We had another wonderful outing with Al and his deckhand Chris (who also happens to be Al's grandson). We went to New Melones Lake and caught 13 very nice Kokanee salmon. We actually hooked 18 total but lost 5 while reeling them in. This was even more fish than we caught at Lake Berryessa when we went with Al 3 years ago. Al and Chris are both very experienced fishermen. They have high-end equipment and know exactly the types of lures, bait, and techniques to use. Our boat was catching way more fish than any other boat out there. Al knows all the lakes and rivers in Northern California like the back of his hand. This knowledge is critical since the fishing on each lake changes weekly, if not daily. I had booked this trip weeks ago with Sue, and we decided on New Lake Melones just a few days before based on the recent trends. And Chris was excellent with my 10 and 12-year old sons. He was very patient with my kids. And he gave us some ideas on other fun outdoor things to do. And he even brought them (and introduced us to) a Tony's Chocolate bar. I highly recommend Kokanee salmon fishing with Al and Chris. And I would suggest requesting Chris as a deckhand especially if you have young kids. My sons had a blast. And they've been proudly eating the fish they caught, which we've been smoking and grilling. Thank you Al, Sue, and Chris for giving my sons an unforgettable fishing experience! read more

Big Al's Guide Service - Fishing Near Me

Big Al and his deckhand took my two adult sons and I out yesterday for a great day of fishing that left us with some great memories and a whole lot of fish! Al knows exactly what he's doing and is intent on ensuring his customers catch fish and enjoy themselves doing it! read more

Big Al's Guide Service - Fishing Near Me

As a birthday present to my boyfriend, my Dad paid for the two of us to go salmon fishing on the Sacramento River. Big Al and his wife set everything up and we eagerly awaited the big day of fishing. They told us exactly what to bring, what time to meet Big Al, and where. We met Big Al and his deckhand, Marvin, at Miller Park at 6 AM and we were in the water within minutes. As soon as the sun started to rise, our lines were in the water and we were trolling down the river hoping to hook some salmon. With the limit being 1 salmon per person, we surprised to hear how many boats and tour guides have been getting skunked this season. We were nervous but Big Al reassured us. And then the magic happened - around 7:15 AM my boyfriend caught the first fish; a decent sized, beautifully silver salmon. Not 15 minutes later, my salmon was on the line. Woohoo! We had caught our personal limits and it was only 7:30 AM. But we wanted to fish some more, so we stayed on the water and tried for Big Al and Marvin's limits. But like Big Al said, if you don't get the morning bite, you wait. And we waited. We trolled up and down the river, trying various spots, talking with Big Al and Marvin, and hoped we could catch one or two more. Just as we were about to give up and head in for the day (at 1 PM, five and a half hours after catching our morning salmon), I caught a big, beautiful 20 pound salmon, not more than 100 yards from Miller Park boat launch. Long story short: if you want to have an amazing, enjoyable fishing experience with the most genuine, friendly, and knowledgeable fishing guide in the Sacramento area, give Big Al a call. You won't regret it! read more

Had a great morning of fishing - 4 generations including my 97 yr old Dad. Big Al and Jaybird were so helpful and hard working. They put us right where the fish were and even filleted the fish at the end of the day. Hunter, the great grandson, caught the biggest fish! read more

Big Al's Guide Service - Camanche Lake- 4 generations! Lots of pink meat trout - Fishing Near Me

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I've done a few charter fishing trips, and there are usually some common trends - follow the time limit, don't burn too much gas, and get angry with the patrons if they do something wrong. NOT WITH BIG AL! If you book a trip with Big Al, he will a) get you on the fish and b) keep you on the fish until you say no more (or you catch your limit) I do salmon fishing on the river, but usually come back empty handed. If the fish aren't biting, there isn't much you can do. We had some family coming in town and wanted to book a charter trip for salmon. Trusty Yelp pointed me right to Big Al, and for that I'm thankful. We were on the water a 6AM, and Big Al's deckhand Jay Bird was there to help set up our lures/quickfish. Jay Bird is quite the character! Don't worry if the fish aren't biting, those two will keep you entertained! Unfortunately, our day happened to be a slow one. While almost no one on the river was catching fish, Big Al managed to land us 4 nice 20lb salmon. No one else on the river caught more than 3 that day. By 2PM (8 hours later) and a tank of gas later, we only had 3 salmon between the 5 of us. Big Al was determined to get one for each of us even if it meant staying out till dark. He filled up the tank again (unheard of in charter fishing), and kept on the fish until we landed another 20 lb bright chrome salmon. Not only did he take us out and get us on the fish, but he went the extra mile to SHOW us his techniques so we can apply them ourselves. Big Al is a class act, and would fish with him again any time. read more

