Big Al's Guide Service

We had another wonderful outing with Al and his deckhand Chris (who also happens to be Al's grandson). We went to New Melones Lake and caught 13 very nice Kokanee salmon. We actually hooked 18 total but lost 5 while reeling them in. This was even more fish than we caught at Lake Berryessa when we went with Al 3 years ago.Al and Chris are both very experienced fishermen. They have high-end equipment and know exactly the types of lures, bait, and techniques to use. Our boat was catching way more fish than any other boat out there. Al knows all the lakes and rivers in Northern California like the back of his hand. This knowledge is critical since the fishing on each lake changes weekly, if not daily. I had booked this trip weeks ago with Sue, and we decided on New Lake Melones just a few days before based on the recent trends. And Chris was excellent with my 10 and 12-year old sons. He was very patient with my kids. And he gave us some ideas on other fun outdoor things to do. And he even brought them (and introduced us to) a Tony's Chocolate bar. I highly recommend Kokanee salmon fishing with Al and Chris. And I would suggest requesting Chris as a deckhand especially if you have young kids. My sons had a blast. And they've been proudly eating the fish they caught, which we've been smoking and grilling. Thank you Al, Sue, and Chris for giving my sons an unforgettable fishing experience!

As a birthday present to my boyfriend, my Dad paid for the two of us to go salmon fishing on the Sacramento River. Big Al and his wife set everything up and we eagerly awaited the big day of fishing. They told us exactly what to bring, what time to meet Big Al, and where. We met Big Al and his deckhand, Marvin, at Miller Park at 6 AM and we were in the water within minutes. As soon as the sun started to rise, our lines were in the water and we were trolling down the river hoping to hook some salmon. With the limit being 1 salmon per person, we surprised to hear how many boats and tour guides have been getting skunked this season. We were nervous but Big Al reassured us. And then the magic happened - around 7:15 AM my boyfriend caught the first fish; a decent sized, beautifully silver salmon. Not 15 minutes later, my salmon was on the line. Woohoo! We had caught our personal limits and it was only 7:30 AM. But we wanted to fish some more, so we stayed on the water and tried for Big Al and Marvin's limits. But like Big Al said, if you don't get the morning bite, you wait. And we waited. We trolled up and down the river, trying various spots, talking with Big Al and Marvin, and hoped we could catch one or two more. Just as we were about to give up and head in for the day (at 1 PM, five and a half hours after catching our morning salmon), I caught a big, beautiful 20 pound salmon, not more than 100 yards from Miller Park boat launch. Long story short: if you want to have an amazing, enjoyable fishing experience with the most genuine, friendly, and knowledgeable fishing guide in the Sacramento area, give Big Al a call. You won't regret it!

Had a great morning of fishing - 4 generations including my 97 yr old Dad. Big Al and Jaybird were so helpful and hard working. They put us right where the fish were and even filleted the fish at the end of the day. Hunter, the great grandson, caught the biggest fish!

Overdue post, but Big Al and Jay Bird are a winning combo! Booking was easy and Al's wife was a pleasure to speak with. We went and fished Brannan Island and target species was Striped Bass. I've fished the Feather and Sac River countless times, but really wanted to go on a guided trip and see how the "pro's" do it. Also, it was my birthday and my wife's present to me so I can't complain! We mainly trolled, but also fished with some live bluegill. Needless to say, Big Al knows what he's doing and he uses top shelf equipment (Lamiglas rods/Shimano reels) and his Northriver was legit! They'll put you on the fish and they share their secrets, tips, etc. I feel like a better angler just fishing one day with these guys. All in all, money well spent and my next trip with them will be during salmon season. Tight lines!

I Fished with Captain Al with two co workers on a tough day for Salmon. No body was catching fish EXCEPT US!!! We left the river (on our request) 1 fish short of our limit.Captain Al is a Captain that works HARD to get you your fish and will keep fishing until you can't fish (dock to dock time doesn't exist on his boat)!!! I've chartered Many times in Fresh and Salt water and found Captain Al to be at the top of the list of the guys I've fished with!! Jet boat Rocked Gear was top notch ( Fresh Sardines when non were available) You can't go wrong with a captain that pulls out all the stops to make sure you have the best trip possible and Captain Al is that guy!!

I've done a few charter fishing trips, and there are usually some common trends - follow the time limit, don't burn too much gas, and get angry with the patrons if they do something wrong. NOT WITH BIG AL! If you book a trip with Big Al, he will a) get you on the fish and b) keep you on the fish until you say no more (or you catch your limit)I do salmon fishing on the river, but usually come back empty handed. If the fish aren't biting, there isn't much you can do. We had some family coming in town and wanted to book a charter trip for salmon. Trusty Yelp pointed me right to Big Al, and for that I'm thankful. We were on the water a 6AM, and Big Al's deckhand Jay Bird was there to help set up our lures/quickfish. Jay Bird is quite the character! Don't worry if the fish aren't biting, those two will keep you entertained!Unfortunately, our day happened to be a slow one. While almost no one on the river was catching fish, Big Al managed to land us 4 nice 20lb salmon. No one else on the river caught more than 3 that day. By 2PM (8 hours later) and a tank of gas later, we only had 3 salmon between the 5 of us. Big Al was determined to get one for each of us even if it meant staying out till dark. He filled up the tank again (unheard of in charter fishing), and kept on the fish until we landed another 20 lb bright chrome salmon.Not only did he take us out and get us on the fish, but he went the extra mile to SHOW us his techniques so we can apply them ourselves. Big Al is a class act, and would fish with him again any time.

Nobody is better at catching fish than Big Al. Whether it's Kokanee, Trout, Striped Bass or King Salmon Big Al is the best! The amount of knowledge and experience he has is amazing. I learn so much from him each time I go out on a trip. He is dedicated to ensuring his clients have the best fishing experience possible. I always catch my fish and feel like I am a better fisherman at the end of each trip!

Fishing with Al was a belated 16th birthday present for my son. We had to cancel a few times in the fall due to bad air quality (from the fires up north). Al and Sue were so accommodating with our changes in plans. When I finally got around to rescheduling, my son and I were so excited! Fishing with Al did not disappoint! It was a fantastic day and Al is so knowledgable about fish, the best spots to fish, and the bait to use. I cannot express what a wonderful experience this was for both my son and me. We will definitely want to go fishing with Al again, hopefully during Salmon season.

Big Al and his deckhand took my two adult sons and I out yesterday for a great day of fishing that left us with some great memories and a whole lot of fish! Al knows exactly what he's doing and is intent on ensuring his customers catch fish and enjoy themselves doing it!

Overdue post - My dad and I had a great time fishing with Big Al on the Sacramento River last salmon season. We limited out and we're the only boat to do so out of 6 other boats around us. Looking forward to booking the same trip again this year as well as a Kokanee trip. Would recommend Al to anyone looking to fish the Northern California waters.