Dana Point Custom Fishing Charters
Charter operator

Dana Point Custom Fishing Charters

Dana Point, United States
100+ reviews
I have been licensed with U.S. Coast Guard, 100 tons of fish for the last 20 years. I have skippered vessels from Alaska all the way along the California coast to Mexico and through the Panama Canal. Also, I skippered off the Kona coast in Hawaii for 18 years. I have had over two dozen first timers that catch their first Marlin.

Charter

Rating

4.7
113 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.7
Captain & Crew
4.6
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

83%
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
90%
Recommend this charter
93%
Appropriate for children
97%
Satisfied with the boat
70%
Caught fish

All reviews (113)

Showing 1 – 5 of 113 reviews
  • Adrian Mobilia
    Adrian Mobilia
    Repeat angler
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2023
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Oustanding trip

    Tuna time local • 6 adults

    We had a great experience in this trip. This was our first time with Cap Nick and Glenn, they were very friendly, they knew what they were doing, very respectful and patient, and made sure we were comfortable at all times. This was a family trip with a couple of first timers, all adults. The boat was very comfortable, it never felt crowded. We had a lot of activity on the deck and there was plenty of room for all of us even when we had 3 jooked fishes at the same time, this happened twice, and the second time I made a video and noticed how calm and organized the crew remained on the deck. There was no chaos. The boat also has a kitchen, dining room, where we relaxed and had something to eat when going from an area where we caught big Bonitas, to another sector targeting other kind of fish. The boat also has a bathroom. We caught a nice size Dorado as well, everybody in the group had their catches. We were selective on the size we kept, once we reached the point we had enough fish to consume for the next three or four days, we started to catch a release. we have thrown back to the water at least a dozen of Bonitos, at least half of them were of very nice size. Thank you guys for helping is to create great memories!

  • Jim Giampiccolo
    Jim Giampiccolo
    Repeat angler
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2024
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Yellowtail

    Tuna time local • 3 adults • 1 child

    Captain Nick and First Mate Jim are both patient, experienced, and knowledgeable fishermen who have a good sense of humor. They worked hard to make our fishing experience memorable and enjoyable. And it was. The boat is comfortable and well-equipped. It took us an hour to load up at the crowded bait barge. As we left the barge, Captain Nick said immediately that he was going to add an hour to our charter because of the bait barge delay. We caught fish, just not as many as we’d have liked. But we know fishing is unpredictable and every day is different. It was a tough day all around as the boats Nick spoke to had reports like, “1 fish landed, 3 fish lost”. We wouldn’t hesitate to charter again with Captain Nick. Highly recommended. 5 / 5

    Reported catch:
    Yellowtail Amberjack
  • Hyon Kang
    Hyon Kang
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best captain and amazing time!

    Halibut Special Trip • 4 adults

    Captain Nick was extremely knowledgeable and we had an amazing time. First went out to try and catch some larger fish and saw a marlin and a manta ray. Then he got us on a school of Bonito. I would recommend minimum 5 hours to a full day. Next time we are going all day so captain Nick has time to get on the big fish. Thor was great as well. We will be back to charter with Captain Nick.

  • Keri Lunt Stevens
    Keri Lunt Stevens
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great experience

    Rockcod special • 6 adults

    I booked this fishing trip for my husband and five of his friends for Father’s Day. They all LOVED it. Boat is beautiful, gear is great, and the captain was knowledgeable and approachable. My husband was the last to catch a fish, but the captain wouldn’t go back until he did. Highly recommend!

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

    Rockfish

    Rockcod special • 2 adults

    Captain Nick and Glen were amazing. They knew exactly where to go. From the first cast till last we were catching rockfish. Excellent time, thank you both for your knowledge and great trip!

