Dana Point Sportfishing 

4.8
(41 reviews)
 34551 Casitas Place, Dana Point, CA 92629, United States–

Dana Point Sportfishing 

Dana Point, CA, United States
–
29 ft
5
4.8
(41 reviews)

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Dana Point Sportfishing combines comfort, family-friendly fun, and exciting sportfishing for an unforgettable ocean adventure. We operate the #1 cleanest sportfishing boat in Dana Point Harbor, featuring a full private bathroom and an onboard refrigerator to ensure guests of all ages can relax and enjoy their time on the water. Our goal is to provide a welcoming, comfortable environment where everyone can enjoy the thrill of fishing along the beautiful Southern California coast.

Our trips range from casual half-day coastal fishing to full-day and overnight offshore adventures for anglers targeting Tuna, Yellowtail, Dorado, and other seasonal species. Whether you're a beginner learning the basics, a family introducing the kids to fishing, or an experienced angler hoping to land a trophy fish, our knowledgeable captains and crew tailor each trip to your goals and experience level. We strive to make every outing enjoyable, offering guidance, local knowledge, and a hands-on fishing experience for everyone on board.

From exploring productive coastal fishing grounds to venturing farther offshore in search of bigger catches, each trip offers the opportunity to enjoy the ocean, learn new skills, and create lasting memories with family and friends. With a focus on cleanliness, comfort, safety, and excellent service, Dana Point Sportfishing is dedicated to making every trip a memorable experience, whether you're joining us for a relaxing day on the water or an exciting fishing adventure.

Dana Point Sportfishing combines comfort, family-friendly fun, and exciting sportfishing for an unforgettable ocean adventure. We operate the #1 cleanest sportfishing boat in Dana Point Harbor, featuring a full private bathroom and an onboard refrigerator to ensure guests of all ages can relax and enjoy their time on the water. Our goal is to provide a welcoming, comfortable environment where everyone can enjoy the thrill of fishing along the beautiful Southern California coast.

Our trips range from casual half-day coastal fishing to full-day and overnight offshore adventures for anglers targeting Tuna, Yellowtail, Dorado, and other seasonal species. Whether you're a beginner learning the basics, a family introducing the kids to fishing, or an experienced angler hoping to land a trophy fish, our knowledgeable captains and crew tailor each trip to your goals and experience level. We strive to make every outing enjoyable, offering guidance, local knowledge, and a hands-on fishing experience for everyone on board.

From exploring productive coastal fishing grounds to venturing farther offshore in search of bigger catches, each trip offers the opportunity to enjoy the ocean, learn new skills, and create lasting memories with family and friends. With a focus on cleanliness, comfort, safety, and excellent service, Dana Point Sportfishing is dedicated to making every trip a memorable experience, whether you're joining us for a relaxing day on the water or an exciting fishing adventure.

Cheyne Waldner
Captain
Cheyne Waldner
ID & credentials verified

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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2 Hour – Inshore/Bay
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
2 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:00 PM)
Seasonal trip
Oct 1 - Jun 1
Barracuda (Pacific)
California Corbina
Seabass (White)
Bonito
+8
US $595
Entire boat: up to 5 people
3 Hour – Inshore Fishing Adventure
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
3 hour trip multiple starting times (9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM)
Yellowtail Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Tuna (Bluefin)
Tuna (Yellowfin)
+8
US $950
Entire boat: up to 5 people
4 Hour – Halibut & Crab Combo
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Oct 1 - May 15
Seabass (White)
California Sheephead
Rockfish
Crab
+2
US $1,250
Entire boat: up to 5 people
5 Hour – Halibut & Crab Combo
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 hour trip multiple starting times (8:00 AM, 1:00 PM)
Seasonal trip
Oct 1 - May 15
Lingcod
Seabass (White)
California Sheephead
Rockfish
+2
US $1,350
Entire boat: up to 5 people
5 Hour – Inshore Fishing Adventure
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 hour trip multiple starting times (8:00 AM, 1:00 PM)
Yellowtail Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Tuna (Bluefin)
Tuna (Yellowfin)
+8
US $1,350
Entire boat: up to 5 people
5 Hour – Slow Pitch Jigging
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Dec 31
Yellowtail Amberjack
Tuna (Bluefin)
Tuna (Yellowfin)
Rockfish
US $1,450
Entire boat: up to 5 people
There are 13 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.8
41 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (49)

