We booked ~a month in advance of our scheduled trip only to be called two days before to ask if we could move our trip to Friday (no go for us as we we're leaving town). I let them know we could do Thursday or stay with Wednesday and was told they would get back to us early Tuesday. Well at 4:45pm on Tuesday we reached out and asked if we were on for Wednesday and was told it is a no go and they are still working on putting something together for Thursday. I get it Charters are in business to make money and just a few folks on an outing isn't profitable but to leave booked clients hanging until the 11th hour and not reach out to them is not good business. What gets me is we saw them leaving the harbor twice on Wednesday. We're assuming it was for Ash scattering based on the attire and somber faces of the passengers and the lack of visible fishing gear both times. Not a bad turn for them at $500-$600 per trip (if the rates I recall are still them same); less time, less work... Bottom line is they didn't have the courtesy to call/text us to let us know we should look for another charter, we had to reach out to find out... Too bad, we have quite a few buddies who love to fish and we'll continue to go with the charter that got us in last minute and put us on our limits... read more

Everything was wonderful from the start to the finish the employees and captain are very friendly

My 90-year-old dad is a serious fisherman, doing 10-day long-range fishing trips regularly out of San Diego. Recently, he's given up the 10-day trips and is enjoying staying closer to home. We hadn't fished Fort Bragg in years, so we weren't familiar with the scene. My dad called around to the different operators and was impressed with Captain Richard (who politely and patiently endured likely a hundred 90-year-old-fisherman questions, and multiple phone calls). Liking what he heard, my dad booked a day-trip on the Kraken for himself, my brother, and me. The Kraken is a 50' Delta Marine Charter Boat, my personal favorite boat for day-trips. The boat is comfortable, roomy, doesn't have a bad spot for fishing, and is fast. We boarded at around 6:30am, and were greeted by Captain Richard and deckhands Jonah and Mason. (We noticed that the other fishermen we were boarding with were mostly locals - always a good sign.) The crew was incredible throughout the trip. They weren't just knowledgeable fishermen, they were hard-working, friendly, helpful, and always there when you needed them. The trip out to a spot off of Mendicino was quick, and I hooked a lingcod about a minute into my first drop. Richard knew how to find the fish, and the boat limited-out by 1pm. This trip was a blast. We caught some great fish, met some nice people, and had a lot of fun. Some tips if you fish the Kraken: 1. You can bring your own rods and tackle, or use theirs. Although we brought our own, the boat had basic setups that my brother and I ended up using. Going this route, it was easy for the crew to get us back fishing quickly if we had a snag or tangle. They'll supply the rod/reel, shrimp flies (you have to pay for any additional ones you lose), and a bag for your fish. 2. Bring some cash. You may need to purchase additional tackle, or you may want your fish filleted by the crew on the way back in ($2 per fish). Also, your deckhands will definitely be deserving of a generous cash tip. 3. The bait and tackle store nearby doesn't open until 7am. We were under way by then. Make sure you have picked up your license and any other stuff you may need in advance. 4. Dress in layers. It was pretty cold for a while, warmed up for a bit, then got cold again. 5. If you're coming in from out of town, the Super 8 Motel in Fort Bragg was clean, adequate, and serviceable, and had a Mountain Mike's pizza. It's also about a one-minute drive from the dock. read more

Wow! Just finished a 2-hour whale watching tour with these awesome people. Very friendly. We saw plenty of whales, seals, sea lions and dolphins. We learned a lot too. We'll definitely do this again. Thank you! read more

Amazing day at sea!! This tour was for my 60th birthday and I can honestly say it was the perfect way to celebrate! Captain Richard and his beautiful wife Corinne made sure we had a safe and fun trip, they were knowledgeable, friendly and super accomodating ( I really wanted one of their sweatshirts when the tour ended so Karin went home, texted me what they had then brought one back to me, so sweet!) The boat was clean and spacious but not too big. The whales were so breathtaking and beinig so close to them in their natural environment was something everyone should see. The bonus was when a pod of dolphins were spotted in the distance and we all voted to take a pause from the whales and go check them out too. That to me was the cherry on top of a already incredible adventure. We are so glad we found Anchor C.B. and will definitely be back, even if it's not for a birtday. :) read more