Big Al's Guide Service - Fishing Near Me

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I Fished with Captain Al with two co workers on a tough day for Salmon. No body was catching fish EXCEPT US!!! We left the river (on our request) 1 fish short of our limit. Captain Al is a Captain that works HARD to get you your fish and will keep fishing until you can't fish (dock to dock time doesn't exist on his boat)!!! I've chartered Many times in Fresh and Salt water and found Captain Al to be at the top of the list of the guys I've fished with!! Jet boat Rocked Gear was top notch ( Fresh Sardines when non were available) You can't go wrong with a captain that pulls out all the stops to make sure you have the best trip possible and Captain Al is that guy!! read more

Big Al's Guide Service - Fishing Near Me

Overdue post, but Big Al and Jay Bird are a winning combo! Booking was easy and Al's wife was a pleasure to speak with. We went and fished Brannan Island and target species was Striped Bass. I've fished the Feather and Sac River countless times, but really wanted to go on a guided trip and see how the "pro's" do it. Also, it was my birthday and my wife's present to me so I can't complain! We mainly trolled, but also fished with some live bluegill. Needless to say, Big Al knows what he's doing and he uses top shelf equipment (Lamiglas rods/Shimano reels) and his Northriver was legit! They'll put you on the fish and they share their secrets, tips, etc. I feel like a better angler just fishing one day with these guys. All in all, money well spent and my next trip with them will be during salmon season. Tight lines! read more

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Nobody is better at catching fish than Big Al. Whether it's Kokanee, Trout, Striped Bass or King Salmon Big Al is the best! The amount of knowledge and experience he has is amazing. I learn so much from him each time I go out on a trip. He is dedicated to ensuring his clients have the best fishing experience possible. I always catch my fish and feel like I am a better fisherman at the end of each trip! read more

Big Al's Guide Service - Fishing Near Me

Overdue post - My dad and I had a great time fishing with Big Al on the Sacramento River last salmon season. We limited out and we're the only boat to do so out of 6 other boats around us. Looking forward to booking the same trip again this year as well as a Kokanee trip. Would recommend Al to anyone looking to fish the Northern California waters. read more

Big Al's Guide Service - Fishing Near Me

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Fishing with Al was a belated 16th birthday present for my son. We had to cancel a few times in the fall due to bad air quality (from the fires up north). Al and Sue were so accommodating with our changes in plans. When I finally got around to rescheduling, my son and I were so excited! Fishing with Al did not disappoint! It was a fantastic day and Al is so knowledgable about fish, the best spots to fish, and the bait to use. I cannot express what a wonderful experience this was for both my son and me. We will definitely want to go fishing with Al again, hopefully during Salmon season. read more

Great service, great Crew, super supportive without being dogmatic....I recommend to everybody who seeks for a great fishing experience among great people......Greetings from Germany Big Al hoping to join a trip with you soon again read more

Big Al's Guide Service - Fishing Near Me

I went fishing with Big Al on the Sacramento River this week and experienced one of my best fishing days ever!!! I been salmon fishing before and always been skunked. I caught my limit. I was so excited and I had the best experience Rick Al's deck hand was so helpful coaching me to land the big hogs I caught so worth going. Thanks Rick and big Al !! You guys are the BEST!! read more

Big Al's Guide Service - Fishing Near Me

Big Al took us near the Rio Vista bridge and we had an awesome day! We caught our limit of striper quickly (first time I have ever caught my limit). Big Al and his brother from another mother, Jaybird were experts and had great stories. They cleaned our fish and now we're heading home for fish tacos. I would highly recommend. Next time salmon fishing! read more

Big Al's Guide Service - Fishing Near Me

Awesome guide delivering awesome times. This man knows how to fish! We will definitely be back for another trip. If you're looking for some Sacramento fishing fun, look no further...this is the man to book! read more

