I went on the Sport King recently for a lobster hoop net trip at Catalina island and what a great trip it was even though we all didn't get our 7 big limits. The captain put us on some great spots during the day for some bottom fishing and we definitely found the lobsters at night but boat traffic was tough. We also trapped a lot of short lobsters so can't complain at all. Rich in the galley also made some awesome jalapeño cheeseburgers (made mine a double). Nothing beats a galley burger while fishing. I'll be back soon before the season ends. read more

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I fish Southern California boats regularly, and unfortunately this was one of the worst experiences I've had. There were several issues that made me feel misled before, during, and after the trip. 1. OVERBOOKING BOAT: One of the main reasons I fish on weekdays is because they're usually less crowded. When I booked my trip, the website showed 8 seat available for Monday. After I paid, it still showed 8, which I thought was odd but assumed the system was accurate. The morning of the trip, it still showed 8. When I arrived, however, there were approximately 43-45 people on board a very small boat. The boat itself lists a 35-person capacity, yet there were well over 40 passengers. Because of the overcrowding: - There wasn't enough room to store everyone's bags. - There weren't enough rod holders for everyone. - Fishing space was extremely limited. - Tangles were constant. I specifically try to avoid crowded trips because of situations like this. At one point my line became tangled with another angler's, and before I even had a chance to work it out, someone simply cut my line. The passenger count displayed on the website was completely misleading, and I feel I was sold a very different experience than what I actually received. 2. MISLEADING PARKING: Before purchasing my ticket, I looked into parking. The website displayed a photo showing free parking at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, but provided almost no additional information. I also checked Yelp and Google, where many reviews indicated that parking there was free. Only three hours after I purchased my ticket, I received an email stating that parking at the museum was not allowed and that vehicles could be towed. The email suggested trying to find street parking instead. Finding parking is stressful enough when you already have to arrive before sunrise for a fishing trip. If this restriction was known, it should have been clearly stated on the website before customers purchase tickets--not several hours afterward. To make matters worse, the day after my trip I noticed the parking image on the website had been updated, suggesting they were aware that people were having issues. However, the parking information is still incomplete. Had I known the actual parking situation ahead of time, I likely would have booked a different landing. 3. MANDATORY FISHING CUTTING FEE: This was another unpleasant surprise. If you catch fish, you are required to pay to have them cleaned. There is no option to decline the service and take your fish home whole. I caught only two mackerel and was charged $9 to have them cleaned. I would have preferred to clean them myself at home, but I wasn't given that choice. I've been on many Southern California sport boats, and I've never encountered a mandatory fish-cleaning fee. If customers are required to pay for this service, that information should be clearly disclosed on the website before booking. 4. WEBSITE vs. SOCIAL MEDIA: he website lacks important information that customers actually need. Fish counts are not updated consistently. Important details such as parking restrictions and mandatory fish-cleaning fees are difficult to find or missing altogether. Passenger counts appear inaccurate. Meanwhile, the Instagram account is updated constantly with stories and photos, often highlighting previous yellowtail catches. It seems there is plenty of time to keep social media current, but not enough attention given to maintaining an informative and accurate website. OVERALL The entire experience left me feeling misled and disappointed. It wasn't just one issue--it was the combination of misleading passenger counts, confusing parking information, undisclosed mandatory fees, and poor communication that made me feel like I wasn't given the information needed to make an informed decision. There are many great sportfishing boats in Southern California that are transparent about their policies and provide a much better customer experience. Unfortunately, based on my experience, I would not recommend Sport King. read more

I don't know y I didn't left any review earlier but here it is. I started to go out with them since last season n past Friday was the 6th time. never been with other ship so no comparison other than the price wise which is still good, unless you are telling me other guys guarantee limit everytime. Going there as a noob without any experience, equipment(I use their rental rod), or any friend that can commit long hour trip. I think they teach me pretty good lol. Crew is always awesome Alex Richie David always running around saving the day, giving advice, great work Going out with them again? I just told you this is the 6th trip read more

Gail Force Sportfishing - Not bad for a season starter - Fishing Near Me - San Pedro, California

Having deck hands that don't steal your fish ! And be rude! Will not recommended them highly for anything ! Very unprofessional

We went out on the Sport King on 12-22. We brought home 56 lobsters and a bunch of fish- sheephead and perch among others. The captain, Anthony and his crew including Fernando, were great! It was a fantastic trip that more than made up for our trip last year! I would recommend booking a trip with them. read more

