[anycall]

I was wodnering if anyone can tell me best/cheap way to get to Catalina Island. I've checked few places and the fare is around $60 per adult. Thanks in advance

[gordo grande]

I don't know if it's the cheapest, but most of us take the Catalina Express. It leaves from several locations, runs on time, has frequent crossings, and it's easy to change your ticket from one boat to the next. Also, there is rarely a problem with taking your gear. You also get there in an hour, which is pretty damn fast!

Oh, and the liquor is reasonably priced!

[Mahigeer]

There is an old post where some one answered the same question.

Q: What is the cheapest way to get to Catalina?

A: You can swim there!

But seriously folks, the Catalina Express is the only way to go. Gordo said it best.

If you plan to go five times in a year you can get a coupon book that will save you $90.00 providing you are senior citizen.

If interested Pm me for more details.

[illcatchanything2]

The cheapest is the Catalina Express. There is also the Catalina Flyer out of Marina Del Rey, but thay are $79.00 one way. You can take a helicopter, but that is very expensive, and they limit the amount of stuff you can bring due to weight. The Catalina Express boats are very nice and if you want to upgrade to the Commodore Lounge, its an extra $15.00. If you can splurge on it, its cool as you get priority boarding, a free drink and snacks. If you are coming with a group you can upgrade to the captains lounge for $60.00. For that you get pre-boarding, a private room and a free drink and snacks.....

[itsakeeper]

I certainly hope you can make it Brian. I need someone to show me the ropes on this trip.

itsakeeper

[Mahigeer]

What about us? Skipper, Gordo, Gdude, and yours truly.

You don't trust us to give you pointers and help you?

I know you did not mean it that way. Just kidding you.

[bassmanben]

how long of a paddle would it be in my kayak? just kidding. although, i do have an idea in my mind about it..

[itsakeeper]

Alrighty Hamshem, basically what I need to know is
that once I get in the area, where do I park my truck
safely? which ferry do I need to take? when do I need
to reserve rooms because it is in April? And lastly,
do I need to bring my own bait or do they have a bait
shop there. Any tips also on what lure and setup to
increase my chance of catching fish I would greatly
appreciate it. I am still recovering financially from
a one month vacation to the Philippines so if at all
possilble I can get a nice rate on anything will be
super cool. LOL

Thanks in advance to all,
itsakeeper(Jed)

[gordo grande]

There is a pay parking structure at the Long Beach terminal. I've never had a problem there. Reserve the rooms as soon as you can, because they can fill up fast if there is another group coming, (.e.g. scuba divers). They sell bait on the Green Pleasure Pier, and there is a tackle shop on the main drag that also sells bait. I think you can buy bait at the grocery stores too.

We'll give you tips on lures and tackle later. Do a search on past Catalina GTs, and you'll find all the info that you need. The Catalina Express has a 7' limit on fishing rods, but most of us bring two piece rods, so that isn't an issue. Most of us use spinning reels, since it's underhand casting, and spinners are a little easier to cast underhand. Yes, I have seen the Sheriff watching to see if we're casting underhand. Also, G-dude will scowl at you if you cast overhand, (like he does at me every year)!

You can manage this trip with a reasonable amount of cash if you stay at the Hermosa and limit the partying.

A note about pier carts. You can only bring two wheeled carts on the ferry. There are very firm about this. (Right, Hashem?) You can bring a four wheeled cart as long as it can collapse down to a two wheeled cart. They never make me collapse my cart, but I could if I had to.

[gordo grande]

[itsakeeper]

Thanks a bunch Gordo. I appreciate all the tips and
info. Looking forward to fishing with you.

itsakeeper

[gordo grande]

[Mahigeer]

Anycall,
I hope you do not mind me posting the following in your thread. I think it would be helpful to anybody who is going there for the first time.

Overhead casting;
Gordo beat me to the response. He has everything right except the "overhead casting" bit.

First few times I was there no signs were there to indicate no overhead casting. Then the signs went up. We all got scolded by Gdude for doing so. Last two times I was there, first the “NO” was gone and later all of the signs were gone.



Everybody casts overhead and no one has been cited that I noticed.
There are times when there is a long line of people who are waiting to get on the boat. Also there are curious tourists around.

My recommendation is to be very careful about overhead casting.
LOOK BACK EVERY TIME. Cast at your own risk with outmost caution.

Parking;
I always go from the Long Beach Terminal in Down Town Long Beach. The parking structure next to the Terminal currently charges $14.00/ 24 hrs.

Transportation;
I do not know if the Catalina Express is taking reservation this early for April, but if you are going over during the mid-week there should not be a problem. However, weekends are busier. You have up to 24 hrs. before the trip to cancel the reservation. My recommendation is to do it as soon as they allow it.

Lodging;
The Hermosa Hotel is taking reservation from now. I highly recommend making one. If you cancel 7 days before arrival, they charge $25.00 which can be applied to future visits.
Within the 7 days, you are charged fully. We have very good relations with them and if they rent the room they may not charge you. Best to talk to the Hotel agents.
Don’t forget to mention you are with UPSAC/PFIC for the discount.

Bait;
In the past I had brought bait for everyone. It was not used much since everybody brought their own. I am going light this time.
If your time allows stop by Paul’s Bait and Tackle in San Pedro on the way and they have everything including live ghost shrimp.

Terminal tackle;
For bonito---Cast-a-bubble followed with buck tail (feathered hook). I will have rubber band lure after the derby.
For bass--- Squid, frozen anchovies, frozen peas.
For Opaleye---Moss, Frozen peas, ghost shrimp using floating bobber.
For sheephead--- Ghost shrimp, squid, frozen anchovies.
Frozen peas will get you other species as well.

Bring extra 1 ½-2 oz. torpedo sinkers as well as cast-a-bubbles.

Rods/reels;
Two piece spinning for casting and ease of transportation.

Fishing line;
Braid for main line, fluorocarbon for leader. Water is usually very clear.

Hooks;
Small sizes for frozen peas, Kahle for ghost shrimp, #4-6 for other baits.

Pier cart;
I am working on a new cart. The ultimate Catalina cart. Pictures and report of actual trip to follow.
Stay tuned.

I hope the above answered questions for anybody that has not been there. Please do not hesitate to ask questions. Past posts are also very helpful.

This post will be repeated at a later date under a different heading.

[SurfFisher08]

I used to do a lot of SCUBA diving @ Catalina and we were always looking for deals there.

http://www.catalinaclickmap.com/transportation/transportation.htm

And you can get 10 bucks off if you take a survey for the Catalina Flyer. I do remember this boat being the worst of the fleet and it's ridiculously slow. We always took the Catalina Express and it's a decent boat and leaves from a few different ports. Catalina isn't the cheapest place once you get there but shopping at the VONS there can save you some money.

[Mahigeer]

Since I have been going there from the Down Town Long Beach Terminal, it has always been Catamarans. They are very roomy and stable. I have never gotten sea sick. Close but not totally. That is saying alot because I get sick very easily from any type of motion.

The cold air outside always helps me recover.