General
- How often do your trips go out?
Daily. Times May vary depending on the activity. Please visit our Calendar of trips for availability.
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How big are your boats?
Our boats are large and can accommodate quite a few people.
- 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.
- Where are you located?
We are located on Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf. CLICK HERE
- What time is check in?
Check in is ½-hour prior to departure.
- Where do I park?
Park in the Fisherman's Wharf parking lot, next to the marina. Avoid the meters if at all possible. You want to drive thru the gate and pull a ticket to pay an attendant when you leave. A Parking Validation is available for Fisherman who have a ticket stamped prior to 7:00 a.m. Unfortunately, The City will not allow validation for the whale watching trips.
- What do I wear?
Warm layered clothing and rubber soled shoes are best. It is always much cooler on the ocean than on land so You are better to be over dressed than under dressed. Once you become comfortable you can always peel a layer off.
- What do/can I bring?
Warm clothing, cameras, binoculars, sunscreen and desire.
- Can I Bring Food and Beverages?
Yes, you may. What ever Food & Beverages you would like to have. We just ask that beverages be in Cans or Plastic Bottles- Glass can be a real Hazard aboard a boat.
- What is the Weather Like?
Don’t Know Yet –  If you are unsure about weather, please call and we will advise you on the trip status. Weather forecasts often prove to be inaccurate and constantly changing. Weather from surrounding areas is not necessarily the same as what is being experienced in Monterey.
We usually will determine whether we will run prior to departure time. This may happen at the last moment. However, if a major storm comes through and we're know for sure the night before that we will be unable to run through the day, we will attempt to contact you and cancel in advance.
- What if it rains?
We still go out. The fish and whales are wet . The rain is of no consequence. We are concerned with wind and sea conditions and they are not necessarily bad during the rain.- In fact some of our best conditions can be on a rainy day. Dress appropriately.
- Will I get Seasick?
We sure hope not. Unfortunately, This is not something we can predict, However prevention never hurt anyone. Check out our page on seasickness. CLICK HERE - COMING SOON
- Are Children Allowed?
Yes! They will ENJOY just as much as an adult will.
- I left items on the boat, can you mail them?
Absolutely - Inform us of your address and we will return items to you either by US MAIL or UPS. Shipping Charges may be applied. If items are left behind and unclaimed they will be given to the less fortunate.
- Are there Life Jackets on the boat?
Oh yes, there is a full compliment of jackets for adults and children aboard. Location of jackets is clearly posted and verbally announced by the skipper.
- Do I have to wear the Life Jacket?
If you see the Skipper put one on, then it would be a real good Idea! Adults are not required to wear jackets, however a child under the age of 6 must wear a jacket at all times.
- Are your Boats 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.
Whale Watching
- Are there really whales?
Oh Yes! We are graced with the presence of these magnificent creatures year round.
- What is the best time of the year to see whales?
Any time. We see different types of whales at different times throughout the year. Every trip is different. No 2 trips are alike.
- How close do we get to the whales?
Once spotted we must stay back and maintain a respectful distance of a minimum of 100 yards then let the whale do what the whale wants. Sometimes they will be very Friendly and approach us at which time the engines are shut down.
- Can I touch or swim with the whales?
Absolutely NOT! We are there to observe and learn, besides our waters are too cold - BRRRRRRR.
- Do you guarantee sightings?
Not really, but we are sure you will see something as we do have a 95% success rate. There is a variety of marine life to be seen and enjoyed.
- How far out are the whales?
Depends on the whales. Could be 3 miles to 15 miles as they are moving around constantly. They are either moving right along with the migration or moving about feeding upon the rich nutrients of the Monterey Bay.
- How Do you find the Whales?
Communications coupled with over 30 years Experience and Knowledge enables us to spot whales if they are in the vicinity.
- Are your trips narrated by a person or a recording?
A real live person . Recordings are so impersonal. Our trips are fully narrated by an experienced Naturalist.
- How long is your 2-Hour Whale Ride?
Fishing Trips
- Do I need a Fishing License?
Yes, with out a doubt. Anyone 16 years of age or older is REQUIRED to have a license. It must be in your possession before getting on the boat. If you do not have one, we have One-day Licenses and Annual licenses available in the shop that can be purchased prior to departure.
- What was the catch like today?
Call us and we will tell you the Truth - good, bad or indifferent we will honestly tell you what has been happening - No Fish Tales.
- I have never been fishing before, is that OK ?
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.
- Is my child too young to go Fishing?
Depends on the child. You know your child better than we do. Age 5-6 maybe 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. There is nothing more pleasurable than to see a child that feels good about accomplishing a special task. We also recommend that you bring extra things for the child to do – such as a color book or game boy or favorite book. Each child has a different attention span. They may fish a bit, then play, then fish again. This will help alleviate boredom.
- Do You Guarantee that fish will be caught?
We can guarantee ‘Fishing’ but not ‘Catching’. The Skipper will do everything in his power to put you were there is fish. We can not control what does or does not bite the hook.
- How many Fish can I keep?
Depends on what we are fishing for. 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.
- Can I bring an ice chest?
A small one for your food and beverages. We ask that large ones be left at the dock, so as to not deprive yourself or everyone else of space.
- What do I do with the Fish I have caught?
We recommend that you have the deckhand clean/filet them, so much easier than having this mess at home. – Fish scales migrate all over the house and never go away.
- I am from another state. How do I get the fish home?
We recommend that you have the fish cleaned/filleted then freeze them in meal size portions (we can keep them here at no extra charge), put in a styrofoam ice chest and check it through with your baggage. The cargo hold in the aircraft is very cold, so it should stay frozen till you get home. As a precaution it is also best to check with the airline carrier to find out the specifics regarding the extra baggage. Another option is to take it to the local UPS store and have them ship it over night to your residence. This can be costly though.
- I do not want to keep the fish I catch, can I throw them back?
This is not a good idea as most fish will die, so it is better to give them to someone else on the boat that has not caught their limit of fish.
- My companion/spouse is fishing can I ride along?
Yes, ‘Riders’ are charged a nominal fee and are not entitled to take a limit of Fish at any time.
- Where do you go?
Wherever the Skipper chooses. He takes many things into consideration when he starts the day. He will start in one spot, if it is not working out he will move to another spot.
- Do you do afternoon or evening fishing trips?
Not on a regular basis, however availability and special arrangements can be made for private charters.
- Will we see whales 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 was to go fishing.
- What is Live Bait?
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Advance purchase strongly recommended.
Trips usually sell out in advance. |
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Check availability and buy tickets for: |
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To Purchase by phone, please call Zerve at
(800) 979-3370 or
(212) 209-3370
and ask for "Randy's Trips" |
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