Great guide, boat was very nice, John was great. Hope to come back again next year. John is as very knowledgeable, kind, courteous, and a great yachtsman. read more

Brought a novice fishing friend up to our cabin. She wanted to catch trout. We were planning to fish from the shore. Went to get bait at the marina and it was closed. Someone working At the marina said to check with Captain John at the end of the dock. We ended up chartering a two hour excursion with him. Had a great experience with Cantrell's Guide Service. Captain John and Gleb helped us catch trout, while entertaining us with lake facts and clean jokes. The boat was clean with plenty of room to move around. It has a roof to keep you from getting sunburned and can be fully enclosed if it's a cold or windy day. These features along with the great guys made for a successful fishing trip. We had trout for dinner! What a gem to happen upon. This would be a great experience for kids. If your planning a family trip to Big Bear, take your kids to fish (and catch) with Cantrell's. read more

Cantrell Guide Service - Fresh caught trout for dinner! - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

While staying in Big Bear over the labor day holiday, I wanted to take my family and some friends on a fishing trip. My young boys and the other kids had never been fishing, yet alone on a boat. We searched the local listings for someone who could take us out for a few hours. Ten phone calls later someone suggested I try calling Cantrell's. My call went directly to Cliff Fowler, master guide, who was out on his boat at that very moment. He was friendly, helpful, and reasonable. We made arrangements to go out the next day on his 24' pontoon motor boat. The boat is fully covered, clean, and comfortable. The ride out to his fishing spot was fun and educational. Cliff told us about the history and conditions of the lake -- a place he has called home for over 40 years. We also had a second guide along, Keith, who was equally courteous and helpful. Within 5 minutes of dropping our lines we had our first bite. My 5 year old son was coached by Keith on how to reel it in and soon we had our first rainbow trout. It was the highlight of our trip. Next time we visit Big Bear we'll be going out with Cantrell, no doubt about it. read more

Cantrell Guide Service - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Spent the afternoon on the lake and had a great day of fishing! Thanks John and Ty for putting us on the fish! Like John says, "You never know what you're gonna catch!" Hooked up some good sized trout, smallmouth bass and even a catfish on the troll. Very knowledgable and entertaining. I'll definitely be back soon! read more

My first time fishing. Gleb was awesome. We both loved it. Thank you again for a fantastic afternoon. We will call you guys again when we come back. read more

To be honest, as a woman from a big city back east, I was skeptical about ever needing a fishing guide service to begin with, I mean, what does it take to go to a lake and throw in a hook with a worm on it? But meeting and visiting with John has changed my mind. He not only knows what he's doing, but it seems he loves doing it, and that made an impression on me. Not only is he entertaining ( he has quite an array of stories and jokes) but is educational as well. He has an interactive and jovial personality and I liked that he was genuinely happy to share his knowledge of fishing, equipment, technique and local area history. John is exactly what you would expect from a business named a Guide service. He is willing to lend a hand whenever it's needed, you know, point you in all the right directions to have a successful fishing trip, but is equally willing to stand back and let you do on your own too. He truly wants his guests to have a great fishing experince and it shows. Another great thing is that Cantrell Guide Service provides all the fishing equipment. Not having to fuss with packing or taking back home anything other than sunblock, a camera and great memories allows for a truly relaxing day of fun and recreation. The hubby has already mentioned several times this year that he needs to take me to Big Bear this summer. I'm really looking forward to going out on the lake and visiting with John again. read more

As many other reviews have said, Gleb and Chris P are the best!! We had a group of six and two small dogs for a 9 am fishing trip. They were so knowledgable and helpful, they set up all of the rods for us and gave us a run through of how it works. We asked a million questions and they answered us patiently and had us laughing from beginning to end. They got jokes and stories for days and Chris is a mountain of random trivia. I don't know what else to say except that if you're considering fishing in big bear, these are the guys to go with! read more

5 stars That's basically the only way to explain the service here..... Great people and very knowledgable guides.... The covered pontoon made it a very enjoyable day out in the wind so that was a life saver.... Just 2 of us got 5 fish so I really can't even call it fishing it felt more like catching.... read more

Great Guide. Fished the last weekend in June, 2019. My wife and I caught several Rainbows and released them. The boat was a nice platform to fish from. It was a fun day John Cantrell. My wife also liked reminiscing with you about high school days at Rancho. read more

