Santa Cruz Coastal Charters 

5.0
(11 reviews)
Recent reports
 333 Lake Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, United States–

Santa Cruz Coastal Charters 

Santa Cruz, CA, United States
–
35 ft
6
5.0
(11 reviews)

Excited to catch some fish in Santa Cruz? Santa Cruz Coastal Charters is here to make it happen! With Captain Rodney at the helm, you're in knowledgeable and experienced hands.

Species like Crab, Halibut, Lingcod, Rockfish, Chinook Salmon, Squid, Albacore Tuna, Bluefin Tuna, and more can be found in these waters if you cast your line at the right time of year.

You can expect to do some spinning, trolling, drifting, jigging, bottom fishing, or maybe something more specialized in this area.

Looking to get the whole family outdoors? Kids are absolutely welcome! If you don't have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there's one on board. You're welcome to bring snacks for a boost of energy when needed!

You'll be casting lines from a 35' sportfishing vessel with capacity for 6 passengers. It has outriggers, downriggers, all the essentials no fishing machine can run without. There's a toilet on board for your convenience. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you. Live bait is available, but you should ask the captain whether you'll be catching it yourself.

There will be a First Mate on board to help your trip run smoothly. Mates work hard to make your trip count, so a 10–20% tip is customary.

You will need to purchase a local fishing license before the trip. This information is usually available online, or you can ask the captain. Some species might be protected or require a tag to keep them, so make sure you know what to expect.

It's recommended to bring sunglasses, sunscreen (non-spray), bottled water, and a hat. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Now's the time to experience fishing in Santa Cruz for yourself, with Santa Cruz Coastal Charters!

Excited to catch some fish in Santa Cruz? Santa Cruz Coastal Charters is here to make it happen! With Captain Rodney at the helm, you're in knowledgeable and experienced hands.

Species like Crab, Halibut, Lingcod, Rockfish, Chinook Salmon, Squid, Albacore Tuna, Bluefin Tuna, and more can be found in these waters if you cast your line at the right time of year.

You can expect to do some spinning, trolling, drifting, jigging, bottom fishing, or maybe something more specialized in this area.

Looking to get the whole family outdoors? Kids are absolutely welcome! If you don't have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there's one on board. You're welcome to bring snacks for a boost of energy when needed!

You'll be casting lines from a 35' sportfishing vessel with capacity for 6 passengers. It has outriggers, downriggers, all the essentials no fishing machine can run without. There's a toilet on board for your convenience. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you. Live bait is available, but you should ask the captain whether you'll be catching it yourself.

There will be a First Mate on board to help your trip run smoothly. Mates work hard to make your trip count, so a 10–20% tip is customary.

You will need to purchase a local fishing license before the trip. This information is usually available online, or you can ask the captain. Some species might be protected or require a tag to keep them, so make sure you know what to expect.

It's recommended to bring sunglasses, sunscreen (non-spray), bottled water, and a hat. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Now's the time to experience fishing in Santa Cruz for yourself, with Santa Cruz Coastal Charters!

Rodney Armstrong
Captain
Rodney Armstrong
19 years of experience
ID & credentials verified

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Near shore rock fish lingcod
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Dec 31
Cod
Lingcod
Rockfish
US $550
Shared tour: 2 people
Deep water Rock fish Lingcod
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Dec 31
Rockfish
US $580
Shared tour: 2 people
Afternoon
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 3:00 PM
Tuna (Bluefin)
Tuna (Albacore)
Crab
Salmon (Chinook)
+2
US $1,250
Entire boat: up to 6 people
California Halibut
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Sep 30
Halibut (California)
US $1,700
Entire boat: up to 6 people
King salmon
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Jun 30
Salmon (Chinook)
US $1,800
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
11 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (18)

Reviews (11)

  • Kenji Field
    Kenji Field
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    BookThis Charter!

