BY DAVE HURLEY
SAN FRANCISCO – The new year opened with major changes in the northern California party boat fleet as anglers’ desire for a fast, comfortable ride along with hot food in the galley continues to grow. The anticipation of a longer ocean salmon season along with the opening of all-depths for rockfish have brought a new spirit of optimism to Nor Cal party boat owners.
Captain James Smith of California Dawn Sport Fishing out of Berkeley was the first to put in a galley several years ago, and from the first days of the California Dawn 1, breakfast burritos and gourmet fare has been a huge draw for anglers.
Smith continues to go far beyond those first days on the California Dawn 1 as he is unveiling the New California Dawn for the upcoming halibut/striped bass trolling season starting in April. Formerly the Legacy out of Stagnaro’s Sport Fishing in Santa Cruz, Smith purchased the 56-foot Westport, and it’s first venture was south to 22nd Street Landing in San Pedro for the renovation of the cabin and addition of a galley. Smith previously renovated the California Dawn 2, a 55-foot catamaran at the 22nd Street Landing, and this boat has the reputation as the fastest and most comfortable ride in northern California. Smith said, “In this industry, if you aren’t growing, you are dying, so it seemed like the right time to upgrade our fleet.” Smith plans on replacing the motors during the 2027 offseason to increase the current ‘fleet average’ speed of the vessel. All these upgrades come with a major infusion of capital, but Smith is determined to provide ‘Southern California comfort with northern California speed.”
