We fish about once per month, but when fishing a new spot and wanting to get out on the water we will usually spring for a guide/charter service. If I'm going to spend the money, I want to be paying a pro so I learn more about local techniques. We booked a three hour trip with Sean and were not disappointed. Sean was on time and the boat and equipment were in excellent condition and prepped so that we were immediately able to begin fishing. Sean knows his stuff and he he kept us busy- not only fishing, but also providing local knowledge and history. We ended up catching about 5 fish- 4 rainbows and a brown. Our 3 hours were planned and executed efficiently-maximizing our experience. The conversation was just as fun as the fishing. You know you're hanging out with a good dude when it feels like you're talking with an old friend. If you are thinking about a guide/charter service for Big Bear, I highly recommend booking with Sean. His equipment, skill, and demeanor will make for a great experience. It is obvious he takes pride in his business. read more

We are hooked! Sean is exactly the person that my 20-year old son and I needed. Before our trip with him we had terrible luck. But with him we have plenty of fish to take home. He has such a professional system with rods, custom made lures, and knowledge on where the fish bite seasonally and during the day (it's not what you would think!). He also has tons of stories, history and nature knowledge, jokes and photos to pass the time when the fish are napping. He gave us an incredible amount of fishing advice for the future. Thanks so much, Sean! read more

Great experience! Can't wait to go again. Relaxing, fun, and entertaining. Sean is fun, safe, and knowledgeable Thanks so much for the adventure! read more

Sean is amazing!! We had the best day on the water with him. He put us right over huge trout all day, great music, and great vibes all around. We will be back and only going with Sean when we are in big bear! read more

Fish Big Bear Charter Service - Rainbow trout - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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Just wrapped up an incredible morning trip with Sean, the owner and operator of Fish Big Bear Charter Service--and let me tell you, it was top notch from start to finish. I brought four teenage boys to Big Bear for spring break, two of whom had never caught a trout before. That changed fast. In just three hours, we landed 17 trout weighing in at a total of 23 pounds! I've been on a lot of charter boats over the years, and you can tell right away whether you're truly on a fishing trip or just taking a boat ride. With Sean, it was clear from the start--this guy lives for the water. His passion, skill, and knowledge were obvious, and his boat? Easily the nicest one on the lake. It took less than 30 seconds after our first line hit the water before we were hooked up--and the bites didn't stop the entire time. It was non-stop action, an epic trip, and a memory-making morning for all of us. If you're thinking about booking a charter guide in Big Bear, don't hesitate. Sean and Fish Big Bear Charter Service are the only choice. Thanks Sean! read more

Sean was great to work with when trying to book a fishing adventure at Big Bear Lake. Although we went with another service since there was only a two hour time slot windows on the particular day we wanted to fish, I wouldn't hesitate to book with them should the time slots align in the future. read more

Thank you Sean for a great day on the water, your professionalism and knowledge of the lake is evident. Thank you for our limits of our trout. Fun time with you. read more

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I can't say enough about this charter company. We had the delight of spending 3 hours on the water with Sean. He was simply awesome as well punctual, knowledgeable and kind. Our son caught 5 fish , the most he's ever caught up here in Big Bear and they were fat ones too !!! Wonderful day on the water could not ask for more. read more

Fish Big Bear Charter Service - First fish of 2021 - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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Captain Sean took us out on the lake and put us right in the middle of the action. I'm not an avid fisher, but he took the time to teach me how to set the hook and reel them in. I finally got the hang of it, and we had around 15 catches in the 3 hour trip--4 of them being keepers! From his handmade, proprietary lures to his wealth of fishing knowledge, it's clear to see that Sean loves what he does. My non-fishing family had a nice time on the boat ride drinking bubbly water, eating crackers and cheese, and listening to music. My toddler even caught a good 45 minute nap. It was such a fun time. I would definitely recommend it if you want the best guided fishing trip in Big Bear. We will definitely book with Fish Big Bear Charter Service next time we're in the area. read more

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Captain Sean put us on the meat at our first fishing spot. We had our limit in two hours! Plenty of time left for a little site seeing tour! His knowledge of the lake was impressive along with his hand painted lures made it impossible for the fish not to end up on our line. The boat was clean and totally set up for fishing. Lots of new poles all set up as to not lose any time in the water when the fishing is hot. The pontoon boat was the perfect set up for our group of 4 and our two dogs with plenty of seating and shade. Great tunes and conversation made it a great morning and would definitely recommend Captain Sean Rabago if you want to catch fish on Big Bear Lake. read more

Fish Big Bear Charter Service - Great morning of catching!! - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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Came up for a relaxing lazy day after a hectic work schedule. The employees were wonderful and helpful! The boat was clean and they were so nice in allowing us to stay out a little longer. Love this charter service read more