What anglers say

90%
Great experience
93%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
97%
Good boat
93%
Recommended
72%
Caught fish

All reviews (41)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 41 reviews
Sam Straka
Sam Straka
Repeat angler
us
California, US
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Great fishing trip!
Trip for Sam on March 20, 2026 • 3 adults

We booked our trip last minute but Captain Cheyne made this work for us and very accommodating to our schedule. We had a great time out on the boat with Captain Ryan and he managed to find us some awesome fish to catch although it was a bit slow in the beginning he found a good spot where we caught Sculpen, Bass and Sheephead. I can highly recommend these guys and would be happy to come back again for more fishing!

Reported catch:
California Sheephead
Calico Bass
Rockfish
Cheyne Waldner
Response from Captain

Thank you so much Sam, glad you enjoyed the experience!!!! Looking forward to the next one

Michael Bailey
Michael Bailey
us
Illinois, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Catchin not Fishin
3 Hour – Inshore Fishing Adventure on September 12, 2026 • 1 adult • 1 child

My 4-year old son and I went out with Captain Ryan and caught about 20 fish across 5 different species herr in mid September. Incredible experience thanks to Ryan’s knowledge if the area. Highly recommend for an exciting adventure.

Cindy Sidwell
Cindy Sidwell
us
Utah, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Fun Fishing!
3 Hour – Inshore Fishing Adventure - 12:00 PM on July 10, 2026 • 3 adults

My son and I had a great time on our 3 hour fishing trip with Ryan, our Captain. We caught 7 fish, but 2 were too little and had to go back, but we enjoyed some delicious Calico Bass tonight for dinner. What an awesome experience! Thanks!

James Pamplin
James Pamplin
us
California, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great family experience
5 Hour – Inshore Fishing Adventure on July 15, 2026 • 3 adults • 2 children

Our family of five with kids aged 8, 11, and 14 all really enjoyed our fishing experience. we were fortunate to have lots of catches and the captain moved around to several spots to ensure we kept getting opportunities.

Reported catch:
Pacific Barracuda
Calico Bass
Sami Hales
Sami Hales
Repeat angler
us
Oregon, US
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Best Fishing Trip We’ve Had!
5 Hour – Inshore Fishing Adventure - 1:00 PM on March 3, 2026 • 2 adults

We had an amazing time on this fishing trip! The captain and his crew were fantastic—very knowledgeable, friendly, and just great people to spend the day with. The boat was perfect and equipped with everything you could possibly need. We also caught a lot of great fish! Highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for an awesome fishing experience.