Although their principal business is fishing charters, we take the Kraken out sometimes on seabirding and/or whale-watching tours. Captain Richard is extremely accommodating and pleasant to work with. His father was (and is) a sea captain as well, so Richard grew up on the sea and is super familiar with these waters. He knows the places where fish, birds, and marine mammals tend to congregate and can get you exactly where you need to be. He is patient and friendly and so are his deckhands. Highly recommended. read more

Anchor Charter Boats - Boating Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

July 23, 2018, my son and I took my two oldest grandsons out for salmon fishing on the Ambush ...10 year old was his birthday. Both he and 8 year old got limits and nice size fish. In fact, everyone got limits that day, 26 salmon total. I got a 20 and 26 pounder. The crew was amazing. Can't wait to go out again. read more

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Captain James and deckhands worked very hard to put us on fish. Limits for almost everyone. Nice size rockfish and lings. read more

Anchor Charter Boats - Boating Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

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Went out again with them this past Saturday. Great as always even though I was sick, again. Third time out with them and the captain Richard is great. He is really knows his stuff. The ocean was crazy rough with huge waves but still felt safe. In a previous negative review lady was pissed off charter was cancelled. I totally get it, but if they cancelled it was for good reason and it must have been crazy unsafe. Crew is a little green but both of them were super nice and attentive. Missed tattoo Mike lol. Been sick 2 out of 3 times and still book trips. They are the only ones that called back the first time and they were very understanding when I had car trouble the second time and had to cancel a trip the week of. They also will go further out or move to keep you on the fish. I've always caught my limit and love having my freezer full of fish. read more

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After experiencing a horrible charter from San Francisco the week before, the was great! The Capt didn't get too involved with the guests - he left that to the two deckhands. He got us on plenty of rock fish. Forget the few bad reviews. They are probably mad because they didn't catch a 40 lb lingcod. When we were slow, the Capt. would take us to another spot until we got something. He was more concerned with us catching fish rather him burning fuel. The two deckhands were great. Nice young kids who knew how to untangle lines, get your fish and keep a conversation going. Highly recommend! read more

We went with this charter this weekend because Oregon has shut down rock fishing. Let me tell you it was the worst experience ever. The boat leaves at 7am and goes up the coast for 2 hours, stops and says go ahead and fish. No one was catching any fish and instead of finding another spot like every other charter we have been on would do we sat and drifted for an hour. At the end of that hour the captain says reel em in and we drive 2 hrs. back to the docks. I would not recommend this charter to my worse enemy. read more

We went out with the Kraken on 8/24/22 and 8/31/22. Two different seas completely, the first was with "confused" waters (choppy) the second was glass. Captain was on fish the entire time. Excellent deckhands, both helpful and knowledgeable. Boat limited out on the first trip within 2 fast fishing hours. Excellent large blue cod and super excellent ling. Second trip we headed south and within 3 stops we were pretty much at limits. I caught 2 beautiful lings this day and 1 on prior outing. We thoroughly enjoyed the boat (super clean) and roomy. We have fished for over 50 years and these trips are in the top memories that we will surely keep. Thank you Richard and Corinne for your service. Thank you deckhands, Mike and I am so sorry forgot your name. (getting old) for the fantastic times. We pray we make it back up there again. Tom and Debbie Zylman read more

The folks giving bad reviews are whack. Wasn't my experience at all. This crew is super solid. My first ocean fishing trip since we moved to NorCal from Long Beach 3 years ago. Been fishing SoCal for a while. Wife got me a gift certificate 2 years ago, and finally had time off work to cash in today. They didn't dawdle at unproductive spots. They were efficient with prompt service for all passengers. Patient, and kind with all the "fun" things that go along with fishing (hangups, birds nests, etc)...Plus great company. Got my limit of multiple varieties of rock cod. My neighbor slayed enough lingcod to spare me one...thank you sir. Lotta nice folks on the boat. Minimal (lil is always good) bullshit and no bad attitudes. I will be bringing swimbaits with a 16oz leadhead next trip! Was the winning combo today. One dude got a 20lb ling. Will be going again, great bargain, great crew. $80 for a half day with huge potential to catch way more value than you spend. But that's not what it's really all about now is it? Big smiles all around- that's it. Tip for other anglers- there is no bait barge/live bait....would bring squid to be more productive. Not necessary, but would recommend. My neighbor was nice enough to share. Would recommend this crew to anyone visiting the NorCal coast. Do it! I'll be back for more, and albacore coming soon!!!!! read more