I am so happy to have found Captain Sean. He is very knowledgeable at his craft. It was the first time fishing with our 10 year old son. We wanted to make his experience memorable and Sean did not disappoint. He showed our son the ropes and in no time he was reeling in no less than 5 trout. The whole experience was so amazing. Sean will even play your favorite play list while your fishing. We would highly recommend Captain Sean for charter fishing. read more

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We booked a two-hour Charter for my birthday. Sean, our captain, was wonderful. He communicated to us beforehand that the fishing conditions at the lake will not great due to the pandemic (the lake hadn't been restocked since May). We decided to book anyway and I'm really glad we did. Sean was respectful and personable. He wore a mask at our request (as did we) and was wonderful at answering our questions and showing our two young kids (3 and 5) how everything worked. I was really impressed with how good he was with the kids as having two littles confined to any small space for two hours is always a gamble. We all had a blast and catching a fish was just a bonus on top of an already lovely morning. I recommend Sean and his company without reservation. We will absolutely contact him again next time we plan a Big Bear vacation during fishing season. read more

Fish Big Bear Charter Service - Our prize! - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

We are celebrating our 27th wedding anniversary and decided to spend it in Big Bear. We have a small home in Erwin and have enjoyed the lake and valley for many years. Today after two days of shore fishing and getting skunked we chartered Capt Sean and his awesome 13 year old son Riley. It was the best trip ever. Capt Sean and Riley were wonderful hosts. We met them in the parking lot and they escorted us to their pontoon. Well stocked with gear, sodas, water and many years of fishing experience. Sean is a humble man and a Big Bear resident of 20 years. He knows his lake and appreciates the value of it. It was just my wife and I but his pontoon can take 8 additional persons very comfortable. We enjoyed our 3 hour fishing expedition and it yielded some great results. Families, a group of Guy n Gal Friends and old couples like us who like to fish, bird watch (we saw a Bald Eagle) great views and srori and enjoy great company will not go wrong in chartering Capt Sean and Crew. Memorial Day 2020 under COVID conditions Once again a great trip with Capt. Sean. We had our grandsons who got private fishing lessons and both caught big trout today. What an experience. read more

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We had an amazing time today!!! Captain Sean showed us an amazing time on the lake! My family can not wait to go back and do some fishing with Captain Sean!! He tried so hard to get us on the fish today!!! Thx Bro!! read more

Fish Big Bear Charter Service - My Sons first fish!!! He was so stoked!!! - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Captain Sean is the real deal. Professional. Communicative. A lovely human being. The fishing was great, the conversation was even better! It felt like we were ol' college pals having a leisurely hang in the middle of a breath-taking lake. Sean is super knowledgeable and had great answers for all of our random questions ranging from facts about Big Bear to life in general. We were thrilled to be able to bring our dog, Roz, on the boat with us (Sean even had an extra life vest for her). Plus, he didn't judge us for spending half the time excitedly explaining fishing to Roz...a dog...who most certainly had no clue what was going on. In the 2-ish hours we were out on the lake, we caught 4 trouts--perfect for the two of us (delicious too). But, honestly, we paid more attention to our beers and the convo than we did the actual fishing. It's clear Sean adapts to the kind of experience you want and we couldn't recommend him or his service enough! read more

My best friend and I were visiting. As elementary school teachers we needed a wilderness reset. So glad we found Captain Sean and His business. He was so amazing and accommodating. He was extremely knowledgeable and knew all the local information! One of the best days we have had in Big Bear. Caught a bunch of fish too. read more

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AMAZING EXPERIENCE! READ THIS REVIEW - Sometimes fishing, is more about the experience than actually catching fish. My father is dying from cancer that has taken over his body. I had been trying to plan a fun trip for us right as Covid 19 hit and our reservations up in Mammoth were canceled. Well, we got to a point where we decided we had to do something before it was too late. So we made an effort to stay local and spend more time have fun and less time driving! I told Sean, owner of the company and primary captain and guide a little bit about this situation. THIS IS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT RIGHT HERE. This guy Sean, never met me, doesn't know me and said hey man, that's supposed to be my day off but I'd be happy to come down and take you guys out on the water. Ya... that's the kind of operation this is. That's the kind of person that runs this business. I wouldn't ever expect any special treatment ever, and it was more than enough knowing that Sean got up on probably 5:30am on a Sunday, his day off, to take a couple kooks that don't know how to fish out on the water. You'd think that's where this story stops but it doesn't. Sean was candid with us that, guys, fishing sucks right now. They didn't stock the lake, there was a crazy fish sickness, and the water temps are way too high. Honestly, we didn't care! It was about my dad and I spending time together. But... Sean, man... this guy. He busts out with a special gift for us. WHO THE HELL DOES THAT? Sean gave us hats, and these rad fish hooks. Dad LOVED it! We wore them all weekend and proudly represented. So there's that. I'll also say that Sean was patient and taught us quite a few things about fishing up there. AND we didn't get skunked, I did get to reel in a small trout. I wanted to toss him back but he got injured so was a keeper. Sean, I'm sure you're reading this. Turns out, I still don't like trout but I did eat him! Hahaha. Dude, from the bottom of my heart.. THANK YOU! Thank you for everything you did and thank you for being a rad person where that just seems to be more and more rare in this world. You made some memories that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. Anyhow, if you're reading this, GO FISH WITH SEAN, you'll be stoked! read more

