Frequently Asked Questions

Here at Chartle Charters, we provide all your bait, tackle, and gear necessary for a full day of fishing on the Monterey Bay. All those fishing who are 16 years and older must provide their own fishing license, along with their desired food and beverage.

Yes. In order to assure that we are not already booked or on a tropical paradise getaway we only work with advance reservations.

Unfortunately, we do not have waiting lists for our trips. However, if your desired date and time aren’t available we suggest that you check out our other fishing trips instead! We often open up a twilight nearshore trip when the morning one is full.

We still go out. The rain is of no concern or relevance; our main concerns are with wind and sea conditions and they are not necessarily an issue during the rain. In fact, some of our best conditions can be on a rainy day. We have a fully-enclosed cabin with comfortable seating just in case you need to escape in between reeling in “the big one!” This being said, in the case of severe weather, which rarely is an issue on our beautiful Monterey Bay, we may cancel the activity and in this case, you will be allowed to reschedule your trip (subject to availability).

Everyone 16 years of age or older (and who is fishing) is required to have a fishing license in their possession while on board. If you do not have a license, one may be purchased either online at any sporting goods store, such as Big 5, along with our very own Bayside Marine, the tackle store located near our boat. Remember to specify the date you will be using it for. Currently, the price of a one-day license is $15.12.

Depends on what we are fishing for. Salmon is two, halibut is three, lingcod is three, and rockfish (Pacific snapper) is 10. All regulations governed by the DFW (Department of Fish and Wildlife) along with PFMC (Pacific Fisheries Marine Council) are enforced at all times. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a mathematician to keep track, the captain does that for you. The sustainability of our waters and fisheries is of the utmost importance to Chartle Charters.

There are approximately 60 different species of rockfish, and they are usually eight to 16 inches long and weigh from a half-pound to five pounds. Because of our fishing methods, we are able to hand-select and choose which ones we want to keep or ones we would carefully release. The ling cod are a larger variety. They must be 22” in order for us to retain and average from 8-10 lbs. however, throughout the year we could easily catch them up to 30 lbs.

Of course! One of the many perks of fishing on a small boat is every trip is custom and the captain and deckhand are never too far away. They assist you as much or as little as you wish.

You don’t! We provide all the gear you’ll need.

Yes, you may! However, if you do choose to bring your own gear we would like to discuss with you prior to your trip to make sure it is compatible with our gear.

Yes, we suggest you bring a small cooler to house your food and beverage along with bringing a larger cooler to leave in your car to bring home your catch at the end of your day.

It really depends on the trip. Salmon trips are typically 6 a.m. – 1 p.m., nearshore potluck and halibut trips run 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. Long-range albacore, bluefin, or swordfish trips run 5 a.m. – 5 p.m.

There isn’t much of a check-in process as we provide everything you need and everything is set prior to your arrival. We suggest approx. 10 minutes so you can park, meet the captain and crew, stow your belongings, sign the ship’s log, and read over our ship’s policies and procedures.

Nothing in life is a guarantee, however, the captain will do everything in his power to put you where the fish are. There are times that we may target a species that may not be particularly hungry that day, and if this happens the captain has been known to switch species so that there is fish brought aboard and that a tasty dinner of fish tacos can be had.

The captain’s rationale comes from decades of experience fishing the Monterey Bay. Daily, he uses sea temps and colors, currents, wind, swell, as well as bird and bait activity to make his decision. Depending on these factors as well as the time of year and the target of species, he makes his hypotheses. Feel free to ask him about his process, it’s rather fascinating.

We recommend that you have the captain or deckhand clean and fillet your fish. It is so much easier taking home bags of perfectly sized pieces than having the mess and guesswork at home. If you’re interested in this service, it is $10 per limit.

Sorry but negative! It is illegal to sell fish that are sport caught. It’s a pretty hefty fine if you get caught and frankly, not worth it. We do suggest, however, that you share with family, friends, neighbors, mail carriers, teachers, or anyone else in your circle that could use a little nutritional love.

There is a life jacket for every man, woman, and child on board. Their whereabouts are clearly posted. Additionally, the captain goes over this with you once you come aboard the vessel.

No. You may choose to wear a life jacket if you wish but it is not mandatory.

Without a doubt! We carry modern safety equipment such as an EPIRB, life floats, life jackets, etc. Additionally, our vessels are meticulously maintained and inspected yearly by the United States Coast Guard.

If you feel there is a chance you may encounter some queasiness while under our care we suggest you take a simple “anti-seasick cocktail,” which includes taking a regular formula Dramamine the night before and a non-drowsy formula Dramamine the morning of your trip. We have found this particular “cocktail” to work perfectly.

This depends greatly on the weather, how many people are on board, and where the fish are. For our nearshore trips we usually go further up or down the coast, rather than further out into the bay, but the distances can range from two miles offshore and three miles up or down the coast to three miles offshore and 25 miles up or down the coast.

There is a good possibility. Should the whales pass by, feel free to break out that camera and snap away! But please no feeding or petting of the wondrous mammals.

Yes. We have very comfortable padded benches inside our roomy salon as well as some shade on the back deck under awnings.

Service dogs are most welcome to join.

With advance notice, yes. Wheelchair accessible by typical standards is not available. However, with the assistance of your fellow anglers, we are able to lift your chair over the railing and secure your wheels and chair to provide security and stability.

Trips depart from the Santa Cruz East lower harbor off 5th ave. We are located on dock S. We are the first boat at the bottom of the ramp, on the left-hand side.

Yes! Gift certificates make a great gift for any occasion. To purchase, click on the gift certificate link and fill out the form, send us an email, or give us a call.

Most definitely! Remember we are a six-pack which makes us ideal for small groups such as bachelor parties, family reunions, birthday celebrations, team building, and schmoozing with business partners or clientele from out of town. Regardless of your reasons, private charters can take that special event to the next level of excellence.