Reported catch:
California Sheephead

FAQs about Dana Point Sportfishing

Dana Point Sportfishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $595 per group - 2 Hour – Inshore/Bay (2 hours)
  • US $595 per group - 2 Hour – Inshore/Bay - 1:30 PM (2 hours)
  • US $595 per group - 2 Hour – Inshore/Bay - 11:00 AM (2 hours)
  • US $595 per group - 2 Hour – Inshore/Bay - 4:00 PM (2 hours)
  • US $595 per group - 2 Hour – Inshore/Bay - 8:30 AM (2 hours)
  • US $950 per group - 3 Hour – Inshore Fishing Adventure (3 hours)
  • US $950 per group - 3 Hour – Inshore Fishing Adventure - 12:00 PM (3 hours)
  • US $950 per group - 3 Hour – Inshore Fishing Adventure - 3:00 PM (3 hours)
  • US $1,250 per group - 4 Hour – Halibut & Crab Combo (4 hours)
  • US $1,350 per group - 5 Hour – Halibut & Crab Combo (5 hours)
  • US $1,350 per group - 5 Hour – Halibut & Crab Combo - 1:00 PM (5 hours)
  • US $1,350 per group - 5 Hour – Inshore Fishing Adventure (5 hours)
  • US $1,350 per group - 5 Hour – Inshore Fishing Adventure - 1:00 PM (5 hours)
  • US $1,450 per group - 5 Hour – Slow Pitch Jigging (5 hours)
When you book a trip with Dana Point Sportfishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Full bathroom with freshwater sink.
  • GPS Simrad NSX
  • Fishfinder Simrad NSX, Airmar 3KW
  • Bed
  • Flybridge
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Live bait well We supply live bait.
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Multimedia system Fusion Stereo and JL surround audio.
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
  • Radio
  • Sonar Side Scan
  • Radar Simrad EVOs
Trips booked with Dana Point Sportfishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Shimano & Accurate rods/reels)
  • Live bait (Live or dead bait depending on what is best. )
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Fish cleaning is included.)
  • Drinks (We will have waters on the boat, and you are welcome to bring any food or drinks you would like. We have small fridge on the boat to keep items cold. )
Dana Point Sportfishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing (We fish anywhere from the bay to 25 miles offshore depending on the trip type and what is biting that given day. )
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
  • Flats fishing
Dana Point Sportfishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly fishing
  • Drift fishing
  • Kite fishing
  • Spearfishing
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Dana Point Sportfishing include:
  • Barracuda (Pacific)
  • Calico Bass
  • California Sheephead
  • Crab
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Halibut (California)
  • Lingcod
  • Rockfish
  • Seabass (White)
  • Tuna (Bluefin)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Yellowtail Amberjack

Your captain

Cheyne Waldner
Cheyne Waldner
Dana Point, California, United States
ID & license verified
41 Customer reviews
Typical response within 2 hours
Member since February 2016
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
I have lived locally for over 30 years and grew up fishing, diving, and surfing in the waters off Southern California. When it comes to finding areas only the locals know about, I have a clear advantage and enjoy sharing my knowledge with my customers. I am a certified Divemaster as well as a boat captain.
Cheyne Waldner
Cheyne Waldner
Fully verified
Angler's Choice
41
reviews
2016
member since
~2h
response
I have lived locally for over 30 years and grew up fishing, diving, and surfing in the waters off Southern California. When it comes to finding areas only the locals know about, I have a clear advantage and enjoy sharing my knowledge with my customers. I am a certified Divemaster as well as a boat captain.

The fish you can target

Pacific Barracuda
Pacific Barracuda
Calico Bass
Calico Bass
California Sheephead
California Sheephead
Crab
Crab
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
California Halibut
California Halibut
Lingcod
Lingcod
Rockfish
Rockfish
White Seabass
White Seabass
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowtail Amberjack
Yellowtail Amberjack
Pacific Barracuda
Pacific Barracuda
Calico Bass
Calico Bass
California Sheephead
California Sheephead
Crab
Crab
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)