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Captain Sean knows what he is doing, he is a great captain and makes fishing fun. He is very easy to talk to and out going. read more

Fish Big Bear Charter Service - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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For Cinco de Mayo weekend, we were looking for things to do in Big Bear and I found this business on the internet. I called and spoke with the Captain Sean Rabago and he was very friendly on the phone. Gave me a lot of information about fishing on the lake, cost and services included for the trip. We arrived at the lake and Sean and his first mate Josh were very friendly and professional, easy going And easy to chat with. We booked the 2 hour fishing trip and they showed us a great time. We ended up catching 11 trout and I caught one that weighed in at 4 lbs 8 oz! When I was reeling in the fish, Sean coached me into reeling it in slowly and properly so I wouldn't lose the fish. At the end of the trip, they let us pose for pictures with our catch and they even cleaned the fish for us. If we ever come back to Big Bear we will definitely book another trip with Sean Rabago and Fish Big Bear Charter Service again! read more

I couldn't have asked for a better fishing guide if you want to catch rainbow trout go with Sean. It was an amazing experience just being on the lake and learning it. He also has top of the line equipment and I will definitely be back again! read more

Fish Big Bear Charter Service - My girlfriend caught this beauty! - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Sean and his son took my family out on the lake and we had a blast. Sean is so nice and was great with my kids. We caught several trout and we will be back! Thanks Sean! read more

Fish Big Bear Charter Service - Fishing - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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Captain Sean donated his time and expertise to a special needs event, and gave my son the experience of a lifetime. We had behavioral issues on board and he handled them like a pro. We were able to catch multiple fish, and he even taught us how to clean them. He has a great boat that made us all feel comfortable and a fishfinder to make sure we caught fish. we can't wait to go back and charter him again. read more

Fish Big Bear Charter Service - First fish - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Great experience! Captain Sean delivered, and we had a lot of fun! He is welcoming, kind, experienced, and very good at what he does for a career. Sean is also very comfortable being a host, and enjoys entertaining his guests. We learned a lot from Sean, and highly encourage you to book his charter without hesitation. read more

First... DOG FRIENDLY! My wife caught her first fish of her lifetime and at 3lb 9oz, it was the second largest fish caught that day by anyone. This thing is a monster and we had to cut it in half to get it on the grill. The largest fish was caught by someone in the Fishing Derby. Very professional. Sean and his first mate definitely know the lake like the back of their hands. I've been fishing in the Central Pacific for years now on my dive trips and I have very high standards for boat crew. They greatly exceeded them. We only caught one trout, but honestly I wouldn't have had room in my freezer for any more back home. There was a ton of boat traffic in the afternoon and a lot of very inconsiderate boaters on the water going way too fast and getting too close to our lines. For me, any day on the water is a good day and the company, perfect weather, and great conversation made it totally worth it, as well as seeing my wife's face light up when she saw the size of the beast she had on her line. All you need is your license and they provide the rest. Overall a great experience and we will definitely be using Sean's charter exclusively every time we come here. read more

Fish Big Bear Charter Service - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Awesome Experience! Sean and his partner Are a great team ! They take care of everything to enjoy your time at the lake! Our children had such a good time fishing today and caught many fishes! We took a 3 hour trip and the time just fly by so quickly, we definitely recommend Sean and we are looking forward to returning again. read more

Fish Big Bear Charter Service - Thank You Sean for the wonderful Gift ! - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Captain Sean is the best! I am so glad that my boyfriend and I chose him as our charter service. We had the most amazing experience with him. We not only caught some good sized trout we also got to see a bald eagle. He showed us where it was perched on a tree and gave us a pair of binoculars to see it up close and personal. Overall we were so impressed with him and his hospitality. Do yourself a favor and give him a call if you want the best fishing experience in Big Bear. read more

Fantastic! The experience and expertise of Sean and family was impressive. We kept pulling fish out of the lake. They made having a great time with family effortless and not stressful. I think this man loves fishing so much he probably has a set of gills himself if you look. I didn't because I was too busy pulling fish out of the lake. Thanks!!! read more

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Sean was so cool, knows his business, our grandson learned a lot we caught some trout . Learn a lot of fishing knowledge from him. The 2 hours went by super fast next time we'll make more time.. read more