Gail Force Sportfishing - Jackpot lobster caught on 12-22. Great time had by all! Lots of fish and lobsters! - Fishing Near Me - San Pedro, California

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Alex the captain was great, he knew the waters well and navigated the boat safely. The cook Rich was amazing ( definitely the best burgers I've had on a boat) and he was also a deck hand which was very helpful. Koa was an additional deck hand that helped every step of the way and filleted the fish beautifully. This was the 3rd boat I've been on and by far the best. Thank you Alex and crew. See you on the next one! read more

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Ryan and his guys are all really cool I enjoy fishing on all of the their boats, especially during lobster season

I recently had the pleasure of embarking on the Triton Sportfishing boat out of LA Harbor, and it was an experience worthy of five stars and more. Opting for the Triton over the Gailforce because of scheduling and our fondness for the combo trips this company offers. The owner's flexibility in rescheduling our trips is always appreciated and adds to the overall exceptional service. During March, we had the privilege of venturing out three times to the islands, twice on the Triton and once on the Sport King boat. Our trips were not only fruitful but immensely enjoyable. Winning the jackpot was just the beginning of the excitement; we happily distributed it among the crew before settling our bills, as their dedication truly deserved recognition, especially with lobster season drawing to a close. The variety of catches was impressive, ranging from lobsters and perches to whitefish and sheepshead. However, the pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the colossal 16-pound spider crab--a true highlight of our journey. The crew's expertise and assistance were invaluable throughout, and the onboard cuisine never failed to satisfy. Personally, I found the meat quesadilla with grilled onions to be an absolute delight--although I must suggest adding salsa to the menu, a small touch that would enhance the culinary experience. Beyond the fishing, what truly sets the Gailforce apart is the camaraderie fostered by Captain Jarrett and his crew. They go beyond being just skilled professionals; they become friends, making it difficult to resist returning trip after trip. However, presence of bunks onboard the Triton allowed for some much-needed rest before the journey home--a thoughtful amenity that further underscores the company's commitment to customer comfort that going to be a little harder to decide on my next trip. I've since introduced many beginners to the joys of Gailforce & Triton's combo trips, and without fail, they've fallen in love with the experience. Whether it's the Sport King, Gailforce, or the Triton itself, each vessel offers an unforgettable adventure. As lobster season approaches, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to return, and I wholeheartedly recommend Triton Sportfishing to anyone seeking an exceptional fishing excursion. read more

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Capt and crew work their butts off to get the lobsters and fish. Can't win all the time but they try hard. read more

Gail Force Sportfishing - Good night - Fishing Near Me - San Pedro, California

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Releases boat for a corporate event Captain was unpleasant and very resistant to get on any quality fish. It was obvious he was playing the typical cattle boat program . On the other hand, the crew was cool and helpful . I'd recommend looking at Dana point or Newport Harbor. read more

Had a blast lobster fishing! Captain and crew were great. Went to Catalina Thank you Gail Force! read more

Gail Force Sportfishing - Lobster Fishing! - Fishing Near Me - San Pedro, California

Thank you Ryan for the professionalism and working with me to get rescheduled. Very helpful and understanding

Went on lobster charter on this boat. We caught lobster but I was very disappointed in the captain. Meet the captain (Jared) a few times before he was a running this boat. Very nice kid back then. Now he is just a d-bag. Saw him running up on a skiff. Act aggressive towards them. Even went on the mic telling them lies. All night we ran right up close to them, obliviously to create a wake. I am skiff owner too. We didn't need to do this. That skiff keep a reasonable distant. We did not have follow them in the beginning in a aggressive manner. Captain Jared should not have been on the speaker. We did not have drive by close at full speed to disrupt them. This is not how a public boat captain should be acting. We do not own the area and shouldn't be acting like we do. As a customer I am here to have to fun, not start a fight with another boat. Having your girlfriend on the boat and trying to act macho in front of her is not how I wanted to spend my evening. I am undoubtedly disappointed by the Captain's actions. The professionalism is not here. read more

