California Dawn Sport Fishing

Experienced California Dawn Fishing as part of an organized event with a big group. Would highly recommend this experience, as it is a great way for beginners to more advanced fishermen to go ocean fishing. I am quite the beginner, so I learned quite a bit from the friendly and helpful crew and fellow passengers onboard. I took Dramamine about an hour prior to departure, which I would highly recommend if you aren't used to being on the ocean. It was such an amazing experience I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a great ocean experience and an interest in fishing for stripers and halibut. What was wonderful is that you can actually keep the fish that you catch (of course if they meet the keep requirements). The crew helps clean the fish too after you depart the boat. Well worth the experience and great meals that followed!

Amazing trip. Sean, Gary, and Tammy are an awesome team. Sean put us on the fish, Gary was exceptional and went over and above to help you catch fish. Tammy was the best on the grill her menu is amazing and expanded. Best BLT I've had on any boat. Thank you all your efforts were much appreciated. California Dawn II.

First time fishing ever and I'm glad it was with California Dawn! Got there around 4:30 AM. Parking was free right in front of the dock, using the lot in front of the Japanese restaurant. Lots of parking at this time. There is also bathroom right in front of the dock if needed. Boarded the boat around 4:50 AM and picked a spot to fish on the boat (group of 3). The crew signaled us to go in the cabin to check-in and pay. I was able to rent a fishing pole and buy hooks and weights for $20. They also have a $10 pot buy-in for whoever gets the biggest fish! The aroma of bacon filled the air, as they were fixing breakfast burritos for whoever was interested. We were off right on time at 5:15 AM, first to pick-up bait then to our spot in front of Alcatraz to fish for Halibut. Once the boat stopped, we were called into the cabin for instructions on how to fish for Halibut - then we were off! The deckhand and captain were SUPER helpful, nice, and conversational. They saw I was a noob and helped me bait my rod, modeled how to drop my line, and helped me with the first few reels once I got a few bites. This part made my experience 5-stars. Thank you guys again! In the end, beginner's luck was on my side and I was able to catch 3 fish - with my first one being the biggest of the day ($$$). At the end, they also expertly filet the fish on the dock for $15. Aside from the fishing, being in the Bay presented picture perfect views. Safe to say I got hooked!

I've fished the Bay and ocean since the Mid 60's. In my adult life I've been in many of the fishing boats around the bay. I must most if not close to all gave good operations. I've known if the Smith family for years fishing with Chris back in the Crockett days. Always talk at the Sac fishing show. Yesterday I chose to go on the Cal Dawn II for lings, Rick cid and halibut. We left at 5:30 and return a little after 4:00. James, the capt put us on fishing all day long. Lead deck boss Gary is a pro. Young man, 14 yes old, Ryan worked the deck and did a very good job. We got limits for 25 of lings and Rick cod with about 12 halibut mixed in. Tami in the galley is a hoot. She also prepares some good food. Smiles all around when someone was eating her food. The sister boat Cal Dawn is the only other boat in fleet with a galley. There are many good charter busts on the bay. Cal Dawn II is a catamaran, stable, comfortable and fast.Almost forgot about Julie in the office. She is very helpful. I booked the wrong boat at first. She agreed to switch me for a day later. Thank you Julue'n

Never fished before. Took my father and my 2 kids. Staff were extremely helpful and attentive. Would recommend to all. Food as great as well

Great time, water was a bit rough but still got our crab limits and 1 shy of rock fish limit. Definitely would recommend

I have had good trips on this boat, but the last one was so bad I swore off ever getting on it again. Got a good spot early on the back corner with my wife. Three punk teenagers took the spot next to us and were rude to us the entire day. Their Dad did nothing. Deckhand said he could not do anything.The real kicker is that on the way in, one of the kids swapped our big bags of fish with theirs. They were not competent and had a poor bag of fish at the end of day. So we get the fish filleted. We noticed right away that what happened. My wife said she saw the boys looking at our bags of fish but thought they were just looking at the really big rockfish we had caught.But now we know the swapped out the bags. I explained what happened to the deckhand cleaning the fish but again, he did nothing. He even admitted that he knew my wife and I had caught some very nice rockfish and one lingcod. The kids did not even get their limit.So we paid $20 for cleaning each bag and that is when it got even worse. Some one took half of our bags of fillets. Can you imagine.Never gonna get on a boat that allows that again.

My brother and I booked the California Dawn for a Halibut /striper trip. Booking was super easy. You can book online either the California Dawn or the Dawn 2. The Dawn 2 is the larger boat. But you cannot go wrong with either one.The company is wonderful. They are very responsive and answered all my questions.When you book...they do not charge your card right away. They put a hold for 1 penny to reserve your spot. On the day of your trip when you check in... that is when you either bring cash or pay via credit card.We boarded at dock K and parked at the parking lot by the Japanese food place. Note: it says only 5 hours..but we asked a security guard and it's ok for you to park there for your trip. You can board the boat and find a spot as early as 4:15. The crew will show up...get prepared and check you in. At that time you can rent a pole from them for 20.00 or bring your own. You can also buy weights and rigs..the price varies.They cook food on the boat if you choose to not bring any. For breakfast they offer burritos...breakfast sandwiches ect. For 8 dollars. Lunch they have a few more selections like burgers...tacos...sandwiches ect...they sell soda..water and beer too.When you are fishing Gary and Garrett were absolutely incredible on the boat...they really want you to catch fish and do everything possible to see it happen. They spent a lot of time putting bait on..bringing the fish in. Please be generous with your tips...they really do take care of you out there.They show you what to do on your way...if it's your first time...do not worry if you do not understand at first...they will come to you and physically show you. Please don't be afraid to book out of fear...they are awesome.The boat caught 40 halibut. The largest was 23 pounds. They move around to ensure you catch fish.If your looking for a boat to go on..I highly recommend this company...just incredible.

Top notch crew and captain. Very friendly and everyone goes home with limits. Fastest boat in the bay. Highly recommended!!!!

Had a great time! The staff was very friendly and even more helpful! They definitely put the time in on the water! Can't wait to do it again! Thanks crew!