Big Al's Guide Service - "Had a blast" would be an under statement! - Fishing Near Me

Two friends and I went out with Big Al and his hilarious deckhand Jay Bird yesterday, 24 Sept16. The fishing was slow, but we managed to land 2 nice fish and lost a 3rd. Al isn't out there to just let you catch fish. He takes his time and teaches you how to catch fish. Everyone out there respects his advice and he never steered them wrong. He truly loves fishing and sharing the experience and knowledge. Not only on the catching side, but also on the cooking. His smoked recipe is simple and delicious! I will definitely be using Big Al's service again soon. He's pretty much a year around fisherman. Till next time- Mahalo Big Al read more

Big Al has been taking me and my friends out on the Sacramento river many times and we always catch fish. Our first trip at the end of last season we caught 5 King Salmon on the Sacramento river, one of the fish was over 40 pounds and was put in western outdoors news. I highly recommend Big Al and his two awesome jet boats made for the river. He can usually take out 3-6 people and guarantee a good time. He also does Kokanee fishing and if you go, be ready to catch a lot of fish (Kokanee is one of the best tasting Salmon). Gone Fishin - Gabe read more

Big Al's Guide Service - Limits of Kokanee - Fishing Near Me

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Big Al prepares everything to ensure a smooth, easy fishing experience for his clients. Last Sunday was our first time fishing. Al took my 7yo son and me out on the water and within 30 minutes we caught our first king salmon!! We had caught THREE salmon before 8am and hit our limit before 9:30am. Four beautiful, bright salmon weighing between 25 - 30 lbs. An amazing experience! We learned how to troll the river, notice when the fish bite, how to pull the rod to set the hook... and Al & his helper Jaybird verbally coached us as we were reeling the fish in. Excellent teachers because we didn't even lose one salmon! Typically guides (or clients) will want to call it quits as soon as the client's limit is caught. But we weren't there to just catch fish... we wanted to learn Al's technique and leave expert fishermen. This, apparently, is something Al loves to do. So he and his helper, Jaybird, stayed out with us and we took pictures of his fishing rods, reels, lures, riggings; they taught us how to cure, cut, and tie the bait plugs; which size of kwikfish to use depending on troll speed; what speed to choose and why... every detail and nuance of how to fish as successfully as Al was shared freely and with generous amount of detail/context. Al takes a lot of care that you get to catch your limit but he's not obsessed with that alone. What I mean is, he let my 7yo reel in one of the salmon, calmly coaching him like he did with me. He seemed truly not concerned that he might lose the fish... there's always more, right? One more thing. This guy knows everyone on the river! We chatted with so many other fishermen, amateurs and pro guides. What's more, the pro guides clearly look up to Al. And why not? We were the ones with all the fish that day!! Well done, Al. We went home with over 100lb of beautiful, cleaned king salmon. But, more importantly, we now know how to fish and aren't feeling so lost out on the river. You bet we'll see you out there and, as promised, we'll call you and gloat whenever we catch a big one. read more

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Great fishing! Al is professional, extremely knowledgeable, and fun to be with. I will definitely be coming back next year read more

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So we just used Big Al's fishing guide service today 9/10/16. Let me tell you it was the best fishing experience of our lives. We met at 5:30am and by 12:30pm we had reach our limits. We caught 2 huge salmons a piece for a total of 6. One salmon was 35lbs. None of the other boats were catching any fish. Big Al and his brother from another mother Jaybird were so great to us. They even shared Big Al's home made smoked salmon, which was the best I ever had. Not only did we catch fish, they taught us how to catch fish. Big Al and Jaybird treated us like their sons today. What incredible experience for us. If you are looking for a guide do yourself a favor and book with Big Al. We will using them again for sure soon! read more

I started hiring guides for Salmon fishing over 10 years ago the minute my wife said she wanted to go!!! We tried a couple of guides up in the Redding area and had several good outings before I decided to try and find someone closer to home... After 2-3 so-so trips, a friend of mine suggested Big Al and my wife and I couldn't be happier. We've gone out with Al at least 5 times each of the last 4 years and he always put us on the fish. Top notch boats and equipment, unbeatable knowledge and fun to fish with. Al will show you how to fish and make you part of his crew or let you just relax and reel in the big one after he does the work. Either way, the cooler will always come home with fish! read more

