Albacore Fishing Trip on Monterey Bay

What Is Not Included?

Meeting Location

When do albacore trips run and how has the catch been?

Albacore are biting 25-40 miles out. Our next trip for tuna will be on Thursday September 6. Limited to 14. We probably won't have live bait but on our last trip we caught a lot of our fish on swimbaits and dead bait!

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Advance purchase is strongly recommended, and trips often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please buy your tickets well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

What happens if it rains?

The fishing trip runs rain or shine, regardless of weather conditions. But don't worry. Some of our best trips have taken place in less than perfect weather, so plan your attire accordingly. In the case of severe weather, we may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in which case you will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes. Anyone 16 years of age (and who is fishing) or older is REQUIRED to have a fishing license. It must be in your possession before getting on the boat. If you do not have one, one-day licenses are available for purchase in the shop prior to departure. The price of a one-day license is $15.

How many fish can I keep?

Depends on what we are fishing for. If we are fishing for Albacore, we can keep as many as you want, as there is no limit on this fish! It is imperative that all regulations as governed by the DFG and PFMC be followed at all times. The crew members will remind each individual. DFG are constantly patrolling the area, whether it is on the water or on land. It is not worth the risk. The fines can be a substantial amount.

What's the limit for a child under 16 with no fishing license?

Even though children under 16 years of age are allowed to fish on our trips without a license, they are allowed the same legal limit as an adult fisherman

When do I buy my fishing license?

You can purchase your one-day fishing license, at our office, prior to departure, on the day of your trip. The licenses are $15.00 a piece.

I have never been fishing before. Is that okay?

Oh sure, nothing like a new experience! Our crew will assist you and, often times, some of the "seasoned" veterans are willing to offer advice.

Can you provide me with fishing gear, bait, and tackle?

Yes, you can rent the necessary gear along with your tickets. Rod & Reel Rental is $12.00. You can also rent them from our shop prior to departure. For this trip, tackle is included in the price of the trip.

What type of gear do I need?

We can supply you with all the gear you need! You can purchase a rod rental when you book your tickets. You can also bring your own gear. Even if you have some equipment at home, our rods are specific to the type of fish we will be catching. If you are a first-time fisherman, we recommend you purchase our equipment package to ensure that you have all the best supplies! For this trip, tackle is included in the price of your ticket.

I don't want to fish, can I still go on the trip?

No. Ride-Along tickets are not available for this trip. Please check out our other fishing trips or Scenic or Whale Watching cruises instead.

Are children allowed?

Due to the aggressive nature of the Albacore and the long duration of this trip, children ages 10 and younger are not allowed on the trip. If you'd like to take your young child on one of our cruises, check out the Scenic Bay Cruise.

Is this cruise suitable for pregnant women?

For safety reasons, this cruise is not suitable for pregnant women. If you are pregnant and would like to attend anyway, you must first consult with your doctor.

Is my child too young to go fishing?

It depends on the child. You know your child best. This fishing trip does not allow children ages 10 and younger to participate, due to the aggressive nature of the Albacore. For other trips, age 5-6 may be a good age to get a child oriented with this traditional sport. We do recommend starting out on a “Rock Cod” Fishing Trip as it is very likely that a child will catch something.

What types of food and beverages are available in the full-service galley?

You can purchase a variety of food and beverage items at the galley. In the morning, our selection includes breakfast burritos of bacon, eggs, salsa, English muffins, danishes, and bagels with cream cheese. For lunch/dinner, our selection includes cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, pizza, quesadillas, cold-cut sandwiches, chips, popcorn, and candy. Our drink selection includes soda, bottled water, beer, and wine.

I am planning on eating in the full service galley, how much money should I bring?

Approximately $12.00 should cover the cost of your breakfast and lunch. If you plan on purchasing beer along with your meals, you should bring approximately $20.00.

Can I bring my own food and/or beverages?

Yes. You can bring your own food and beverages, but outside alcohol cannot be brought onto the boat. Please limit your cooler size to less than 20 inches. Beer and wine are available for purchase in the full service galley.

Can I bring an ice chest?

Yes, however, coolers longer than 20" are not allowed. Also, it is illegal to bring your own alcohol on board. But you can purchase beer and wine aboard the boat.