Scammer alert! Nothing to do with COVID but me and my buddies booked a charter several weeks back for today. We all took a day off work, drove 2+ hours, and purchased a fishing license on top of the price to book the charter. We arrived over an hour early and the "crew" didn't show up until 15 mins prior to our departure time. Only one deck hand and the captain got on board. A couple minutes later they advised the boat had maintenance problems and couldn't leave... we were upset but trying to salvage the day eating at a restaurant next door to the boat. We contacted the owner Ryan again to ask what was going on with the boat and he said they finally fixed it, but now he had no crew. We told him the "crew" was disembarking and approached the captain getting off who advised there was no way the boat was leaving... We were pissed. I know there wasn't any maintenance issues with the boat, the lazy ass crew either didn't wanna go out because it was a holiday week or someone called off. Either way the crew should have been there at least an hour early to make sure the boat was good to go. After reading other reviews this is a common occurrence. Do yourself a favor and take your business elsewhere. I had to dispute my transaction because this place never refunded me like they promised. never coming here again read more

Such an awesome experience! I have been lobster fishing twice with them (both on the Gail Force boat) and have loved every moment of it! They provided the hoop nets, which is great! If you're rockfish fishing first, just bring a pole. The crew is great and super helpful. Alex is especially great! He is super friendly and hard working! I asked the captain if we could put out a squid light. As soon as he saw a squid, he put the light out. It was so cool seeing all of them come to the light. I highly recommend this charter and can't wait to fish with them next lobster season! read more

If I could put less of a review, I would. First, we arrive about an hour early prior to departure. We started seeing the crew roll in about 15-20 minutes prior to departure. About 5 mins prior to departure we were told the boat had an electrical issue and the charter wasn't going to go out. So, we contacted " Ryan " the business owner who told it should've been about a five minute fix. Most of the patrons left, except for about six of us(minimum to push out). As we sat there, we leaned the the boat was fixed, but due to the captain telling the patrons to leave they couldn't depart. I contacted "Ryan" and advised of him of what was going on . Ryan told us his crew had left to include his captain. Well lucky for Ryan, we were sitting around enjoying a few beers and noticed that no one had left. About 5 mins after we told Ryan that , one of his crew members left, then the captain strolled out after. At that point we had Ryan already on the phone told him what we observed and had the captain next us, but never gave us an answer lol . At the end of the day we didn't get to go out and fish. We drove over two hours to come down there, had our licenses for literarily nothing, and took the day off for nothing . I literally spoke to "ryan" the day prior to confirm our trip and to ask for any specifics about the trip and in hindsight, I believe Ryan knew it wasn't going to happen on Monday through conversation the day prior. You ever go through the drive through and ask for a milkshake? but they telling you "the machine ain't working" this is exactly that moment . Poor communication, poor management, and liars...I wouldn't book through them or pay anything till the day of. lastly they told so late in the day , we couldn't book another charter with anyone! We will see if we get a refund . read more

I fished on the Gail Force with my buddy, Roger, on Monday, July 8th, 2019. The deckhand and cook (great short order cook) Siv made the trip. This was our first time out for Yellowtail. Siv showed us what to do, and what NOT to do. He took time to explain and demonstrate the finer points of fishing for Yellowtail. I am from the Bay Area and fish for Salmon: a much different approach. Yellowtail are a world apart: stronger and faster. I felt that the $110. price is fair for the trip. We fished with live bait. We did stop mid-trip and pick up live squid from the bait boat, and each angler paid an extra $10. for the squid. Money well spent. I got the Yellowtail on the squid. I am sure the live bait is the key to catching Yellowtail. Without the live bait, this would be difficult. If you go, make sure to have Siv make you a bacon cheeseburger and/or a quesadilla. After pulling in a Yellowtail, you will be hungry. My only complaint: $2. for a gunny sack? Just about everyone gave them back at the end of the day, placing their catch in a large blue plastic bag. read more

Gail Force Sportfishing - My first Yellowtail. A great experience aboard the Gail Force. - Fishing Near Me - San Pedro, California

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Went out September 4th, targeting Dorado. Mind you this is a record setting Dorado fishing season. The captain says at the start of the trip that it's gonna be a long ride to get to what he says(his words) "the promised land" where they've been catching tons of fish. After a boat ride on excess of four hours...(we stopped twice and fished for about five minute each stop, nothing.) he's searching and searching for the promised land....can't find it. Finally another party boat tells him where to fish, and we get o to some Dorado. However since we've wasted so much time getting there, we can only fish about 1-1/2 hours!! A few caught fish including the captain's girlfriend who caught the first fish. Not paying customer. This left a sour taste...why is she getting to fish before paying customers get a good chance? Anyway I did hook one fish that shook the hook. BTW, the crew were GREAT! I think the captain needs some more experience. I only wish we spent more time fishing instead of a long boat ride, and 1-1/2 hours fishing on an over 12 hour trip. Never again GALE FARCE. read more

