Ventura pier is a long walk over the ocean. Offering cool breezes, the smell of fish and lots of…read morepelicans and seagulls hoping for a bite. I spent many cool summers here as a kid fishing with my dad. The slits in between the wood used to be a lot longer when I was a kid. The pier is a great way to get away from the world. Sometimes you can catch sight of dolphins and seals.

I visited there two days after that Ventura-to-Barstow CHP chase, where a Subaru drove 200 miles in…read moretwo hours while being pursued by the CHP the entire way. Even NBC 7's helicopter eventually ran out of fuel while trying to film the event! It took me almost an hour in the morning to drive from Pasadena to Ventura Beach. I set the GPS to navigate to the pier, where there is a garage nearby. I drove in and found it completely unattended; the fee booth was empty. After driving around inside, I found an outdoor parking lot that was even closer to the pier. There was no one at the entrance, likely because it is the "off-season." It was less than 20 meters from the parking lot to the wooden steps of the pier. There were fewer than 20 people on the pier that morning, even though it was nearly 8:00 AM. The restaurant wasn't open yet, and they likely don't open during this time of year. Walking on the pier is very peaceful, even if the sound of the sea is quite loud. The public restrooms were clean as well. It is a wonderful break to have on the drive from Los Angeles to San Jose. My recommendation: go there early during the quiet season.

Called late the day before and cancelled our trip. They claimed there weren't enough people.read more

Went on a full day on the Californian. I had been on the boat before and it was an okay day fish…read morewise, but the staff and the captian were excellent and really spent the gas money trying to put us on that is why i tried to go with this boat again. This last trip was night and day difference. Another full day but the boat was at capacity we drift fished rockfish all day and with half the boat being new to fishing people, we were constantly getting tangled with their lines (so much lost lead). I must of rigged 20 lines because I brought a couple of newish people and the hands were busy. This is all fine but we also ran out of squid at some point and had no live bait. A deck hand decided to just get frustrated and shit talk me at some point. And we left the dock late and finished early. Still better than the office but a shit day handled poorly.

Just got off the boat yesterday. A great boat and great crew. Been on the boat many times…read more Definitely will be back out again on it.

Allow me to open with a brief anecdote to illustrate the talent of Capt. Tucker:…read more On our last trip, in 5 ft. seas out of the northwest, and 20 knots of wind out of the northeast, Tucker held the boat over a reef in 320 ft. of water like we were sitting on anchor. To say this skipper and crew are outstanding is an understatement. After a lifetime of being on boats as both customer and crew, I can honestly tell you that the Mirage runs a high quality operation. Veteran deckhand Ryan and the whole crew are always, and I mean ALWAYS, Johnny on the spot if you need a fish gaffed, if you get a tangle, if you lose a rig and need it re-tied... Just amazing. The boat sleeps 24, and it's no foo foo pleasure cruise, but comfortable and a pretty good ride. A full galley with indoor seating, plenty of deck space, and double bait tank capacity makes this a great platform for overnight fishing to the outer islands. Little extras like keeping lingcod and other delicate fish in the ice water hold below decks for the trip, the positive and polite crew, and one of the most knowledgeable young skippers on the coast makes this my favorite boat for rockfishing. They simply find fish, and do everything they can to help you out them on the boat. These guys earn their tips and greatly appreciate the opportunity to truly work hard for you. Fish cleaning on the boat is professional and neat... Buck a fish, $2 for lingcod and other select bigguns. Ever get a whiff of rotting fish carcasses in your trash cans after a few days in the sun? Worth every penny and then some. Whether you're a veteran or a novice, this crew will take care of your fishing needs.

I love this place! I came here today to get a funny stocking stuffer for my daughter who absolutely…read moreloves rubbery fish lures, and when I told the guy working the counter about the stocking stuffer he went out of his way to help me find the exact lures! My daughter isn't into fishing, and in fact she won't even eat fish because she loves them so much but she expressed on her Facebook about how much she loves those cute rubbery fishing lures so... I snuck out and got several and we all can't wait for her to open up her gifts. I showed my oldest daughter her Facebook post and the little rubbery fish lures and even my oldest daughter thought it was so perfect! Can't wait! Thank you Eric's for all your help. Your shop is the best I've ever seen! My husband loves going fishing so I'm definitely coming back soon!!! Thank you!!!

Guys are a bunch of liars over the phone, they'll tell you one thing then completely change their…read moreprice in the shop. Don't believe anything they say.