Went for a my friend Kristine's birthday, I've never had such a fun captain and deckhand these guys not only put us on fish but were fun guys to be around. The boat is immaculate and beyond well kept. I've seen some other reviews on here clearly from people that don't know anything about fishing. DONT LISTEN TO THE HATERS they don't realize that fishing is fishing and you ever know just how the bite is gonna be. However I will tell you that when the bite did slow down we picked up and went to a prime location. These guys do everything they can to put you on fish. We had an amazing day on the water and I promise if you guys go with them you will too read more

Anchor Charter Boats - 2 lings, 2 cabs, 2 China, 2 blacks, 2 blues. An amazing spread - Boating Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

We had a great trip. The boat hands, especially Taylor, were a great help. My boys were first time ocean fisherman and I am not that comfortable around live fish. Everyone of the staff were right there to help with ratted lines, stuck on the bottom, and any other problem that arose. I look forward to using Anchor Charter Boats in the near future. read more

Anchor Charter Boats - 20 pound king cod - Boating Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

Really fun whale watching trip! We got there right on time 10am and was teetering on being late but the captain and everyone was really nice. The Trek II was larger than I expected and thank goodness because some parts out at sea were rough. First whales we saw were young ones that jumped out of the water! Recommend this company if you want to whale watch and overheard conversations with the captain about salmon fishing that sounds awesome too! read more

Great deck-hands, JR was the best ever! We limited on cod and the fish was delicious! We had a great time and they moved the boat around frequently so that we were on top of the fish at all times. We will definitely be back and will use Anchor Charters. Thanks for a memorable time Anchor!!! read more

First experience deep sea fishing. The captain and many deckhands were so accommodating, helping everyone but only if we needed the help. Seasoned fishermen who knew what they were doing were left to it unless they requested them. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the experience. They were especially helpful when we had trouble keeping our balance due to the rocking motion but they were courteous about it. I was fascinated watching the choreography of them working together to make our day the best possible. read more

This was about my fourth deep sea fishing experience... this boat was wall to wall people only the people in the back were catching the salmon. The rest of us SKUNKED ! The deckhands only paid attention to only the guys in the back of the boat that were catching all the fish. There were six of us in our party we got one nibble. If you ever go on this boat be sure to line up at 6 a.m. To go in the morning and get the back of the boat only read more

Anchor Charter Boats - No go - Boating Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

Although we did not get to experience the charter it's self .... we drive 4 hrs to experience a fishing trip and we get a call stating that they cancelled the trip due to white caps ... however we called around to several other other charter companies to see if by any chance they had any cancellations or openings available and they stated they didn't but they were in shock that Anchor cancelled the trip because according to them it was beautiful on the ocean and it was perfect fishing weather! I would not recommend to rely on this company for a fishing charter. read more

Had the greatest experience on our whale watching tour. Had to reschedule several times due to conflicts, and each time ACB was able and willing to accommodate. Danny and Corrine were the best guides! Despite half the passengers losing their sea legs (including two in my party) the experience was epic. Corrine being especially gracious and empathetic to those hurling their morning breakfast. The grey whales are majestic beasts and to see them in their natural habitat was moving. The two hour cruise was fun and we would definitely do this again! read more

Unfortunately, I would not recommend this trip. There were a lot of issues with payment over the phone being taken and then surprise charge when we arrived on deck. We spent almost 2 hours in the worst water possible (to the point where my husband and I were both seasick) just to get to the fishing spot. Once there, they tell you okay go ahead and watch your lines while they moved through the water. We ended up at the front of the boat due to being ill. The deckhands then spent all of their time with the people in the back of the boat, who were the ONLY ones catching fish. I feel like these guys are supposed to know where to go as they go out everyday of the week, but the whole boat caught 5 fish, for a total of 14 people. After watching three fishing poles for almost 4 hours, I had one bite and it wasn't even a legal fish to keep. I feel like I paid $170 for my husband to be violently ill and to reel in one fish. I would never recommend this to my worst enemy. read more

Went out on the treck ll today for my first fishing trip, absolutely love it! The guy's were beyond awsome and helpful during the entire trip, one person in the group was so sea sick and they would come by to see of they were ok. I will for sure go on the treck ll again. And the fishing was good also! read more

Anchor Charter Boats - Sea fishing - Boating Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

