1 more hour to fish the shallows a bit longer. There seemed to be a LOT of action there, but we hit that area on our way back and it was harder to stay in one place due to the current pushing the boat’s drift way more actively.

The tenor of the crew was positive and helpful. Our youngest is shy and a bit scared of the ocean/boats. He was super happy collecting the bait from the live well and helping the fishers re-bait their hooks. Capt. Doug and Jantz were both awesome with his efforts and with helping us all stay active on the poles. We had a great trip and would definitely recommend.

Doug was absolutely awesome! I took my son on the 5-hour trip and Doug put us right on the fish, My son reeled up fish until his arms were tired. Doug is just super knowledgeable and super friendly. Not a better way to spend the day. Highly recommended and can’t wait to book the next one.