Has anyone ever chartered the Dreamer out of Pier Point Landing? I chartered the boat several months ago for a trip this month cuz I heard it was the best for hunting WSB.

THE PROBLEM
So far, I haven't received any word back regarding my reservation (ie receipt or confirmation, boat information, final payment, etc). Is this normal? Do we just show up and hope he remembers our reservation? It's been next to impossible to get a hold of the owner and he never returns calls. Pier Point is not much help either. My deposit has been cashed, but I'm still worried. Chartered many boats in the past , but never experienced the silent treatment before.

Also, does this boat have a galley or do we need to bring our own food and drinks?

As an Outfitter/Guide myself, the Boat's lack of response is worriesome. The very day that I get deposits from my clients, I send them their reciepts and their release forms, all in 1 large manila envelope with a stamped, self addressed envelope so they don't even have to buy a stamp.
Has your check cleard for the deposit? Call the owner's of the Boat and get after them NOW! Do not wait.
You should have had a reciept instantly.
Don't delay any further on this matter.
Best of luck getting this straightened out. Keep us informed.
We want the good news and the bad on a boat as fair is fair.

Will do. Thanks for the advice.

Bring your own food and drinks. As I recall they have a microwave.

The skipper is arguably the best in the business in terms of putting folks on white seabass...which is why I fished with him Monday. He does not have a big office and staff. When he's working, he's on the boat - owner operator - out of phone range and looking for fish...up to seven days a week. Of all the boats out of Pier Point, his is the most consistently chartered. He's running the boat, not sitting at the dock. You can follow his catch count, he's a very good bet if you are looking for WSB... He knows Catalina VERY well. He's sharp at what he does. Accomodations are adequate. Yes, plan on bringing your own food and drink. Also plan on having a captain and crew who will work for your fishing success. It ain't a long range charter boat in terms of accomocations or service, it's a 6 pack that puts more emphasis on the fishing than the style-points.

I'll also add, he's a typical WSB guy. You won't hear him jabbering on the radio reporting to others what he's catching or where he is. He's the guy that gets followed (dogged) by other skippers these days. If you catch fish while fishing with him, be prepared to move off the spot when picture time comes... He's good at his work, in my opinion. You can fish with more engaging entertainers, but this guy knows what he's after in terms of fishing, and knows how to get the job done.

GS<
MS
p.s. Check the Pic of the Week - the Dreamer's skipper put me on the fish...and three other guys, too.

Not that I'm bragging...

I've seen Catalina Island get really crowded alot of times and I guess the real trick is getting to the best spot 1st. There really is no "secret place" to hide, to be good you have to be where the fish are going to be at, and wait, not just get out there and find where the fish are. Location, location, location, drop squid and they will come !!!, sometime .

Yep, location, time of day...and current!

I am DROOLING just imagining all of those Fresh WSB fillet's.

Yummy!

Thats a great picture! Mark D, and I were on the trip with the Charkbait team and they are a class act to fish with. Thank you for allowing us to join you for a fantastic day on the water!

Nice to have your guys on the boat! Great folks to fish with, even though I didn't scarf one of the sandwiches - wifeski took care of my lunch bag quite well, but I know Jeff benefited. Again, nice fish'n with ya!

GS<
MS

Just like you said Mark, Allyn has been on the boat just about everyday putting his clients on the fish and not just sitting on the dock. Anyway, got a hold of him and confirmed out date. He sounds like an awesome capt. and was very helpful over the phone.

Thanks guys for the heads up.

Mark,
What type of tackle (line wt, lures, weights, hooks, etc.) you recommend we bring along? If you would list the tackle each person should have, I'll make sure my group heads over to your shop before our trip.

Be prepared for white seabass, calico, and maybe yellowtail fishing. The boat started out with bait the night before, squid. But, we lost it all on the way over except a dozen or so which we really didn't use compared to fresh dead...which is what the fish were caught on.

Each day can be different, but here's what I brought and USED. Simple stuff to bring:
-Tady TLC White Seabass Special
-Rapala Subsurface Walk the Dog lure...which I didn't get a chance to use (hoped for breezing yellowtail)
-A couple packs of Gamakatsu long shank hooks 5/0 and 7/0 size, 9841 series (98415, 98417)
-Egg sinkers 1/2, 3/4, 1 oz used, had some 1.5 & 2.0 oz with me
-Half dozen rigged swimbaits
-pack of Carolina Keepers
* A 20#, 30# and 40# rod/reel

On a white seabass trip I travel light as you can see. I used most of what I brought along over the course of the day. The guys fishing with me used most of the same or similar gear, substitute Owner's long shank hook, choice of iron...But, they brought more gear with 'em and were better set up for a wider range of fishing...which I knew we would not be doing on this type of trip.
GS<
MS

Worst boat I ever set my foot on. Never again.
Deck hand showed up 15 minutes before departure to inspect the boat. We were 30 minutes late to depart. On the way back it took 1 hour to refuel the boat.
Deck hand locked me in the restroom. Mistake or not, he should check or knock on the door. Its common courtesy.
Grumpy captain does not say a word, did not introduce himself to us. No safety speech in case of an emergency. No one told us what the game plan is, how to rig, what type of fish we will targeting first. nothing, not a single word. We were asked to keep it down, when we were having fun and excited, so that the captain can rest.
Deck hands tied poor knots which resulted in lost fish. He also gave us attitude when asked to help rigging.
In short, when the bite was on the deck hands were fishing as well and when the guys needed something, no one was there to help. I even gaffed a yellowtail for my friends.
The captain was giving the deck hands pointers on which direction to fish and what size sliding sinker to use, but us the paying customers had no communication what so ever.
In short, we paid for the deck hands to have a good time.
Clearly the captain is tired of fishing, and his crew is unexperienced and clueless as to what customer service is. Even on party boats, i have seen deck hands hook fish and then handing the rod over to someone that hasn't caught a fish yet.
Do yourself a favor, save your money and time and charter a different boat.