I went salmon fishing for the first time earlier this week on the Trek II and I had an absolutely awesome experience. The crew were SO helpful, friendly, and professional. They made our outing phenomenal despite some rainy weather. Though the water was rough and the winds high, no one in my party of seven (or anyone else on the boat that I could tell) got seasick and the boat was handled expertly. Best of all, I caught my first fish ever-a 16.5 lb king salmon. I wouldn't have been able to do so without the crew's guidance. I had a blast and can't wait to go again. read more

Not what I would expect out of a party boat. Good news: We left on time. We returned on time. Bad news: Inexperience! None of the fish were bled after they got caught, The fish were placed in the box without any water running. The fish caught were not gutted until we got back to the dock. Nothing like having blood go back into the meat after you caught a fresh salmon. I had to remind the deck hand to clean up the blood on the deck after a salmon was landed and bled after the hook was ripped out of him. I just love stepping over a mess! They charge you $5.00/ weight. Not bad but they use only 14 to 24 ounce sinkers. Speaking of the sinkers, when the boat turns with these different weights the lines get tangled; no help from the captain or deck hand to notice this. And by the way, you don't catch fish with tangled lines. I would not recommend this charter. read more

Went fishing on the ambush with my daughter her first trip and my son had a wonderful time caught plenty of Fish. The captain and crew were excellent took care of everything. Couldn't ask for a better fishing experience for my daughter, deckhand cleared a backlash in less than 20 seconds fantastic. Not only do they want to go fishing again on the ambush but my wife and other kids want to go as well next time thanks so much read more

Anchor Charter Boats - Boating Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

TERRIBLE!!! I reserved for a group of 6 two months in advance and we showed up the day of and were waiting for an hour and a half to get on. We were supposed to leave the dock at 1 and around 1:30 a deckhand finally came up to us and told us that there had been a mix up in the reservations and that they couldn't take us out that day. We planned our entire weekend for and around that fishing trip and they just blew us off and told us sorry and we will take you out tomorrow. we left and went to another charter in the same harbor who gladly took us on board with no problems....Trek II NOT recommended read more

Went on the trek 2 though this company. We left late, and spent 2.5 hours of our 5 hour fishing trip driving to and from a spot to fish. The spot wasn't a very good spot. We basically just waisted time. Deck hand were very in experienced and didn't spread themselves out wisely. There was alot of time waisted on this trip by the whole crew. It was a very VERY disappointing trip, as a paying customer. read more

I have been out to fish with the Trek 2 a handful of times over the past two years, and each time I have come away completely satisfied. On more than one occasion a one day trip has stretched into a few days after having had such great experiences. The crew has always been super friendly, and right there to help with taking a fish off of the hook. They are adaptable to the conditions and requests of the guests, and are very knowledgeable about all kinds of marine life. One thing that has been very helpful to me, being somewhat new to fishing, is their willingness to help teach what to do, or might be useful, without being too overbearing. The captain really knows what he is doing, and is very mindful of not over fishing one area, which always produces quality fish and plenty of quantity. If you're looking for a boat to have a great time on, with a fun and helpful crew, then youu can't go wrong with the Trek2. read more

My husband, sister and I went bottom fishing with the Trek ll last week and had an awesome time. Though I didn't fish the crew were still friendly and engaging. My husband and sister caught their limit for the trip and with each catch the deck hands were right there to assist. It was a cold foggy morning but we hardly noticed because everyone on the boat was catching fish. We laughed and had great conversation with entire crew. In fact we had such a great time we came in and re-booked another trip the very next morning! The crew was equally pleasant and friedly the next morning. We didn't catch any salmon but had one on the line and the deck hand did everything to get the fish on board but it got tangled with several other lines. We will definitely go back out on the Trek all again! read more

I've been fishing on charter boats for the majority of my life and I have to say the Trekii and it's crew are some of the best I have fished with. Personable, knowledgeable and entertaining! I have fished with the Trekii 7 times over the last two seasons and each time I leave very impressed. The quality of the rockfish and lingcod they put you on is incredible! Each trip I have left with big bags of expertly fileted fish and a face that hurts from smiling too much. Definitely worth the money and the drive! read more

These guys are the greatest. Our trip had to be postponed because of poor weather and the care and concern the crew had for our fun and safety were amazing. Richard certainly knows the sea. Great experience. read more

