Julie, South Dakota - 12/28/2011

I had a really great time. The crew was awesome, helpful, and very patient. Thanks Casey for untangling back lash like 30 times. My goal was to catch a shark and I did. I love the adventure and can't think of one thing I would change. I will definitively be doing this trip again this summer.

John, San Antonio - 08/09/2010

I have fished many of the "headboats" in Port A. I just did a trip today on board the Wharf cat and I have to say overall I am satisfied. The crew on board was helpful and friendly (perhaps because I am a real fisherman and not a tourist who wants everything done for them and then to be handed fish at the end of the trip). In the morning when we arrived, we found that while one boat (Scat Cat) was already out, there was still adequate parking available near the front door. We went in and waited in a short line that went reasonably quickly to check in and pay for our trip. No issues or problems here, and we didnt even have to reserve our trip with a CC like some of the other headboats in P.A. When we got outside, we had a short wait and then a good safety briefing from the chief deckhand. Afterward we boarded using the numbered cards we were given at check in. I brought some of my own gear and the chief deckhand questioned it, but I was allowed to board with no real problems. (he didnt know if I was a tourist or moron or what so his questioning was somewhat warranted). We left the dock shortly after and were offered to get in on the big fish jackpot which is fairly customary no matter what boat you fish. The other deckhands on the boat were not rude or abrasive when I asked them for their terminal tackle. When it was time to fish, the capt had positioned the boat alongside an anchored ship and the chumming and fishing began. Long story shortened, it turned out to be a very slow day for drift fishing. In 7 drifts, appx 40 anglers only managed to catch 7 fish. In the middle of the trip, I began to be recognized as an experienced angler and was given a little leeway to cast underhand to some of the sargasso paddies we were drifting. The capt tried to put us on fish, but when the fish arent there or arent biting, its all he can do. He got us in the right spots, but the current, waves, wind, weather or other unknown factor turned the fish off. At the appointed time the capt said reel em up and it was time to go.
Overall I am satisfied with the value for the dollar and plan to do a Tuna trip in Oct 2010 too. I was not treated poorly at all really as the other 2 less detailed reviews listed here state. Perhaps things at Fishermans Wharf have changed, but since I have no real history with them, I will go back now. If you are an experienced angler, these boats will work well for you. Dont go on board expecting to cast overhand as you would from a pier or jetty, there is still headboat ettiquette to be used, and for the less experienced angler, the boats will be fine as well, just follow the deckhands instructions CAREFULLY and you should do okay too. As far as beginner fisherman, there are other boats in P.A. that might suit your needs such as the Island Queen or even a private charter for some trout or redfish inland. One thing I disliked was that I could not bring aboard any snacks of my own. Now I aint saying I should have been allowed to bring a whole ice chest, but a couple bags of chips and a couple bottles of water brough on board would have been nice. I'll be back to fish on the comfortable riding catamarans at Fishermans Wharf.

Jeff, Dallas, Texas - 06/08/2010

The people running the Wharf Cat ONLY care about making money on every outting! The night before the desk clerk said there were 15 people signed up and the trip was a go. We purchased our tickets and arrived the day of the trip on time. Immediately before boarding, everyone was actually herded to the boat and just about to board. the captain came off the boat and told everyone to go back inside. We were then told that if we wanted to go fishing, everyone had to pay 15 more dollas per person. It was voluntary, of course. All but 2 people were willing. As a result of the 2 people declining the offer, Wharf Cat management cancelled the trip and refunded everyones money. So they allowed 2 people to ruin the trip for everyone else. These people need to learn how to run a business instead of just caring about the profits. Sure I want them to make money, but their handling of this situation was absolutely wrong. Why don't they take credit card reservations?! If you don't show, you lose your money. They could have still accepted the extra $15 per person from everyone but the 2 who weren't willing and took maybe a 6% loss to make 12 others happy and not write scathing reviews like this. I'll never fish with this operation again, until they wise up and change their reservation policies. This was going to be the highlight of my trip and they ruined it. They obviously care very little about the people they take fishing. They need to get out of this business.

3 comments | Reply

John , San Antonio - 08/09/2010

these boats are not here for YOUR happiness. they are here to make money. There is a minimum threshhold at which they lose money and they WILL NOT go out. I wouldnt, you wouldnt. Its a business. not a personal attack. relax and roll with the punches.

Brian, Fort Worth, TX - 11/21/2010

BS, these trips are built around customers and taking them fishing. What if someone drives a LONG way for a trip with them and they pulled that!!? If they wanna roll like that then they need to discontinue fishing trips for customers and go hard core commercial!

Clint, Corpus Christi - 06/24/2011

same as an airline dude....got to make money. only difference is when an airline cancels the flight they call it "a mechanical". maybe you should try another activity. you were in port aransas and theres a lot to do in the entire area

emily, New Braunfels, TX - 05/04/2010

Great time for everyone. Staff is wonderful and if I could I would go every weekend.