All around excellent adventure at sea. The crew is great & couldn't have asked for a better time…read more Caught lots of mahi mahi & can't wait to enjoy it on the BBQ. Mitch's food in the galley is a huge treat too, that guy knows how to cook. Wish they were in San Diego full-time but we'll catch them when they are here. This is our boat of choice now.

This is the Boat you want to go on to catch fish!!! The Boat and the Crew are Amazing helpful and…read moreFun! All ages are welcome my family kids and grandkids who are younger and this boat is comfortable and accommodating! The food is top notch! And they get you on the fish! I highly recommend looking to go fishing for White Sea Bass or Rock fishing.... This is the boat to go on!

Holy moly what can I say....? Captain Sean far surpassed my expectations, he is literally a…read moremachine. He saved me from my office prison for the last 3 days and it was by far the best experience of my life. We had so many premium spots to anchor in, it was like a private resort. We went diving, snorkeling, kayaking, spear fishing, you name it. You better believe I am coming back to Sean for round 2. Captain Sean thank you!!!

We chartered a memorial at sea with Captain Sean and he was so kind and compassionate. He was very…read moresensitive to our families event and made the time enjoyable and personable. He was very easy to work with to book the sailing journey. We highly recommend Captain Sean and Channel Islands Charter!

Shout out to the crew on the Coral Sea! They'll put you on the fish for sure . Whether you are a…read moreseasoned fisherman or a noob , they'll try their hardest for you to catch a fish. It's a 2.5 to 3hr trip to the islands if the weather is good. Pop a Dramamine if you don't have your sea legs . There are beds so take a nap and the captain will wake you up 15 minutes before fishing then a quick tutorial , pay attention if you don't know how to fish and ask questions . Thy do serve food in the galley, breakfast burritos and some really bomb hamburgers. Also drinks and beers . Great sport fishing experience if you're in the Santa Barbara area. Parking is $20 all day , pay when you leave, get there an hour early for choice parking and don't forget to check in at the bait/tackle shop.

Amazing crew so helpful .... I took my son who was having mental health issues and crew was so…read morecompassionate and caring from start to finish .... I would highly recommend ..... plus the bag limits of delicious fish helped make this a great trip !!!! Thank you to the crew

If you're looking for a quiet beach with excellent views, this is it. Plenty of parking, restrooms,…read moreand picnic benches to enjoy the oceanfront views. For those inclined for a beachside run or walk, head down the paved ramp to the beach! Perfect for large groups, families, and dogs, especially with the summer coming up.

We were looking for a place to take our dog and was told this is the spot! Free parking too -- so…read morewe walked to the right (North of The Point) and a long beach awaited us with happy doggies running and playing. Sign says they must be on a leash but I guess the dogs couldn't read! Not too crowded even on a warm summer weekend. No lifeguards but people were swimming as the waves were very mild. Saw a bunch of surfers way to the left (South of The Point). I can see this getting a bit cold in the winter but perfect for summer.

the hardest working locally, owned owner-operator and crew…read more that really bring the magic to the channel islands fishing experience.... yelp doesn't allow all that i had to say about these guys, and this boat, i hope this fits.. all i have to say, sea bass on the front side rockfish, on the backside... santa rosa island new hustler

If your looking to do some Excellent multi-species Channel Island Fishing, I found this boat and it…read morehad some great reviews, took the ride from Orange County...100 mi., Capt. Chris Volaski puts you on the Fish, Channel Islands are Very Beautiful......Well Worth the Trip. The New Hustler, Very Fishy Boat!!!! Overnight trips are Awesome!!!! The Hustler Burger with Cheese Please, Thank you Laura!!! Jace and his Crew, extremely Knowledgeable, they really Work Hard for its patrons, no experience, Crew has you taken care of......if your looking for a Great Experience being an Avid Angler or first time fishing as the landing has rental equipment, this boat is for You and Me!!! Thank you New Hustler Sportfishing......"Fishing with the Finest" Says it All!!! See you Soon!

Capt JT was a fantastic guide. I came from MN to take my son and 2 grandsons on their first pacific…read morecharter fish. The youngest is 4 and Capt JT was so awesome with both boys. We saw a lot of fish we have never seen before and had a very memorable day. Thank you Capt JT for helping us make amazing memories together.

There's not enough that can be said about fishing with Capt. JT!…read more1st, just out of the harbor you'll know you're safe and on the way to an incredible experience. Then, relax while your knowledgeable captain cruises you along out to the islands. Your choice or his for what you're targeting, but you'll enjoy the day either way. This was our 3rd trip with Capt. JT and there will be many more.