We had John take me and my two kids out today and it was so worth it. He was amazing and my kids had a blast. My son wants to buy his own pole now with his birthday money. I would definitely recommend these guys!!! read more

With the recommendation of our friend TV fishing show host Dan Hernandez, we went out with John and his deckhand Connor, for a four hour guided fishing trip. They both greeted us and helped us with our equipment to his pontoon boat, explained everything to us what will be doing and what to expect. The boat was comfortable and spacious, they provided us with snacks and water and room in the ice chest for our own beverages. John gave us information not only on fishing techniques, but the history of Big Bear Lake, key landmarks and certain facts of the lake. Throughout the entire time, Connor, the deckhand,was constantly checking and changing lures trying different things to get the fish to bite. Both John and Connor answered any questions we had. Fishing was a bit slow, we caught two of the three fish we hooked. But we had a great time. Like legendary sportfishing skipper, Bill Poole used to say, "We can't control the fishing or the weather, but we can provide the best service we can." Which I think John did. I can see why John is the longest and number one guide on the lake. I wouldn't hesitate going out with him again. read more

Cantrell Guide Service - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Amazing trip out well worth the money Conner and Jordan where amazing my kids had a blast well worth the money you won't be disappointed!

I highly recommend Cantrell Fishing Guide Service! We had a great time fishing with John. We went out in the morning and didn't have any luck so John offered to take us back out in the afternoon and we caught 5 rainbow trout within an hour and a half. He even let us bring out 3 small dogs since we were not able to leave them unattended at our cabin! We will defiantly be back for another experience in May. Thank you John! read more

I went fishing with john over labor weekend and had a great time. Why bother renting a boat for almost the same cost and not catch anything! These guys know exactly what they are doing and I would go out on the lake again with these guys next time I am in big bear. We catch 7 fish in three not a bad afternoon. read more

While on a spontaneous trip up to Big Bear, my family and I decided to try out some fishing there. Not knowing which service to try, we picked Cantrell Guide Service and absolutely LOVED it! John and Cliff are two thoroughly well experienced fishermen who know the secrets of the trade and the in's and out's of Big Bear Lake. They truly made us feel welcomed and taught us how to become better fishermen. And yes, we caught five trouts--the most ever my son has reeled in! They truly keep to their promise and then some more. Beware though: John has some jokes that will either make you LOL or just shake your head. Me? I LOL-ed. I just couldn't help it. read more

Cliff and Conner did an awesome job. From start to finish, we could not have had better service. We would highly recommend them to anyone thinking about fishing Big Bear. Thank you very much for making it such a good trip. read more

A buddy and I took our out with John on Easter sunday! John was very informative and kept the boys entertained with the history of the area and fishing tips! We landed a few and missed a few but a great time was had by all!! read more

Made some great memories with family on this trip! It doesn't get any better than this, and I can't say enough good stuff about Cantrell Guide Service. We went fishing after a big trout tournament and both of my young girls caught a couple of 3 pounders! read more

WOW!! What a great trip John and Cliff put on. Learned new things about fishing and the Lake. This is the best guided fishing trip in Big Bear. I've been fishing here for 20+ years and they taught me a thing or two about the hot spots and best time to fish. You can't go wrong with Cantrell! read more

Cantrell Guide Service - John giving my son Gaven fishing tips. John loves to photo bomb! :) - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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We really enjoyed our fishing trip. Our 9-year-old daughter Jenna loves to fish, and Gleb and Chris were so wonderful with her. They are outgoing and friendly, and always patient. The boat was great and the ride was enjoyable. One thing to be aware of though, is that you won't be casting-- this is trawling. Caught a few fish and had fun. Very good value. read more

Amazing. 21 fish in 2 hrs with my five year old. Nice guys, nice boat, great fishing.

My family and I have been fan's of John's fishing charter since the 1990's. He is a true professional and can blend with anyone who accompanies you. He know's where the fish are, that's for sure. We never come off the lake empty handed! The boat is clean and comfortable, he even provides light snacks and drinks! Big fan of John's! Well worth the fun and experience! :) read more

Captain Cliff was very informative and funny and we got our first fish in 5 minutes. We ended up with 7 fish on the line and landed 4 of them. All were nice native rainbow trout. I highly recommend Cliff and this Guide service. Very professional, honest, fun, kind! read more

What a great time!! My wife and I went on a 3 hour trip for her birthday and had a blast! We caught a total of 7 fish, which they cleaned for us back at the dock. John really knows the lake and clearly loves his job. This will definitely be in our future plans when we're back in Big Bear! read more

