Happy Hooker Sportfishing

My daughter and I had a great time on a crab/rock fishing combo trip on the Pacific Dream. It was her first time fishing with on a real boat. Captain Chris Smith and crew did a fantastic job in introducing my daughter to fishing. It was kind of slow at first because we had to sail out 90 minutes to drop the hoop nets for crab. After dropping the nets, we fished near the Farrallon Islands. The crew of JT and Jack were great at helping out my daughter. They baited the hooks for her and even casted for her. She didn't have to do much except to reel the fish up. At one point, they saw that the reel that we had on the rod was not a good match for her, so they let her use one of the rental rods. At one point, she was outfishing me and was catching not only more than I did, but, her fish were bigger. In the end, we both had our limits of rockfish and crab. It was a fantastic experience for my daughter and I. We had so much fish and crab that we couldn't fit everything into my large ice chest. Chris and the crew did everything they could to make this a great experience for my daughter a first timer.

I can't say enough about this boat! Jonathan, Joey and all other crew are phenomenal! We've been out on this boat at least 15 times over the past 4 years. Halibut fishing, rock fish and ling cod, and my favorite, rock crab combos. Jonathan always puts us on fish. And we catch big ones! Joey is a master of netting or gaffing the big ones and will cleanly filet a fish faster than anyone! There is no one better in the business. Professional, knowledgeable and fun! You won't regret your day fishing on this boat! But you will be exhausted by the end of the day with a smile on your face and fish in your cooler. Pictures are from 3 different trips.

After going on this Crab/Combo fishing trip for the first time, I had to leave a review. I reserved this trip a month in advance for the Second week of the crab opener. I wasn't sure what to expect as it was my first time going fishing to the Farallon Islands. Something to keep in mind, since you leave so early in the morning when the sun isn't out, make sure you dress warm, I recommend some thermals under whatever your wearing top and bottom, with waterproof pants and a waterproof jacket on top. Some waterproof fishing gloves too. I see alot of the more experience Fisherman wearing Grunden's Fishing overalls with jacket and waterproof hiking boots. It wouldn't hurt to have some type of face mask and Beenie as well. Make sure you also take some Dramamine Less Drowsy about 30 mins - 1 hour before the trip. It will help with Sea sickness if the water is rough, which it was when I went. Once we passed the Golden Gate bridge, on our way out to the Farallons the sea was rough. Once we stopped at the fishing spot the boat was rocking back and forth and we were holding on for dear life, while maneuvering an Ocean fishing rod while hooking bait and reeling in a line with two fish attached and 6lb weight. It definitely required some strength to balance it all. Luckily only one person on the boat got seasick on this trip and they missed out on the good fishing.Pro tip #1 once you leave the dock try to snag a covered spot on the inside of the boat so you can stay warm and rest before getting to the first crab pot drop spot. I ended up standing up on the side of the boat in the freezing cold while getting wet from the waves we hit. It was a long 2 + hours. We also brought some drinks and sandwiches in a cooler. I noticed some others brought muffins to eat for breakfast. I brought PB+J as well Chicken Pesto sandwiches which came in handy later on in the day. You can use the cooler to store your filet'd fish later on in the day so make sure you have room. The cooler can also double as a chair to sit on as you make your way out to sea, did I mention it was a long trip. We left at around 5:30 a.m. and got back to the dock at around 6:30 p.m. We stopped for fuel as well. It was a long day but I would definitely do it again. There is a small bathroom onboard just in case you need to use it. Pro tip #2 I was on the right side of the boat, and I was catching fish on both hooks each time, people on the left side of the boat ( looking forward ) didn't catch as many as I did, People on the back had less line tangles and caught alot of fish as well. I only had about 3 lines tangles with other poles but the deck hands were awesome at unraveling them. They were also good at helping take the fish off the hook for us and putting them in our bag while we baited our hooks again and dropped our lines. Shoutout to Joey who was always helping us untangle lines, taking fish off our lines, and he also Filet'ed our catch right on the boat on the way back. Thank you !!!! The rest of the staff were excellent too, they helped us when we needed help and the Captain was great at finding the right fishing spots and letting us know when we were leaving etc. Everyone on the boat left with the limits of Rockfish and Crab. Since my wife and I went we left with 20 Rockfish and 20 Dungeness Crabs. When you get back to the dock, there is place that will boil your crab for you for $30 bucks, You can also pay a bit more for them to clean them, take the head off and split them. We did this and it was easier on us instead of boiling a few at a time at home. I made some of the best pan seared Rockfish and Fish tacos with our catch. It tastes better when it's fresh and you catch it yourself.Side note : Rockfish have some venom slime on them and if you have an open cut on your hands and that slime gets in them it will sting for a while. They also have very sharp fins, when they were in our bag, some were sticking out and I got poked by one. It hurt a bit but be mindful of that.Pro tip #3 Bring lots of cash for this trip, even though you pay $225 upfront, there are other costs when you get on board, like the rod and tackle $25, which can be paid with credit card. Cost to filet limits of fish $20 cash only, $10 Jackpot for biggest catch ( optional ) but worth it. $30 to boil the crab from a seperate vendor on the dock. Tips for the awesome deck hands who are the nicest guys you'll meet, and quick to help with line tangles, taking fish off the line etc. They really work hard, and are off 3 months before Crab season so everything helps. They do this trip everyday and I appreciate them for having this experience available for us. I will return for Halibut season better prepared and hopefully the water isn't as rough.