I had one of the best trip on this boat my wife caught her 1st yellow tail fish and the crew was great read more

Gail Force Sportfishing - My yellow tail - Fishing Near Me - San Pedro, California

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A SCAM! They were constantly moving us around from fishing spot to fishing spot, not allowing our lines much time in the water at any location to catch much. Captain Ryan said "this is their policy." Wtf?? And as we move from place to place I guess they hope to make more money from the food they sell on-board as people get bored and want to kill time. For a $125 all-day trip I got 1 small bass.. wow. None of the other 30 passengers got any big catches either. I should have read the reviews before. Never again on Gail Force or Triton read more

Was very disappointed with this staff and boat seemed very uneducated about how to find spots , capt was very rude and sarcastic seemed more like a sight seeing trip rather a fishing trip I regret spending my 140.00 never again will I go on this boat stick to whale watching. read more

Great boat, top notch crew. I always have a great time on this boat. Would recommend to anyone looking for fishing action. Finds the fish!!

Went to this spot for promised hope to later find out the boat had "electric issues" with the engine. There was no prior acknowledgment or issues to the trip. We called Ryan and said that it was fix after the crew already left. Took the day off of work and drove 2 hours away. We will be expecting a refund. read more

If I could add more stars I would!!! I read some reviews that were less than positive and almost missed out on a great boat with a phenomenal crew! I freely admit to being a fishing snob!! When I pay to fish I expect the boat to do their best to deliver. The Triton's captain and crew did not disappoint!!!! Captain Shane did a good job of putting us on fish and the crew by far exceeded my high expectations!!!! We had 30 fishermen on board including 15 who were NEW or NOVICE..... And the yellowtail were biting between 15 & 30 lbs..... Total recipe for disaster! The crew did everything possible to insure hook ups were landed, NOT an easy task with newbie fishermen, decent sized fish & multiple hook ups!!! And just about everyone came away with the fish they hooked. When the bite died down the crew fished..... Hooking and handing off or bringing fish in when no one was available, later these fish were offered to those who's fish count was low! Nice touch!!!! Let me stress that the crew looked out for us in every way possible and we will ABSOLUTELY be fishing with them again. Also the food was really good...... But in all fairness I love to eat while fishing!...... Who doesn't???? read more

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Went out on a twilight lobster trip aboard the Gail Force. The crew was super friendly and did their best to make sure that the customers had a good time. Mike and the captain both have a great sense of humor. The lobster fishing is still a bit slow, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening regardless. I highly recommend the Gail Force if you're planning on a lobster hoop netting trip or a fishing excursion. read more

I have been fishing with the GAILFORCE and the TRITON for over 6 years, Captain Ryan, his captains (Shane and Jared) and crew are top notch. they helped all my guys who have never fished or even step foot on a boat before bring home some fish for the grill and fryer. They work hard to put you on fish. The food in the galley is awesome! From the breakfast burritos (THANKS NICK) and Burgers (THANKS MARKY!) are outstanding! They made sure our catch was in top notch condition, not sitting around in a gunny sack baking in the sun! I do at least 4 charters a year with these guys, and already setting my dates again for next year. If you are looking for an awesome charter boat...these guys are it! read more

We must have had the Junior Varsity crew running this boat because they were really awful except for the one crew member with a beard that did all the work. I was invited to fish on a chartered trip a couple of months ago on this boat and the Capt. seemed like he didn't give a fuck. We were supposed to leave by 6am but didn't leave until 7:40 because they had to replace a part for the bait tank. Now I know this boat didn't go out the day/night before because I checked the count log...but aren't they supposed to check on this shit beforehand??? WTF! When we finally left for the bait barge I noticed that they only got 8 scoops of bait for 21 people. Then we finally get going around 8am and the galley cook(And I call him that because he rarely left the kitchen and was always eating) gets on the speaker and tells us instead of going to Catalina we were heading to spot 150 where they say they caught a 130lb blufin tuna the day before?? Well, there were only a handful of us that were geared for big fish. The rest of the fishermen were there for fun or some yellows. Heck, a few of the guys even had Kmart spinning combos to fish with but by no means was anyone going to catch a 130lb blufin tuna! What a joke because I guess he overheard us talking about it that the Capt. changed his course and went to Catalina instead. The Capt. didn't say much nor was helpful in anyway. He even took his rod out and caught a yellowtail. But get this, he puts his yellow on ice while everyone else's fish is in a gunny sack out in the hot sun! Then he goes back in the cabin and kicks back talking on the radio with all the other captains. I was pretty disappointed but didn't say too much because this wasn't my trip. I caught some fish and joked around with my buddies but this crew was not a good one. Except for the one crew member(I forget his name) but he was doing all the work. He chummed and helped everyone with their lines and tackle. He gutted all the fish too. He was the only crew member worth anything on that boat. I won't ever go on this boat again and won't recommend it to anyone. Now I went on this trip a couple months ago and am writing about it now because I have been on other boats since and see how much better the crews are compared to this boat. I wish the owners good luck but hope they get their act together if they want to bring in the business. read more