    King salmon on August 4, 2026 • 4 adults

    From the moment the first line hit the water, the fish were biting. We reached our limits with ease, and the entire experience was incredible. Rodney and Kallen(sp?) were friendly, knowledgeable, and kept us engaged throughout the trip. They made the day both fun and memorable, and thanks to their expertise, we limited out with ease. I highly recommend this charter to anyone looking for a fantastic day on the water!

  • Pingo Wu
    Pingo Wu
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    A very good-tempered captain.

    Deep water Rock fish Lingcod on July 27, 2026 • 4 adults

    I’ve been on many Rockfish tours, and this captain is by far the one with the best temperament. The first mate is also incredibly nice. If you’re a beginner, you don't have to worry about doing anything wrong because they will help you and teach you very patiently. That makes a big difference.

  • Dan Scherf
    Dan Scherf
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    was a perfect trip!

    Near shore rock fish lingcod on November 6, 2026 • 5 adults

    super fun. captian got us on fish fast. lots of rock fish and got my first lingcod. finished up with samon.

  • Jessie Hamilton
    Jessie Hamilton
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    we had a great time! they made sure we caught our limts! helpful and easy going guys to go with.

    Deep water Rock fish Lingcod on August 23, 2026 • 6 adults • 1 child
  • Jingtai Hu
    Jingtai Hu
    Repeat angler
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2023
    6 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    very pleasant and very rewarding day of fishing trip

    Near shore rock fish lingcod on July 29, 2025 • 1 adult

    The Captain and crew are top notch, highly skilled, very enthusiastic and efficient. Thanks I do have A very pleasant and very rewarding day of fishing trip.

  • Andy Tait
    Andy Tait
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Armstrong is the real deal!

    Near shore rock fish lingcod on September 27, 2025 • 4 adults

    I went with 4 good friends and had a fantastic time! Highly recommend it!

  • Austin Iobst
    Austin Iobst
    us
    Arizona, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Rodney is the best

    California Halibut on July 3, 2026 • 6 adults

    We did a birthday trip 6 of us went out for salmon and we all caught fish! 10/10 would recommend. Could not say better things about this crew. I’ll be back on this boat as soon as i can

  • Alexander Chinchiolo
    Alexander Chinchiolo
    Repeat angler
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2021
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fun day on the water!

    Deep water Rock fish Lingcod on September 5, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 children

    Captain Rodney and crew were great with the kids and got us on the fish quick.

  • Shibu Ninan
    Shibu Ninan
    Repeat angler
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2019
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    August fishing trip

    Near shore rock fish lingcod on August 29, 2026 • 2 adults
  • Michael Scarcella
    Michael Scarcella
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome Day out with SCCC

    Near shore rock fish lingcod on May 22, 2025 • 4 adults

    Had a great day taking my Dad, brother, and nephew out with Captain Rodney on the Knot Alone! He was super knowledgeable about the area and kept us on fish all AM. We all caught our limit and enjoyed cruising around. Can’t wait to book again!

FAQs about Santa Cruz Coastal Charters

Santa Cruz Coastal Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $275 per person - Near shore rock fish lingcod (6 hours)
  • US $290 per person - Deep water Rock fish Lingcod (6 hours)
  • US $1,250 per group - Afternoon (3 hours)
  • US $1,700 per group - California Halibut (6 hours)
  • US $1,800 per group - King salmon (6 hours)
When you book a trip with Santa Cruz Coastal Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Full head
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Santa Cruz Coastal Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Live bait not always available. But bait is always provided.)
  • First mate (Have a couple different deck hands. They are all seasoned fisherman with great hands on skills. We are all professionals at cutting fish.)
Santa Cruz Coastal Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing (Up to 12 miles)
  • Reef fishing
Santa Cruz Coastal Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Drift fishing
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Santa Cruz Coastal Charters include:
  • Crab
  • Halibut (California)
  • Lingcod
  • Rockfish
  • Salmon (Chinook)
  • Squid
  • Tuna (Albacore)
  • Tuna (Bluefin)