Two family groups, 4 adults and 4 kids went on Happy Hooker with captain Johansson and deckhand Greg, along with bunch of other customers. We had absolutely good time. Even though 3 adults are kind of seasick the entire trip, Greg help the kids big time. He worked so hard and helped the kids constantly by getting the fish off the hook, putting on the live bait, etc. Each family caught dozens of rock fish and six lingcod each. Thanks to Greg, we had wonderful time.

What an amazing trip the captain Chris and Joey. We had so much fun and enjoyed every experience. The crew was amazing and so helpful all day. They really work super hard to make sure everyone has fun and catch lots of fish. The experience with these guys was amazing it was like I had fish with them for years. Joey the fillet king will get your fish ready to cook and serve condition. Can't wait to fish with these guys again.

Capt John and the Deck hand Joey are the best. They are very knowledgeable and helpful!! Happy Hooker Sportfishing is my go to... they are just awesome. They got us on quality fish and it was a blast! This is our third trip .. and I know there will be more to come!

Outstanding boat with an amazing captain and crew. I cannot recommend this boat enough. Each time I've been on a trip with the Happy Hooker and Captain Jonathan, I've always left having a good time. The deckhands are very helpful and humorous, and they prioritize the customer's experience above all else. You could be absolutely new and they'll teach you everything you need to know in order to catch some fish. What's surprising about this boat is that it is clean and actually smells good, which is incredibly hard to do with a fishing boat.

5 star charter boat Hooker and Pacific Dream Always will get you fish Great service, great captain and deckhand Friendly and professional Fun fun fun

These guys are absolutely amazing! Professional, efficient and friendly! We have been out on this boat 20-ish times and would not go on another boat (except the pacific dream because they're bad ass too)! We've done rock fish/crab combos, we've done just rock fish trips, we've done halibut trips...every trip we have such a great time and the crew will most definitely put you on fish!!! Jonathan and Joey keep this boat in perfect condition! What a blast! If you are looking for a fishing trip out of Berkeley, I promise these are your guys!

Been out on the Pacific Dream a couple of times now, for halibut and chinook salmon. Captain Chris and JT are excellent. No-nonsense but very kind and helpful, attentive, and are excited about and devoted to helping you catch fish. I'm still munchin on salmon sashimi from my last trip. Worth noting if you have not done this before: it is a loooong day, you will be tired, and you will be sunburned if you don't take precautions, fog be damned. It's been about a twelve-hour trip both times from arrival at the dock to walking away with filleted fish. You will also be balancing yourself frequently, sea sickness is a reel possibility. You will also see awesome wildlife, more than any nature walk. Mom and I saw dolphins on the salmon trip we went on. You will also have the sickest hits of adrenaline ever if you hook up. You will also eat good for a while and have the major satisfaction of having reeled it in. No questions about where it came from, for sure.Side bonuses are the comradery on board, Zoey the fish herding dog, and a beautiful day out on the bay. I don't think you'll get a better experience in the bay for the price unless you've got well-equipped and generous friends. 100% recommended, it will give you the fishing bug. It brought mine back after it had been in remission for many years. Cheers to cap and the crew, I will be back...