Sean put us on the fish, and he's good people. His intimate knowledge of the lake was key to finding the fish on our extra windy day. read more

Fish Big Bear Charter Service - One of many rainbow trout. - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Family and I went out with Fish Big Bear Charter Service (not to be confused with others) today...Captain Sean and crew Josh rock! The experience was 5 star, from the moment we stepped on the boat. Their: knowledge of the sport + great teaching skills + patience (for the beginners and w kids) + friendliness + choice of music (janmin' to the sounds of Bruno M. , Adam L., Robin T., and others alike) + professionalism + everything else = a GREAT fishing charter service on a beautiful sunny day on Big Bear Lake. And of course, the cherry on top was the 7 fish we caught!! 5 star (recommended) experience! read more

Fish Big Bear Charter Service - Dinner tonight from our great experience today w Captain Sean and Crew Josh! - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

First time at Big Bear Lake and we came for the fishing! Never fished before but our kids are so interested. Heard so many great things about Sean - and it's all true! He was a great guide and expert fisherman. He knows his stuff and his boat was nice! I didn't want to get it dirty! Our entire family had a blast today and caught 3 fishes.l! It was my son's 10th birthday and he was the happiest boy on the lake. Thank you Sean for the great experience and all the recommendations. We will be back in the summer! It can get chilly on the lake so be sure to wear layers. I thought we would get wet and dirty but not at all. My teen's only suggestion is to play some music on the water lol read more

We had a fabulous time fishing with Sean as our captain! We caught 14 fish and the kids had a blast while the adults got to chill. Can't wait to do it again. read more

Fish Big Bear Charter Service - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Sean was an awesome captain. He is Very professional and friendly. Welcomed our dogs onboard and was great with them. He got my fiancé out of his fishing slump finally . Equipment is very nice and we had the best time. We will be back again. read more

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Worth every penny! My boyfriend and I took my 5 year old son and Sean was incredible. He was great at keeping us engaged while we also got to relax and enjoy the experience. We caught two fish and we all had a blast. We ended up frying the fish afterwards at our cabin (thank you for the recipes, Sean!) and it was delicious. Sean was very professional but a blast at the same time. Highly recommend. :) read more

Captain Sean showed our family an unforgettable time on Big Bear Lake. Our son turned 8 this August and he was so sad about having a Quarantine bday. Covid has really hurt his morale this year. We told him he couldn't have a party, but we could go fishing, and we found Sean online. I'm so glad we did. Sean went above and beyond to make our son feel super happy. In fact, our son ended up saying it was his most favorite birthday ever. My husband and I just went along for the ride (we didn't fish), and even for us it was so relaxing and gorgeous out on the water. Sean is super fun to talk to, a great host, a great fisherman, an all around wonderful guy - you must give this a try! read more

Honesty gets five stars, I had my heart set on July but it didn't work out. I have a big party and it can get rocky and isn't necessarily the best time to catch fish which I was forewarned. Honesty and clarity will get you far in this business as every client is looking for a different experience and mine is best met in the fall or spring. I truly appreciate the kindness shown and cant wait to rebook soon. read more

I first met Sean about 3 summers ago. We went fishing with him. He's so personable and easy to talk too. It's never awkward. He allows dogs on his boat!! He even has a doggie bowl of water! I go to Big Bear every summer and we always book Sean! This past weekend we caught 15 trout in a span of 2.5 hours!! The biggest fish we caught was about 4.5 lbs during the summer of 2019! He is always punctual with the times scheduled and if you are on a roll, he is willing to extend past the time! ESP if there's not a party after you! He's such a great captain and a great teacher when it comes to understanding fishing! If you want to learn, he is willing to go in depth about all the technical stuff! This guy is very passionate about what he does and you can tell immediately! We look forward to all our fishing trips with him! We already are planning to revisit him this fishing season! read more

This is our second trip here. Came last year on Aug.2016. Bad timing. No bite at all. So this year came back and try again in June.2017 We had 5 hook on between 10-1pm. Lost 2 fish but hook 3. So we are happy to catch something this time. Will come back again read more

Fish Big Bear Charter Service - Fishing Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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We had a great time fishing Big Bear lake. Sean has a great dependable setup and a lot of fishing knowledge so you can really enjoy the experience. He knows the best spots to troll and after hooking our first Rainbow Trout the other charters swarmed our area for their chance at the next big one. They helped coach my 8 year old son to real in his first lake fish and we're really hands on with him. He really enjoyed it and was in control the whole time with their guidance. I have fished before and there is nothing worse than when your equipment breaks or doesn't work right. There is no guarantee that you will hook a fish but at least with Sean you will feel your odds are better. Don't waste your time with the other Big Bear charters because all they did was follow our boat. It was like Sean was their fish finder. read more