In the morning, the parking lot is empty and the boat location, spooky. Caught lots of fish and had a very good trip. The crew was all: helpful, knowledgeable, friendly. Typical food on a day-boat with hamburgers, burritos, cokes and beer. Recommend bringing your own food if you aren't into junk food. It was strange coming back to the dock with hundreds of people at a wedding party and I was toting wet fish bags and equipment through the crowd and cramped maze, to the parking. read more

We have been chartering these guys for many years. The crew is friendly and professional which makes each trip enjoyable ! While fishing this year were able to land quite a few big Yellows in tangles that would make any spiders dream !! The crew was on top of it and did their job well. I also must complement the food as many boats don't take the time to make the simple meals just a bit better...... bacon on that? Another great reason to go with this boat is that they have and RSW system that keeps your catch cold and fresh until your ready to go home.....that translates to fresh sashimi time!! This means wonders to anyone who has had their fish go mushy from sitting in the sun all day. Anyway fishing is fishing.... never catching. I just trust the captain will give us a shot at getting some fish which Ryan always does. As far as lobster fishing goes they do they same great job..... hooping for saltwater cockroaches is an interesting experience. You really need an upbeat crew to make it fun ! Anyway same thing goes here.... its unfortunately not always a big catch but its fun to cruise the harbor at night. I for one have done well on all my trips with these guys (I'm sure in am jinxed now for the next one ). They are located right in the middle of L.A. Harbor which means a great crab or shrimp dinner before or after your trip, and you will feel like your in Mexico! Book these guys for a charter or an open party.... they will put you on the fish. read more

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Been out on the Triton three times now and twice I've had the same experience where the captain's not able to get live bait so they use frozen squid. Basically we're paying over $100 to go to Catalina Island to fish with frozen squid. Best advice bring your own bait preferably shrimp. It's the captain's responsibility to put the boat on the fish. He really doesn't have any other role but to see to it that the fishermen who are paying are getting the fish and a lot of times that does not happen. Before you go out on the Triton do your research find out how successful they've been the day before and the day before that and then look at some of the other boats along the coast and see how they're doing. They all do not do the same and the captain's make a big difference on their experience. Our captain maneuver the stern before the guys had a chance to pull their lines in and 7 guys lost their rigs that is unacceptable and totally avoidable. read more

Very disappointing lobster-hooping excursion. The crew didn't appear to care all that much about creating a positive experience for the clients. After a long, cold evening; not a single person onboard caught anything. It was pointed out to the crew that they keep recycling the same old bait for several hours, and should replace it with fresh bait. This is basic, common sense. The frustrated clients/passengers even offered to provide their own bait, that they had on hand. The crew said no, and that it is their standard practice to use the same bait for the entire night. Stubborn and stingy practices, will ensure no repeat clients. Needless to say, we ALL went home empty handed and didn't catch a darn thing. We had several experienced fisherman in our group and have been on fantastic charters in the past through other companies; this is definitely not one of them. read more

I fished the Gail Force on a full-day trip sponsored by Seeker Rods in late August and the experience was very positive overall. The crew is definitely on top of their game and they work hard to put fish on the boat. We ended up catching a little over 1 per rod on the day, but as anyone who fishes regularly knows, that doesn't tell the whole story. We had our chance at the fish for most of the trip and it was the Captain put us in a position to do so. Most of the fish we hooked were landed and there was always a crew member by your side when you needed a gaff. I would definitely recommend this boat to anyone who wants to fish Catalina Island, as the Captain knows the island like the back of his hand. read more

My husband and I went out on 12 hour fishing and hooping to Catalina Island on December 30, 2017 with Gail Force and had an amazing time. They had nice hard working crew that worked hard to find a great location where everyone was bringing in fish. Between the 10 hoops the boat brought in 19 lobsters. Also, We get to see bald eagle, seals, and dolphin. Highly recommend Gail Force! read more