Frequently Asked Questions


WHAT TIME SHOULD I BE THERE?
Humboldt Charter Company will advise on the check-in and departure times as they can be different. We ask that you arrive at the vessel located at the Woodley Island Marina Dock "D" at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Once you arrive at the boat, please wait on the dock until you are invited aboard by the crew. We will help you store your gear inside the cabin. Please make your fishing license available for the crew. Once everyone is aboard and following a safety briefing, the captain will get underway, while the crew provides an introduction to the fishing gear and a briefing of what to expect when we get to the fishing grounds.

WILL I GET SEASICK?
We encourage you to take sea sickness remedies if there is any risk of you having motion sickness. We hate to see people unable to fish because they don't feel well.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

  • Printed California Sport Fishing License (Buy Online)
  • Wear warm, layered clothing
  • Water-resistant shoes
  • Food & Beverages
  • Rain-gear
  • Hat & Gloves
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Medications, sea-sickness remedies
  • Camera or phone for pictures.
  • Cash for fish cleaning and/or gratuities


FISHING LICENSE?
You need a basic California Sport Fishing License. No extra stamps are needed. Children under 16 years do not need a license. Visit the Department of` Fish and Wildlife website to purchase yours. Licenses are checked before we leave the dock. Don’t forget yours!

CAN I BRING A COOLER?
Small, personal size coolers are allowed for your lunch. We do ask that passengers use discretion when choosing the right cooler for their trip. Please remember, we are working with limited space and you won't need to bring your fish cooler out on the boat. There will be time to get it as the fish are being filleted. Our crew reserves the right to ask passengers too condense and return oversized coolers to their vehicle prior to departure.

CAN I BRING MY OWN GEAR?
Everyone is free to bring their own gear. However, we strongly suggest using the gear and tackle provided by Humboldt Charter Company. We use the best quality gear and tackle for your fishing experience and have been doing this for decades.

ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED?
There is no set minimum age and our fishing trips are great for new anglers. We do ask that each party has adequate adults to tend to the younger ones. Our crew is there to help and give guidance, they are not responsible for the care of children onboard. All children 12 years of age or younger must wear a Coast Guard Approved Type III or better lifejacket while aboard.

CAN I BRING ALCOHOL?
We do not allow hard liquor on board, but you are welcome to enjoy a moderate amount of beer during your trip. No glass bottles!

CAN I SMOKE?
Smoking of any kind is not permitted on our vessel.

WHAT SHOULD I CATCH?
Please remember we will be fishing and not catching. You need to have realistic expectations of what you'll go home with. Catching fish depends on a number of things: current fishing regulations, type of trip booked, what's biting, weather conditions (sea, water temp, currents), the fish and good luck.

WHAT IS CUSTOMARY FOR TIPPING THE CREW?
Our crew appreciates the generosity of tips and they know it's a sign of appreciation in reflection of how hard they work. We recommend $25-$30 per client to be given to either crew member and they will split the tips at the end of the day.

WHAT TIME SHOULD BE EXPECT TO RETURN?
We usually return no later than 3 :30 pm although we may be back a little later if people's schedules allow. Please let us know if you have any time restrictions on your day. If we know you need to be in by a specific time, we can make sure that happens and fillet your fish underway, if necessary.