Your captain

Rodney Armstrong
Rodney Armstrong
Santa Cruz, California, United States
1 Fishing Report
ID & license verified
11 Customer reviews
Typical response within 7 hours
Member since April 2025
Capt. Rodney runs trips out of Santa Cruz aboard 35' Main coaster Sportfishing. Explore these waters teeming with Chinook Salmon, Lingcod and Bluefin Tuna under Rodney's expert guidance. The only way to learn is to join them on the water.
Rodney Armstrong
Rodney Armstrong
Fully verified
1
reports
11
reviews
2025
member since
~7h
response
Capt. Rodney runs trips out of Santa Cruz aboard 35' Main coaster Sportfishing. Explore these waters teeming with Chinook Salmon, Lingcod and Bluefin Tuna under Rodney's expert guidance. The only way to learn is to join them on the water.

The fish you can target

Crab
Crab
California Halibut
California Halibut
Lingcod
Lingcod
Rockfish
Rockfish
Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Squid
Squid
Albacore Tuna
Albacore Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Crab
Crab
California Halibut
California Halibut
Lingcod
Lingcod
Rockfish
Rockfish
Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon

Real catches by this captain

  • Adult angler holding a large spotted grouper aboard a fishing boat offshore, with the helm and open ocean visible.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Vermilion Rockfish
    Dan S.
    Dan S.
    super fun. captian got us on fish fast. lots of rock fish and got my first lingcod. finished up with samon.
  • Solo angler holding a large spotted grouper aboard a charter boat in open ocean waters.
    Fish 1
    Vermilion Rockfish
    Wide open rockfish one lingcod and some bontio on the back in!
  • A family proudly displays their catch of multiple fish on a fishing charter, showcasing a successful day out on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Black Rockfish
    Alexander C.
    Alexander C.
    Captain Rodney and crew were great with the kids and got us on the fish quick.
  • A young angler proudly holding a large fish while fishing on a boat, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Black Rockfish
    Jessie H.
    Jessie H.
  • A variety of fish neatly arranged on the deck of a fishing boat, showcasing a successful catch during a fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Black Rockfish
    Kenji F.
    Kenji F.
    From the moment the first line hit the water, the fish were biting. We reached our limits with ease, and the entire experience was incredible. Rodney and Kallen(sp?) were friendly, knowledgeable, and kept us engaged throughout the trip. They made the day both fun and memorable, and thanks to their expertise, we limited out with ease. I highly recommend this charter to anyone looking for a fantastic day on the water!
  • A cooler filled with various fish on ice, showcasing a successful fishing trip, with fishing gear visible in the background.
    Fish 1
    Black Rockfish
    Pingo W.
    Pingo W.
    I’ve been on many Rockfish tours, and this captain is by far the one with the best temperament. The first mate is also incredibly nice. If you’re a beginner, you don't have to worry about doing anything wrong because they will help you and teach you very patiently. That makes a big difference.
  • Group of four anglers celebrating their successful catch of various fish species on a charter boat, showcasing a vibrant display of fish on the deck.
    Fish 1
    Vermilion Snapper
    Andy T.
    Andy T.
    I went with 4 good friends and had a fantastic time! Highly recommend it!
  • Adult angler cleaning multiple fish on a fillet table aboard a boat underway offshore.
    Fish 1
    Pollock
    Jingtai H.
    Jingtai H.
    The Captain and crew are top notch, highly skilled, very enthusiastic and efficient. Thanks I do have A very pleasant and very rewarding day of fishing trip.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
35 ft
Year built
1983
Restored in
2025
Boat manufacturer
Coaster Boats
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Volvo
Powered by
1 x 315HP

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Drift Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Full head
GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Outriggers
Ice box
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Live bait not always available. But bait is always provided.
First mate
Have a couple different deck hands. They are all seasoned fisherman with great hands on skills. We are all professionals at cutting fish.

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 agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child friendly
Kids ages 5 and up welcome. Younger kids should do the near shore trips.
You keep catch

How you can pay

Pay online in full
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Santa Cruz Coastal Charters
Santa Cruz Coastal Charters
5.0
(11)
35 ft
Group size 4 - 6
4 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+6
6 hour trip • 6 persons
US $275