I was looking for a guide to take me fishing on the Sacramento River, but I was traveling alone from Virginia. I asked several guides about a trip, but they all wanted to take a group & weren't interested in a single fisherman. Then I contacted Big Al. He didn't hesitate to book me alone and I asked him to try to find another fisherman to come along. The day of the trip, I met Santiago, a very nice guy from Ecuador & we were welcomed aboard by Big Al & his friend Rick. The fishing was slow & most fishermen left the river skunked, but Big Al got us each a 20 pound beauty. Al & Rick had gone out at 5am to reserve their favorite spot. I had the time of my life swapping stories with Al & Rick. If you need a guide, you'll never find a better one than Big Al. He's truly the "Dean" of the Sacramento River fishing guides. read more

I called Big Al at 2:30pm on a Saturday, hoping he could take my dad fishing on Sunday. He called back within two hours, asked me a few questions about my Dad, and said he'd be happy to take him out, even though Sunday is usually his day off. My dad is a hard-core fisherman (back in Florida) and he had nothing but good things to say about Al. Among the top things: 1) Extremely knowledgeable about fishing and the Sacramento area. 2) Friendly and fun! 3) Good at teaching others. Thank you so much to Big Al for showing my dad a great time (they caught their limit!). My dad said he wants to come back soon and take myself and some of my friends fishing. He recommends Al to everyone wanting to catch some salmon in the Sacramento area. read more

My buddies and I are avid fishermen and we have fished with Al several times. He has 2 outstanding boats and all the gear is top notch. When you fish with Al if you are a beginner or pro he teaches you what to use and how to catch fish. We always catch way more fish then you can keep he doesn't limit you and leave he stays on the water longer then any guide we have fished with. Have planned more trip with Al for the spring and highly recommend him for a GREAT fishing experience. read more

Just took a Salmon Fishing Guided Trip with Big Al on the Sacramento River. What a fun, action packed outing. Al is a superior guide with a vast knowledge of all types of river, lake and ocean fishing. He has two first class comfortable jet river boats with all of the best equipment on board. His knowledge and personal skill are the best I have ever witnessed. He enabled our party of six to limit out with 12 good sized Salmon, when most of the other fishermen checked by the Department on Fish & Game on that day had only 2 fish per boat. Al is a very personable individual with a good sense of humor . A great day on the water with fantastic results, a difinite do more than once. read more

Big Al is the best there is! We went out on the Sacramento and before 7 AM we had a 40+ lb chrome in the boat! We ended up with 5 kings, the smallest at 12 lbs. Al is the nicest most knowledgeable guide I have ever gone with. His equipment is the best and was always ready with fresh bait and advice. On a day where everyone gave up we were killin' it! Thanks Al! Will read more

My brother in law and I went salmon fishing with Big Al and an assistant Jay just a few days ago on Lake Berryessa. We had a great time and caught our limit. Al is a very nice person who seems to really care that you have a good experience when you go fishing with him. He goes the extra mile to make sure that happens. Al clearly knows his business. Several of the other boats were imitating his route on the water as well as seeking his advice on bait, depth etc. He was fully prepared with the right baits and equipment. Most of all I was taken by just how much he loves to fish. This enthusiasm for the sport was infectious and just added to the wonderful experience we had. A trip with Big Al is about as safe a bet as you will find in hiring a fishing guide in the Sacramento/Northern California region. Got to do this more often! Jim S read more

I could write great things and tell a story but these days it's the bottom line Al really works for his clients all the other professionals were off the water by 1pm And not with limits ! We listened to the radio they all caught one or two but that's all By two it was an empty lake only jet skiers and tubers left out their with us . Al stayed on the water with us used every one of his considerable tricks and we caught fish!!! Al's very entertaining to be sure but more importantly he cares if the client is getting their monies worth!! This is our second trip. And not our last! Excellence is the product of hard work and dedication ! Btw the Kokanee taste great smoked! read more