How long will the fishing trip last?

There are many factors that determine the duration of your fishing trip. Typically the trips last between 12 and 14 hours. If the fish are aggressive, and everyone has caught their limit, we may come in a little earlier. If the fish are more elusive we'll stay out for a little longer.

How early should I arrive to check in before my trip?

Please arrive an HOUR before your trip begins. Before the trip you'll need to get your equipment, purchase your license, sign the U.S. Coastguard registry, and get acclimated with the boat. Remember to take traffic into account when making your plans.

Do you guarantee that fish will be caught?

We can guarantee fishing but not catching. The Captain will do everything in his power to put you where the fish are. We can not control what does or does not bite the hook.

Where will we be fishing?

Our captains draw on years of experience and an intimate knowledge of Albacore behavior to take you where the fish are biting.

What do I do with the fish I have caught?

We recommend that you have the deckhand clean/fillet them - so much easier than having this mess at home. The cost of fish cleaning is not included in the price of your ticket. For albacore trips, cleaning is $5 per albacore.

Can I sell the fish I catch?

NO! It is illegal to sell fish that are caught by way of "Recreational Sport Fishing." If you are caught violating this law, you (along with Stagnaro Charter Boats) will be ordered to appear in court, fined, and items can be confiscated.

Will I get seasick?

We sure hope not. Unfortunately, this is not something we can predict. While we can't recommend you take any medications, prevention might be a good idea if you are susceptible to motion sickness.

Are there life jackets on the boat?

Yes, there are life jackets for every adult and child on board. The location of the jackets is clearly posted and verbally announced by the skipper.

Do I have to wear the life jacket?

No. You may choose to wear a life jacket if you feel you need one.

Is the boat safe?

Absolutely. In addition to modern safety equipment (EPIRB, Life Floats, Life Jackets, etc.) our vessels are constantly maintained and inspected twice a year by the United States Coast Guard, a Division of Homeland Security.

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes, there is a bathroom on board.

Will we see whales or dolphins while we are fishing?

Maybe. Should the whales pass by, then great! You got a bonus for the day. If they do not, then please do not be disappointed as the original objective is to go fishing

Where does the boat depart from?

Trips depart from the Santa Cruz West Harbor at Atlantic Avenue. HOWEVER, check-in for the trip happens at Stagnaro’s office on 7th Ave and Eaton St. The staff will then direct you to the boat, which is about a one minute drive away. Don't worry - exact meeting location details and directions will be provided upon ticket purchase!

Where does my trip end?

Your trip will end at the same dock that it starts from.

Is there shade on the boat?

Yes. Indoor seating and awnings are available if you need to get out of the sunlight.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The boat is not wheelchair accessible, however, we will do all that we can to accommodate customers with disabilities. There are stairs leading the way to the entrance of the boat, so if you're willing to allow our crew to help you up the stairs, we'll gladly do so.

Will there be room on the boat to stow my belongings?

There is a limited amount of space on the boat for your personal belongings. Please keep your coolers under 20 inches in length. Out of respect for your fellow passengers, please keep your personal items to a minimum.

Are gift certificates available?

Yes! Gift certificates for Stagnaro Fishing Trips are great for any occasion. To purchase a gift certificate, click on the "Contact Stagnaros" link.

Can I book a private fishing trip?

Yes! Stagnaro Fishing can accommodate a variety of special requests. Click on the "Contact Stagnaros" link for more information on private trips.

Refund/Rescheduling Policy

Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.

Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.

Weather Policy

Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather.

The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.

Other Policies

Not suitable for children ages 10 and younger, nor for pregnant women.

For safety reasons, children ages 10 and younger are not allowed on this trip. Pregnant women are not advised to attend due to the inherent motion of the boat and safety precautions. If you are pregnant and would like to attend anyway, you must first consult with your doctor.

Participants must have a fishing license before getting on the boat.

All participants 16 years of age or older (and who are fishing) are required to have a fishing license in their possession before getting on the boat. One-day licenses can be purchased in our shop for $15 prior to departure.

Participants must have a rod to fish on the trip.

Participants fishing on the trip must have a rod suitable for Albacore fishing, which is not included in the regular price of the trip. If you do not have your own, you can rent a rod just prior to departure.

Stagnaro Charter Boats