About Us
20 Years of Experience- Eric Justesen, Captain EJ
I grew up in Los Angeles, California fishing in Santa Monica Bay, the Channel Islands and the Sierra's. I moved to Humboldt County in 1988 to attend Humboldt State University. There, I studied Marine Biology, Ichthyology, and Marine Phycology (seaweed).
In 1994 I bought my first boat, a 1973 18' glasspar, and began fishing in the waters off Trinidad. There I began the long process of learning how to read the ocean. The skills needed to operate a vessel in the waters of the North Pacific and Humboldt Bay took many years to master.
In 2009 I bought my third offshore boat, a 2006 2120 Parker named "Wharf Rat". At that time, I lived in Carlotta and had three young sons. Together, we explored the ocean off Eureka and Cape Mendocino. In 2019 I bought my newest boat. A 2014 2520 Parker the "Wharf Rat II" by then I had accumulated untold numbers of hours at sea fishing for salmon, Pacific halibut, California halibut, bottom fish, and albacore.
In addition to fishing locally, I've fished all over Baja (Lake El Salto, Cabo, LaPaz, East Cape, Puerto Vallarta, and San Felipe) Hawaii, and inland. During the off-season, here in Humboldt, I tournament bass fish with my wife Kristen (Ruth, Trinity, and Shasta) and fish long-range out of San Diego. There I have fished for yellowtail, dorado, wahoo, and tuna.
From 2007 till 2015 I was a member of Carlotta Volunteer Fire Departments (rescue engineer/EMT). Currently, I am an EMT instructor at College of the Redwood, Commander of the Marine Unit for Humboldt County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team, and a pilot on the Port Authority Fire Boat.
I would like to have the opportunity to take you out for an adventure at sea to include some sportfishing and site seeing along the North Coast. Every day is different. You never know what we might see. The ocean is full of exciting and interesting plants and animals. Please come out for a trip and enjoy mother nature's biggest aquarium.
Captain. "EJ"
Our Boat
WHARF RAT II
"Wharf Rat II" is a 2014 Parker 2520XLD. She has 2 new 2024 digital Yamaha 200 state of the art motors with electronic "Helm Master" controls, Minn Kota trolling motor, 2021 Garmin electronics, live well, downriggers, ample storage for gear. A private flushable head. The boat can hold six passengers in total.
The boat has a 100-mile range. Top speed of over 40+ mph. A fully enclosed pilothouse for those cold and wet days. She is an excellent fishing platform for an experience of a lifetime.
Parker boats are known for their solid construction and ability to remain stable in rough seas. The hull is entirely foam injected. This gives the boat a quiet ride and added security.
Come down to Woodley island and check her out or give me a call and I can answer any questions you might have.
Client Responsibilities & 707 Policies
Client Responsibilities:
No drugs or alcohol are allowed on the boat. It is the client's responsibility to have a valid California ocean fishing license. A link is provided for last-minute requests. If you have any special needs please inform me in advance of our trip (Medical issues, left-handed gear, etc.). Each angler needs to be physically able to function aboard the boat, it is your responsibility to take sea sickness medication prior to leaving on the trip (Seasick meds rarely work if taken at sea). Please bring lunch & drinks for the trip. Rough seas are common. Dress in layers, including a waterproof windbreaker or rain jacket. The boat can be wet at times. It is nice to wear waterproof boots & bib overalls, but they are not a requirement.
PLEASE don't wear heavy black soled shoes as they will scuff up the boat. Thank you.
Booking Policy:
A 50% down payment is required to book your trip. Prior to departure on the day of the trip, the remainder of the payment is due. Cash, check, cash apps (Venmo, Zelle, Cash app) or a credit card are all accepted. Be advised a 4% charge will be added to credit card payments (cards processed through "Square"). A full payment is optional at the time of booking.
Approximately 2 days prior to the booked trip I will contact you regarding the ocean conditions. If the conditions are poor and unsafe the trip will be cancelled. This will give clients enough time to cancel hotel reservations and or not make any unnecessary road trips. We can rebook for a later date or I will refund your deposit.
I reserve to right to cancel trips due to circumstances beyond my control (rough seas, mechanical problems, or illness). If I have to cancel a trip you will be contacted ASAP. We can rebook on another date or I will refund your money. My apologies!
Cancellations must be made 10 days in advance of the trip to be able to receive a refund of the deposit. Last-minute cancellations or "no-shows" will forfeit their deposit unless you find another angler to take your place.