    Reported catch:
    Rockfish

Real catches shared by our community

  • Angler proudly displaying a large Mahi Mahi while fishing offshore, showcasing a beautiful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Adrian M.
    Adrian M.
    We had a great experience in this trip. This was our first time with Cap Nick and Glenn, they were very friendly, they knew what they were doing, very respectful and patient, and made sure we were comfortable at all times. This was a family trip with a couple of first timers, all adults. The boat was very comfortable, it never felt crowded. We had a lot of activity on the deck and there was plenty of room for all of us even when we had 3 jooked fishes at the same time, this happened twice, and the second time I made a video and noticed how calm and organized the crew remained on the deck. There was no chaos. The boat also has a kitchen, dining room, where we relaxed and had something to eat when going from an area where we caught big Bonitas, to another sector targeting other kind of fish. The boat also has a bathroom. We caught a nice size Dorado as well, everybody in the group had their catches. We were selective on the size we kept, once we reached the point we had enough fish to consume for the next three or four days, we started to catch a release. we have thrown back to the water at least a dozen of Bonitos, at least half of them were of very nice size. Thank you guys for helping is to create great memories!
  • Anglers engaged in fishing action aboard a boat, with one person preparing to reel in a catch while others assist.
    John A.
    John A.
    we had an amazing day with Capt. Nick and Glen. They put us right on the fish. we caught Mahi, Bonita and Tuna. Thanks so much for a great trip!
  • Adult angler proudly holding a large red grouper aboard a fishing boat offshore.
    Fish 1
    Vermilion Rockfish
    Austin R.
    Austin R.
    Captain Nick and Glen were amazing. They knew exactly where to go. From the first cast till last we were catching rockfish. Excellent time, thank you both for your knowledge and great trip!
  • Two anglers proudly displaying a large Red Snapper aboard a fishing boat, showcasing a successful catch during their offshore trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Black Rockfish
    Limits on big rock
  • A young angler proudly displaying a caught fish, likely a Snapper, while on a fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Sand Bass
    David K.
    David K.
    Highly recommend booking a trip with Captain Nick! This was a once in a lifetime experience with my son on vacation from Arizona. We ocean fish about every other year which makes it a special occasion. We have been with big groups before and this was our first private boat. We will never go back to the big groups again!
  • View from the helm of a fishing boat, showcasing fishing rods and a glimpse of dolphins in the background on a cloudy day.
    Mike T.
    Mike T.
    We are very pleased with our first Off-shore fishing experience. Cpt. Nick and deckhand Glen knew what they were doing at it showed. They were patient and explained what we needed to do and when. Their combined experience shows and we would and will book with Cpt Nick again! Thank you, awesome trip and great tasting fish!
  • A scenic view of coastal homes along a cliffside, captured from the water, showcasing the beautiful shoreline and palm trees.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Fleur D.
    Fleur D.
    My son's 16th birthday wish was to catch a fish. This was our first time with Captain Nick and Captain Glen and we caught a lot fish . We learned how to find the fish, fillet the fish, and later we cooked the fish at home. What a day we even saw a whale, sea lions, pelicans, and lots of sea gulls. It was so much fun. We are planning our next birthday fishing trip with them.
  • A variety of red rockfish laid out on a boat's deck, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Long-Tail Red Snapper (Onaga)
    Anthony S.
    Anthony S.
    The crew was experienced and knew where to go to catch fish. Everyone on the boat caught at least 4 fish each, the total haul for 6 of us was 25 total fish. Thank you Captain Nick and Glen!
  • A variety of freshly caught Red Snapper and Rockfish stored in a cooler on a fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Epic rock cod, fishing,3 people limits .
  • Angler proudly displaying a caught Calico Bass while aboard a fishing boat, with a scenic coastal backdrop.
    Fish 1
    Calico Bass
    Susan S.
    Susan S.
    From the minute we met Captain Nick at the gate - to cruising in after 3 hours filled with “catching”, laughing, and yelling fish on - this was perfect. Thanks for a very memorable trip.

What's biting with Dana Point Custom Fishing Charters in Dana Point

Things finally start to cool down in November, both above the water and below. The big game madness may be over but the inshore fishing is still great, with Rockfish, Halibut, and Lobster around in force.

Top catches for November