Me and my family of newbies caught our first fish on their boat recently! The ship's crew even waited for us when we were late (very embarrassing) and we nice to us the entire time! They provided instruction on use of the fishing poles and never made us feel stupid when we got tangled up. I will definitely use them again because of how comfortable they made us feel. Thank you Richard and Crew! read more

This last year my family and I went to Ft Bragg and wanted to do some fishing, we have our own boat but it wasn't Sea worthy at the time. So I made reservations on another boat just to be told no that what we wanted to go fishing for wasn't on the trip that day. So I went and found my telephone book, called the guys at Anchor Charters, they said come on down , we did and had the best time ever. The captain and crew were more than helpful with whatever we wanted / needed including using their gear, which, yes I did lose a couple of lures, but still had fun in the meantime. I was one of 3 women on the boat and did just as much fishing as the guys, did just as good too, then afterwards we went back to the dock and the crew cleaned our fish for us and put all the fish in bags too, so we didn't have to mess with any of it. They were also very helpful when we did manage to get lessons on how and where to catch Tuna. My husband has wanted to try it for years and so I asked the guys @ Anchor if they would want to be ' teachers' on how to catch Tuna and what to look for, so in October, my husband and his brother took a weekend trip over and did go out and caught loads of Tuna and had the best trip ever. He said that even though the captain is fairly young, he knows his stuff, boat and fishing wise and that he would travel with him anywhere, anytime. We had a complete fun trip both times and wouldn't go on any other boat even if paid to, except ours, the crew and captain are great fun to talk to and you can learn quite a bit either just watching them or asking them things that you don't know. I have asked them questions that a normal person should know, they just politely answer what I need with no troubles. Even though I have been fishing for years, there are still things I don't know and they have come in handy for me, so I have nothing but good things to say about the people at Anchor Charters, read more

Wow. I hope people who read the response to my posting can see the owner's blatant attempt to cover up my review with lies. I wrote my review the same week it happened while my memory was fresh. He writes 5 months after my post and makes up a story about how I was cursing at him over the fact that a rockfish trip could not be switched to salmon? Absolutely not. I accepted that, and called later to make a reservation and talked to the woman who scheduled the trips and made a reservation for that Sunday afternoon. She screwed up and put me down on a Tuesday afternoon, and could not find me in the reservation book on Sunday when I called her asking what happened to my reservation. Two days later she called asking why I had not shown up for my Tuesday trip. Pathetic. Anyways, I happened to find the owner's response when I was on tonight looking up contact information for the Telstar. I certainly won't be going out with any boat associated with anchor charter, and as you can see by the other bad reviews, I am not the only one. The least you can do is the admit the mistake and make an offer for amends. I never asked for a free trip. I asked for a 25% discount. To lie on top of it 5 months later to try to make my review look false is just sad. read more

Excellent Crew and trip. The crew was very professional, respectful, and helpful. The fishing was fantastic and the crew stayed busy. It was a great value for the money and the crew fileted the fish for us at the end. Would definitely go to this company again. read more

Had such an awful experience with Trek II. Fished for 2hours and then it was 3-4hrs just moving up the coast. Paid over 80$ per person to catch 2-3fish.. it felt like a scam.... read more

Awesome awesome awesome!!!! Had a great experience with these guys. There was 18 people on the boat and between the captain and his deck hand everyone was fishin and having a great time. Deck hand "Boomer" was great he even cleaned our fish for a good price. Would recommend them to everybody. read more

My wife and I had the time of our lives. First of all, the weather and ocean were very nice this day. We ran up to Westport and immediately started catching fish. The deck hands were very helpful and knowledgeable. The captain was funny and sure. We did see a whale off in the distance and then we saw a sunfish that the captain came back around so everyone (especially the kids) could have a look. I was reading some of the reviews and will have to say that some people don't understand fishing. It's called fishing.....not catching. Just enjoy the ocean. Who catches fish every time? This was the second boat I had called. The other one is always in the Western outdoor news and that's why I called them first. The first one never called me back. This company actually answered the phone. They did switch boats on us because they had a private charter on the other boat, but as long as we were on the ocean with a fishing rod in our hands, we were good. Thanks again! Marty and Kellie Sampson read more

Went out on TREK II recently, awsome day! Enough Ling Cod for everyone on the boat to have a full bag and plenty of good rock fish to go with it. It is so good to have great fishing like this just a short trip from the harbour and with a captain who knows how to find the fish! read more