Do I need a sportfishing license?
Answer-yes, anyone 16 years of age or older needs to have in their possession a valid California Department of Fish and Wildlife sportfishing license.
How much does a sportfishing license cost?
Answer-a one-day license currently costs about $17.
Where can I buy a sportfishing license?
Answer-they are available for purchase at our tackle store adjacent to the Sea Star’s dock. You can also go online to the CDFW website, purchase the license, print it out and bring it with you on the day of the trip. The last option would be to go to any California licensing agent in the state, purchase the license and have it dated for your charter date.
What charter dates are available?
Answer-for up to the date availability please call our reservation office directly at 760-966-0111.
Do I need to make a deposit when reserving a charter date?
Answer-yes a 50% credit card deposit is required.
What is the cancellation policy?
Answer-Full refunds will be made with a 45 day advance cancellation notice.
Is bait included in the charter price?
Answer-yes, we will be using either live bait, squid or a combination of both. The captain knows what bait is currently working best.
Does the charter price include rod and reel outfits for everyone?
Answer-rod and reel outfits are provided at no extra charge for our Six Pack Value Plus Trips. For all other charter groups (more than six anglers) rental equipment is available at our dockside tackle store. The cost is currently $17 each and the crew will keep the rods rigged for you during the day.
Can I bring my own rod and reel outfit to use?
Answer-yes, just make sure it is suited for the type of fishing we most commonly do.
Do you guarantee I will catch fish?
Answer-there are no guarantees when engaging in wilderness activities, however we always give you the best opportunity to catch fish.
Can we take our fish home to eat?
Answer-yes, as long as they are of legal size, do not exceed the individual bag limit and are in season.
Can I have my fish cleaned or filleted onboard?
Answer-yes, for a nominal fee per fish our deckhands can fillet, package and ice your filleted fish. They will be ready for cooking or freezing.
Can I or the crew sell the fish I catch?
Answer-in California it is illegal to sell any fish caught on a commercial passenger fishing vessel.
Can I release the fish I catch?
Answer-yes, you can practice what we call fish CPR –Catch, Photograph and Release.
I’ve never fished in the ocean before, can the crew give me some helpful instructions?
Answer-yes, our deckhands can show you how to use the rod and reel outfits, how to bait your hook and the best way to actually hook a fish.
Are children allowed to fish?
Answer-most definitely. Generally children five years of age or older can actually handle a rod and reel outfit by themselves and do quite well.
What is the best time to go fishing?
Answer-whenever you can! More seriously, there really isn’t a best time. In our experience there are too many variables involved to predict when the fish will bite best. We’ve made great catches first thing in the morning, midday and also at the end of the day after everyone else has quit.
How far offshore will we be fishing?
Answer-unless we are experiencing a warm water “El Niño” event most all of our trips are fishing inshore, 1/2 to 3 miles from the beach and either north or south of Oceanside Harbor.
How long does it take to get to the fishing spots?
Answer-anywhere from one half hour to 1 1/2 hours depending on the ocean conditions that day.
Can I tell the captain where to fish?
Answer-no, the captain is the expert, leave that up to him or her!
Will I get seasick?
Answer-most people do not. However if you are prone to motion sickness there are over-the-counter medications available to be taken before departure.
Do I need to wear a lifejacket?
Answer-no, the Sea Star is inspected annually by the US Coast Guard and carries all required life saving equipment, including lifejackets for all adults and children.
Can dogs or cats or other pets come along with me on the trip?
Answer-only true “Service Dogs” are allowed.
Do you have restrooms on board?
Answer-yes, we have very clean and well-maintained separate men’s and ladies “heads” with flush toilets, hot running water, soap, paper towels and mirrors.
Can I go barefoot on the boat?
Answer-no, for your safety closed toe, flat heeled footwear is required. Definitely no flip-flops please.
Are there bunks I can lay down on if I’m tired?
Answer-no, but we do have comfortable seating available.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Answer-yes for regular width chairs. Oversized or electric powered wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.
Might we see whales, dolphins or other sea life on our trip?
Answer-yes, whales (grays, blues, humpbacks, finbacks, minke and orca’s) pass by our coast at different times of the year. Dolphins are present in southern California year-round. However, whales and dolphins move about on their own schedule. If we spot any we generally divert to take a closer look. You may also see mola mola (giant sunfish), sharks, sea lions, seals, turtles, jellyfish and many species of seabirds.
Do I need to pay for parking?
Answer-at this time there is no charge for day parking in most areas of Oceanside Harbor.
Do all passengers and crew need to wear face coverings due to Covid 19 public health precautions?
Answer-yes, until the federal mandate is lifted and local health officials deem it’s safe to do so. These regulations frequently change so please check with our reservation office for the most up-to-date requirements. Thank you for your consideration. Your health and safety always comes first.
Does everyone on board need to be fully vaccinated for Covid 19?
Answer-at this time it is not required but it is advisable.