"VETERAN" GUIDE thanks to Al we took plenty of fish and tricks to do it again money very well spent !!!!!!! If your tired of not catching try this we fish local and never picked up fish like this. Sea lice still on one of the big males. Perfect fish fresh as I have ever seen. Al knows whats going on.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Friend Jim and I met Big Al at 5:30am, and by 8:30 already had trolled 3 beautiful chromes in the boat. Wanting to learn other techniques before limiting out, Al then took us to one of his many marked spots and set anchor. Just before noon we landed another, keeping it away from the two sea lions playing in the area. So we both limited and back on shore, Al even did a perfect job of filleting the fish for us. Going home with 20 pounds of fillets each made the trip worthwhile. But the good part was the time Big Al spent showing us various techniques in catching and landing those big babes. All his equipment is top notch, but easily and replicated and not necessarily expensive. What we learned on this outing made the trip a bargain. read more

Big Al provides an excellent service. My husband and sons spent the day with Big Al and it was a wonderful experience. My younger son can't stop talking about Al. Not only did he provide an excellent day of fishing (the boys think he's psychic) but he spent time actually teaching them things as well. We will definitely do this again! Great job Al! read more

Stripers were biting in the Sacramento River, so that was the destination. Started at 7:15am and by 10 had 3 in the boat. These are tricky with the tide so it shut down till after 3pm. We tried sturgeon fishing and stripers with bait, but no luck. Al did not want to give up (most guides would be headed home by 4 for sure). Then at 5 or 5:30 we had a double, including a 28.5 beauty. Al was excited like a little kid. He really enjoys fishing, and his boat is great. Also, a buddy of his Jaybird came along and he was very helpful. These guys really know what they are doing. We had a great time and highly recommend his service. Hope we get a chance to go salmon fishing in the future. The equipment is first rate as well. Couldn't be more pleased. Very reasonably priced. read more

Al has an intuition on the fish. That day all the boat on the river caught nothing. When they realized that Al was doing something right they started follow his exact pass. If you want to spend a good time on the river with the friendly captain, get yourself educated about fishing and bring some fish home, this would be the right person yo call. This was my first salmon fishing. We hooked 5 salmons that day 20lb plus each. read more

Wow best Captain ever, master baiter jay Bird was awesome. If you have a bad experience with these guys then you suck and should not fish. No time limits, no complaining , just let's catch fish. I took the family out on a Sunday and had the time of our lives. Never boring, wow, I've paid a lot of guides and never had such a positive experience and reasonable fee. I think all guides should take a tour with him on how to act and treat people the way you like to be treated. Warm, friendly, kind, and let's try and catch fish, he says, ya I've been skunked and that's fishing, not with Al and Jay Bird. Work until we land one then two, wow we nailed ten Strippers that were legal and released the ones that weren't . Even spent more time hunting for Salmon but water too warm but what the hell he tried for us, that was setting the bar way high. He and his wife return calls ,take the time to talk with you and explain everything. They do what they say, and I will book again and again. David McClelland and family Cameron Park CA. read more

Big Al is truly the man. I booked a trip for me, my 15 year old, his friend, and dad. We traveled from Reno. Fishing wasn't great for any of the dozens of boats on the water, including other guide boats. Big Al got my kid hooked up but we lost it at the boat likely do to my son's inexperience. We spent over 10 hours on the water for what I've paid for half day fishing trips. Big Al took it personally when he didn't need to and offered to take us out the following day for free. We spent an additional 10 hours on the water. We hooked up a few times and eventually landed an 18 pounder. Big Al still offered to stay on the water to get everyone a fish. Big Al is friendly, personable, knowledgeable, and really wants to get you fish. It is evident this is truly a passion for him and not just a paycheck. I'll be booking with him again, and if you are looking for a guide, I would highly recommend Big Al. read more

My husband and I took our 9 year old son fishing with Captain Al last Saturday on Lake Folsom for Steelhead and it was an amazing day! Even though it seemed like everyone else on the lake who was fishing was having very little success and the water conditions had changed dramatically from the prior week, we all caught our limit (15 beautiful fish total). Al made the day fun and interesting and a great time - especially for our son who had never caught a fish before and was just thrilled with the experience! Big Al really knows his stuff including where and how to fish. A couple of days before our trip, he made it a point to call me and explain that our original planned destination was probably not recommended due to the most recent conditions he had observed and he recommended a change to Lake Folsom. He was right. I recommend him to anyone looking for a great guided experience. We would definitely go with Al again!!! read more