This is probably an old topic for you guys, but I'm new in town.

I always enjoyed the half day trips in California, but it seems like the 4 hour trips around here have a bad rep. Worth it, or should I stick to surf/jetty/pier fishing?

Time frame is this coming weekend, if if matters.

that's about all i can take of full on hard core fishing. all day trips are just too long for me.

Stick to surf/jetty fishing for the money. The 4 hr bay trips are NOT comparable to a SoCal half day trip.

No kelp beds for starters. Can post more later if needed.

Don't know where you are going but some bay party boats are okay if you are a good fisherman and take your own equipment and bait. They are not expensive and you can catch some edible fish, i.e. Sand trout. Plus lots of tourist will give you the few fish they catch. Just plan on frying them up the day you catch them. I agree with Uncle Zeek about 4 hour trips if you're going to hire a guide, a few reds, trout, or drum aren't worth $450 to me.

So here's a few more thoughts. First, I assume you're asking about partyboats rather than private charters.

These boats will be packed just as badly - if not worse - than the SoCal boats. You'll spend as much time tangled with other fishermen as you'll spend actually fishing. If you're a non-smoker, be prepared for chain-smoking fumes all around you.

KQT is absolutely right about taking your own rod & reel. Most tackle on the bay partyboats is marginal.

They're typically fishing places in the bays that really don't have huge fish populations, so a few people will catch fish, but most won't.

There are a lot of reputable bay guides on the coast that are offering half day trips.. and they end up being about 5-6 hours. Start at 6am back a dock between 11 and noon.

I think to generally blanket the topic isn't fully covering it from all sides. If you are going to hire a guide do your research and get personal recommendations that you can rely on and talk to them. Tell them what you want out of your trip before the trip.

Sorry -- I was asking about the party boat trips. I'm totally on board with private guided trips.

Sounds like a pass for now then. I still want to do a longer offshore trip sometime though.

Thanks!

Don't Go..............

Rent a fishing kayak from Slowride guide service and see how that works out for a day. Could change your whole fishing outlook. Even if you don't enjoy paddling, it can give you access to areas you can get out and wade fish for trout, redfish, and flounder. Dean will even recommend some of the best areas and baits to use. One of the best in the business.


kayak rentals.........................$40 1/2 day 4 hours
includes paddle and PFD $55 fullday 24 hours
includes delivery to causeway between
Aransas Pass and Port Aransas

https://www.slowrideguide.com/video-reel