Point Loma Sportfishing, San Diego

My wife and I planned a trip a few years ago to go on an over night full day fishing trip. I called Point Loma and asked how much it would cost for going on the trip. I asked specifically how much for the trip including all charges and tackle. They quoted me a price. When we showed up and paid that price we found out they misquoted us. The price did not include tackle nor did it include the cost of berthing on the boat. We ended up spending close to $80 more than we were quoted. On the boat (New Lo-An) we were treated very badly. When we needed help it was hard to find. My wife had a fish to the boat. The deck hand hit it with the side of the gaff hook knocking it free. We both caught one fish each and my wife caught a second fish which was also hooked by another fisherman. Her hook was in the mouth his was snagged on the side. They agreed to split the fish. At the dock after the trip neither of us got our fish. All the fish was distributed and no fish for us. They told us our bag had accidentally got put in the galley. They left us and came back with a tiny bag weighing about 3 pounds. So, we were quoted wrong on the cost of fishing, we were treated badly, we were robbed of our fish. No way will we ever go back nor would we recommend them. This was the worst fishing trip ever. We fish from San Diego every year and with other companies never been treated like this.

I recently did the ½-day afternoon trip on a Saturday on the Point Loma with my brother and a business associate. We called the day before and only needed to leave our name and the number in our party. We rented our gear/tackle, which included weights and hooks, and got our licenses when we arrived. Only 14 anglers on this trip which gave every one on board plenty of room. Captain Ron and crew members John (“Hollywood”) and Rory were attentive, helpful and friendly. The guys at the shop/store were great too. Only $42 per head plus the cost for the rental and licenses. A great value considering the crew set-up everyone’s lines with hooks and weights and gave clear instructions (the do’s and don’ts) on the way out, shared their experience on the morning trip, there was plenty of bait (live and cut bait), the crew cleared your line if you got stuck, helped you bring in your catch and filleted your catch, if desired, on the way back. Also, there was a galley with food and drinks for purchase and Captain Ron didn’t stay in one spot too long if things got quiet. According to fishing reports, there were 58 rockfish and one calleco bass caught on this trip. I would recommend this experience to anyone, young or old; especially those who have never done this before since the crew got everyone started and helped throughout the trip. More importantly, they didn’t single out the novice among experienced anglers. If you are prone to motion sickness, I would suggest taking Dramamine about an hour before the trip. Great fun for the family or a “boy’s afternoon out.” This was special for me and my brother since we had not been out since our father passed away in 2005. He would have loved it. Love you Pop. Mark L. Granada Hills, CA

We did the 1/2 day trip which because of rough weather caused us to stayed in the bay and that was OK. The trip involves picking up fresh bait - lots of small fish - and some the staff giving instruction on switching bait often - live bait catches fish. The staff were diligent in measuring each fish for legal length, and when lines tangled they were experts at clearing those lines. There are some optional services that could cost a few bucks so bring a few singles There was no fuel surcharge, but I'm told it could have been 2 bucks - no showstopper there. We really had no complaints, it was a fun, positive experience. We'll likely return for a longer trip, or even another 1/2 day trip. I gave it 5 stars because I really had no complaints about the experience.

Of the three sportfishing outfits on shelter island, this outfit is the most poorly run. The boat's captains and crew, while good, are not of the caliber of Fisherman's Landing or H&M landing. They rarely have the courtesy or professionalism exhibited elsewhere. The boats typically are not as clean, nor as well kept. On two occasions, I have been booked into berths that were not clean, and in one I found an empty beer can in the bed! If you are looking for great sportfishing, then book a flight and go to Mexico or Central America, as the fishery for tuna and almost everything else off California has been greatly depleted over the last decade. Fishing off Cali in the 1980's three to five tuna were the norm on overnight trips. In the 90's it went to one to three, whereas now it's one or less, typically alot less per angler. If you go, have fun, but don't be disappointed if your fish locker is empty at the end of the trip. Most of them are.

This was our family's first 1/2 day boat fishing experience. From the purchasing of tickets, buying licenses, renting equipment, needing help with tackle and removing fish from hooks, a home-made breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast...gutting our fish and wishing us a good day...this was an absolutely PERFECT EXPERIENCE for our family. All of us want to return to Point Loma Sportfishing very, very soon. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! - The Robert Rasband Family

Awesome all around experience. Did the Half Day trip from 1-6 and was on fish the entire time. My nonexperienced wife caught more fish than I did and had the time of her life. This is a must do if you are in the area.