Real catches by this captain

  • A variety of fish, including a Red Snapper, stored in a cooler filled with ice after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Ziyue J.
    Ziyue J.
  • Child angler and adult proudly display a freshly caught fish aboard a center-console boat while fishing offshore.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Black Seabass
    Michael B.
    Michael B.
    My 4-year old son and I went out with Captain Ryan and caught about 20 fish across 5 different species herr in mid September. Incredible experience thanks to Ryan’s knowledge if the area. Highly recommend for an exciting adventure.
  • A young angler proudly displaying a caught fish while fishing from a boat in a coastal environment.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Sand Bass
    Debate Mom C.
    Debate Mom C.
    My son and I had a great time on our 3 hour fishing trip with Ryan, our Captain. We caught 7 fish, but 2 were too little and had to go back, but we enjoyed some delicious Calico Bass tonight for dinner. What an awesome experience! Thanks!
  • Young angler proudly holding a freshly caught rockfish aboard a fishing boat on calm coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Colorado Snapper
    Sam S.
    Sam S.
    We booked our trip last minute but Captain Cheyne made this work for us and very accommodating to our schedule. We had a great time out on the boat with Captain Ryan and he managed to find us some awesome fish to catch although it was a bit slow in the beginning he found a good spot where we caught Sculpen, Bass and Sheephead. I can highly recommend these guys and would be happy to come back again for more fishing!
  • Two adult anglers proudly display a large reef fish aboard a center-console boat near the rocky coastline.
    Sami H.
    Sami H.
    We had an amazing time on this fishing trip! The captain and his crew were fantastic—very knowledgeable, friendly, and just great people to spend the day with. The boat was perfect and equipped with everything you could possibly need. We also caught a lot of great fish! Highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for an awesome fishing experience.
  • Young angler fishing from a boat with an adult’s assistance on calm coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Sculpin
    Matthew L.
    Matthew L.
    Awesome trip and we got right on the fish at our first stop. Limited out than went trolling for shark!
  • Angler proudly holding a large bright red rockfish aboard a boat on open water.
    Fish 1
    Vermilion Rockfish
    Jack F.
    Jack F.
    My daughters first deep sea trip. She loved it!
  • Two anglers enjoying a fishing trip on a boat, with a scenic rocky coastline in the background.
    Fish 1
    Gray Triggerfish
    Niall O.
    Niall O.
    90 min to Catalina in the Parker means hours of extra fishing time, totally worth it. Captain Greg was very knowledgeable of the local fishery and what we should target for the day. Private charter is the only way to go.
  • Multiple red and orange reef fish arranged on a scratched fish-cleaning table aboard a boat.
    Fish 1
    Vermilion Rockfish
    Sacha M.
    Sacha M.
    Two dads and two kids with limited experience on the big lake. Cap didn’t rest on his heels for a moment. He made sure we were on fish and came back with fish. Great experience all around. I would highly recommend.
  • Adult angler holding a large amberjack aboard a fishing boat offshore, with open ocean and rod visible in the background.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Anne H.
    Anne H.
    Captain Chip did a fantastic job of finding fish. We ended up catching 9 yellow tails and a huge Bonita among the four of us. We would highly recommend this company.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Cabin cruisers
Capacity
5 persons
Boat length
29 ft
Year built
2006
Boat manufacturer
Striper Boats
Boat type
Pilothouse
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
2 x 500HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
Kite Fishing
Spearfishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Full bathroom with freshwater sink.
GPS
Simrad NSX
Fishfinder
Simrad NSX, Airmar 3KW
Bed
Flybridge
Snorkeling equipment
Live bait well
We supply live bait.
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Multimedia system
Fusion Stereo and JL surround audio.
Outriggers
Ice box
Radio
Sonar
Side Scan
Radar
Simrad EVOs
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Shimano & Accurate rods/reels
Live bait
Live or dead bait depending on what is best.
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fish cleaning is included.
Drinks
We will have waters on the boat, and you are welcome to bring any food or drinks you would like. We have small fridge on the boat to keep items cold.

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
All ages are welcome on any trip.
You keep catch
We will clean your catch
Catch and release allowed
Clients decide if they want to keep

How you can pay

Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash
 Visa
 Mastercard
 American Express
 Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 1% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Dana Point right now

Barracuda (Pacific)Barracuda (Pacific)
Calico BassCalico Bass
California SheepheadCalifornia Sheephead
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
LingcodLingcod
RockfishRockfish
Seabass (White)Seabass (White)
Tuna (Bluefin)Tuna (Bluefin)
Tuna (Yellowfin)Tuna (Yellowfin)
Yellowtail AmberjackYellowtail Amberjack

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Dana Point Sportfishing
Dana Point Sportfishing
4.8
(41)
29 ft
Group size 1 - 5
1 - 5
Fish 1
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+10
4 hour trip • 5 persons
US $1,250