Cantrell Fishing and Guide Service was recommended to us. My family and I just wanted a nice relaxing day on the water and hoping to catch a few fish. We had the nicest day. The boys Connor and Travis were so sweet and accommdating to us "city folk". I really appreciate how mature they were. I highly recommend Cantrell. read more

Just finished fishing with John Cantrel and Cantrell guide service at big bear lake. What a beautiful day...what a great guy. We killed it and had so much fun and caught some fish. Couldn't of been more fun. Find John for a great day of fishing. read more

Booked a 2 hour trip for July 2nd by phone with Dave. So friendly and helpful! Met Capt. Cliff on the pontoon boat. Chris was onboard to help also. The boat was easy to find, clean, comfortable (plenty of shade, seats and clear wind screens), and was stocked with bottled water and snacks. Cliff was so friendly as well and is clearly passionate about sharing his wealth of knowledge on fishing and Big Bear Lake. Chris loves fishing too and was informative, helpful, and patient when setting up the gear and teaching us what to do when we got a bite. Though we only got one bite and didn't catch any fish, this guide team did everything they could and we felt that they really wanted us to catch one too. With the heavy boat traffic on a holiday weekend we knew the odds were against us but we learned so much and met two extremely nice BB residents! Definitely worth it and we will be back requesting Cliff and Chris when we return to fish in the early fall. Highly recommended!! read more

First class operation. Our group caught 13 fish in two hours. John and Cliff were great guides and provided a lot of information about the lake area as well. Will definitely use them again for another trip in the future. read more

What great fishing experiences! They know the lake. They know the fish. And John knows great jokes! Gleb is so fun and such a pro. I had 3 crazy little boys and they had the BEST time. Cannot recommend these guys enough. read more

I've been fishing with john and cliff for many years, if you want to fishbig bear lake, then it's no contest. last july my grandson and myself caught 49 fish in 3 days. Average for these two guides. Simply the best read more

We went out with John from Cantrell's Guide Service on 6/10/14. We reserved a 2-hour trip, but I believe we ended up with a 3-hour trip because the fish were a little reluctant and John and Gleb didn't want us to leave empty handed. We had a mixed group that included my 8-year-old son, 15-year-old daughter, 68-year-old aunt and 86-year-old dad and me, a 50-year-old woman, and we all enjoyed the trip. We caught 6 fish, which was great, but it was John's stories about the area's history, its people, and his crazy jokes that really made it fun for all of us. He and Gleb really knew what they were doing and I would highly recommend Cantrell's if you want to catch fish and enjoy yourself in the process. read more

Took 2 kids for for one of their first fishing trips. We knew nothing about where to fish or what to use. We were lucky enough to go out with Cantrell Guide Service . We brought home 5 good size native trout and and hooked up 5 more that got away after some fun fighting them. The Captain and crew were first rate and great with the kids. Would recommend them highly and we will use them for sure next trip (want to buy some trout) read more

John you always find the fish. 140 trout in 4 days while the other guide services were just scatting around. No wonder your number 1. Your deck hand Gleb was great. Look forward to seeing you next month. Your the best. read more

Wow, Did my family get lucky with this amazing fishing charter. John was amazing, and made sure my children had a great experience on the lake. We were there Labor day weekend, and the amount of boats, personal watercraft on the lake was somewhat overwhelming, but John knew where to go to get away from the crowd, and find fish for my elementary school kids to catch. Me too! Beautiful scenery, Clean boat, GREAT local information about the lake. I highly recommend!! read more

John Cantrell has been donating his services for the past several years to the United Stares Adaptive Recreation Program. The USARC is a non profit organization that provides outdoor recreation to individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. John always comes out with a great attitude and always comes back with a catch. Our participants love it!!! read more

Absolutely the best fishing in Big Bear! Our 4 year old son caught his first 2 fish almost within 30 minutes. They were huge rainbow trout. Staff is extremely kind and knowledgeable. They also have the only boats with enclosures, which makes the trip extremely comfortable no matter the weather outside. Also it makes it perfect for families. Do not waste your time anywhere else. We will be back to see Jon and his crew every visit to Big Bear! read more

The Scott Family had a most fabulous time with John Cantrell. Our 3 kids all caught their first fish. John was great with the kids. He was very patient. He made sure that they all caught a fish before we went in. He also gave us pointers for fishing on our own. We highly recommend his services and will use him again. read more