Preparing for Your Trip

Check Your Tackle

Before you come, go over your gear: make sure rod guides aren't worn or rough, check your reels for smooth drags, and replace old, used line. A full line of rental outfits is available — from Okuma and Accurate reels to heavier tuna setups (Penn International 50s with a big-tuna rod belt and harness) on the long-range trips; please reserve ahead. Terminal tackle is sold aboard at dock prices. See our recommended tackle by trip length →

Onboard Life

• Meals: family-style, three meals a day for the whole trip (not restaurant-style). Health and dietary needs are taken into account — let the office know in advance, bring any specific foods, and tell the cooks once you've boarded.
• Captain's seminar: the day of sailing, the Captain gives a talk in the salon covering the boat, its safety rules and fishing techniques. Any time during the trip, just ask the crew — they're there to help.
• Drinks: beer, soda and bottled water are available by the honor system — simply mark down your purchases using your assigned tag number.
• Midday departures: on trips that sail around noon, lunch isn't served that first day — please eat before you board.

Getting Here & Arriving Early

We sail from Pier 1 at 2801 Emerson Street, San Diego. Check in at the Red Rooster III office first, and give yourself plenty of time to park. Parking is about $14 per 24 hours, with additional parking on North Harbor Drive between the Best Western and Holiday Inn — we recommend carpooling when possible.

Arriving a day early? We suggest the Point Loma Sea Harbor Hotel (619-224-3371) or the Ramada Inn (619-225-9461). Maps & directions →

Permits & Fees

Your trip cost does not include Mexican permits, which the Captain confirms the day of departure. You can pay all additional fees at check-in. Typical fees:

• Mexican fishing permit — varies by trip length: roughly $20 per day on short trips, and about $100–$150 on the longer ones
• Mexican Visa (FMM) — $60, required only if we fish within 12 miles of the Mexican coast
• Fuel surcharge — varies by trip length and is subject to change (roughly $35 per day)
• Jackpot (cash) — $15 on 1.5-day trips, $25 on 3-day, and $35 on 6-day and longer trips

Some trips carry an additional destination surcharge (for example, a Cedros Island landing). If you have a California fishing license, bring it; if you need one and don't have it, you can buy it next door at H&M Landing (a yearly Mexican permit copy is also accepted). Pay your balance at sign-in by cash, check or credit card — a 3.5% fee applies to cards.

Meeting the Boat

Have friends or family meeting you at the dock? We post an ETA on our website the night before we return, or they can call H&M Landing at 619-222-1144.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your trip investment:

• Allianz Travel Insurance — allianztravelinsurance.com
• Global Travel Shield — (800) 332-4899