Starfire Sportfishing is owned and operated by Captain Sal Rocha, a master mariner with over 20 years of experience. A lifelong angler, Sal got his captain’s license at 18 and ran several other sport boats in Morro Bay before he took over the Starfire in 2018. His expertise ensures safe, productive, and thrilling trips for all skill levels.

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       The 55' Starfire, a Coast Guard-inspected vessel, features top safety equipment and advanced technology like sonar and radar. With a skilled crew, including deckhands Mike Oddo and John Schuman, each with over 15 years of experience, every outing is seamless and successful.​​

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Vessel and Amenities

       The Starfire is one of Central California’s premier sportfishing vessels, offering a spacious, family-friendly experience with two restrooms, shaded seating, and ample gear storage. While it accommodates 35 passengers, trips are limited to 25 for added comfort. Enjoy breakfast on half- and three-quarter-day trips, with lunch available when conditions allow. Snacks, drinks, and adult beverages are always on hand to keep you refreshed.

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       Whether you're a beginner or a pro, we provide tailored tackle recommendations, hands-on coaching, and support from cast to catch. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, premium amenities, and a safety-first approach, the Starfire combines comfort with a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere. Every cast brings excitement, and every moment becomes a cherished memory. Discover why anglers return year after year to create lasting memories aboard the Starfire.

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Family-Friendly Environment

       Starfire Sportfishing prides itself on being a family-friendly operation, welcoming kids and encouraging them to participate. This inclusive approach fosters an environment where children can create lasting memories alongside their families, supported by a crew dedicated to assisting beginners and ensuring a positive experience for all.

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Trip types and Fishing Focus

       With excellent local fishing and new regulations, Starfire Sportfishing now offers half-day and three-quarter-day trips, replacing the costlier full-day journeys of past years. Targeting rockfish and lingcod in shallow and deep waters, we adapt to conditions for prime catches—ideal for novices and experts alike. More value, same thrill. Public and private fishing charters are available.

• Half-Day Trip (6 hours): Perfect for all anglers, targeting rockfish and lingcod near Morro Bay, Cambria, and Cayucos.

• Three-Quarter-Day Trip (8 hours): Extra time to chase bigger rockfish and lingcod up the coast toward San Simeon.

• Private Charter (6-12 hours): Book a custom trip for your group or business, from full-day outings to long-range adventures targeting trophy-sized lingcod and rockfish near Piedras Blancas. Call (805) 771-5500 to reserve.

• Fish You’ll Encounter: Rockfish include vermillion, gopher, blue, black-and-yellow, chilipepper, widow, copper, China, and bocaccios, plus lingcod, depending on trip and location. Halibut,shark, flatfish, and more are also possible bycatch.

• Starfire Sportfishing trips offer more than just fishing thrills—they provide a unique chance to experience Morro Bay's rich wildlife and stunning coastal beauty. Passengers can expect to spot whales, sea otters, seals, dolphins, seabirds, and Morro Rock from a fresh vantage point, blending education and scenery into the adventure. This family-friendly appeal elevates the trip with unforgettable natural encounters.

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Booking and Contact Information

       Bookings are managed in conjunction with Morro Bay Landing/Patriot Sportfishing, facilitating both charter and online reservations. This collaboration ensures a seamless booking process, with the office open daily to assist with inquiries and reservations. For those interested in booking a trip, you can book online, in person, or over the phone​​​.​​

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Morro Bay Landing

Phone: (805) 771-5500

Address:1215 Embarcadero, Suite A, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Office and Phone Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Online: 

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Plan Your Fishing Trip on the Starfire​

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Location & Parking

• Depart from Morro Bay Landing, offering free parking with plenty of spaces just steps from the dock. Check in right where you are departing from! ​

Check-In & Preparation

• Arrive 1 hour before departure to check in.

• Fishing licenses sold at time of check in if needed.

• Rental rods are available ($15) as well as rental tackle($10) if needed. Tackle includes a 1lb weight and shrimp fly rigs (free replacements if lost).

• Free squid bait provided on all trips.

• Bringing your own gear? Ensure your rod/reel can handle 50–500 ft depths (300+ yards of 40# braided line recommended). Check out our recommended tackle page.

Boarding Process

• Deckhands assist with rigging rental or personal gear and guide first-timers through fishing techniques while the captain and crew conduct routine safety inspections before boarding.

• Wait near the dock until boarding begins.  Secure your preferred fishing spot on the boat by showing up early. Typically those who show up and line up first will board first.

Galley Manifest

• After you board you will be asked to sign in to a galley sheet where you will receive a numbered tag to place on your gunny sack ($2) to track your fish. This is also the time to place breakfast orders.

• This galley sheet is also used to track food/drinks purchases. Feel free to grab snack or drinks at any time, just mark it down under your name on the galley sheet.

• Optional add-ons:

  • Breakfast burrito ($8), Burger ($10) Water, Chips, Snacks, Soda, Candy ($2) Beer ($4)

  • Jackpot entry ($10): Compete for the largest catch of the day.

Fishing Details

• Cruise 30 minutes to 2 hours to the fishing grounds, depending on season and trip length.

• Fish 200–300 ft depths first for vermillion and chilipepper rockfish, then move shallower (60–150 ft) for yellowtail rockfish, blue rockfish, lingcod, cabezon, gopher cod, and more.

• Free squid bait provided on all trips.

• Fish until everyone has reached their 10 rockfish limit or until we have ran out of time.

Fillet Services​

• Deckhands Mike Oddo and John Schuman, with over 15 years of experience, provide expert fish cleaning for $3 per fish. Your catch will be perfectly filleted, ready for the grill or delicious fish tacos, with most anglers taking home 1–2 gallon bags of fillets or more!

• Tips for fillet services are greatly appreciated, supporting the crew and their families. Please note that the Starfire is a cash-only vessel.​​​

Final Tips​

• Review our recommended tackle list if bringing personal fishing gear.

• Check out our frequently asked questions page if you want to know more on what to expect on our trips and what you should bring with you.

Weather and Cancellations

• Trips are subject to Captain Sal’s discretion based on ocean weather conditions for your safety and enjoyment. You’ll be notified of any cancellations the day before your scheduled trip.

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