For my birthday, my wife surprised me with something I'd never done. (She does this often for my birthdays, and they're always great. Bless her.) She kept it a secret, but when we got off I-5 heading to Anacortes on Thursday night I kind of figured out that we might just be going fishing on a charter trip! I was really excited for today. For a bit of background on the reviewer, I fly fish and rarely get the opportunity to use gear like we did today. I am used to catching fish and am used to catching salmon on a fly rod. I'm also used to having zero fish days. It's part of fishing. Some days are fishy and some aren't. For me it's more about the experiences and just getting out there and enjoying our beautiful state and having fun with great people. We arrived at the harbor and the door was already open. Brett arrived just after we got there and we were introduced to the other two anglers who went with us. So, we had a friendly crew and we headed out to hit the briny deep! Brett's vessel is great and in no time we were at our destination with lines in the water. His instructions were precise and simple enough that he didn't need to entertain questions from this newbie. Though we were in a crowded area, I was delighted at how friendly and personable he was with all the other folks fishing and so he set a great example on how to do things right in my book. He's got a great sense of humor and he helped make the day a very fun, relaxing and rewarding experience. I would highly recommend his services to anyone who is interested in having a great day on the water in our beautiful neck of the woods. This review isn't clouded by the fact that we all limited out on Coho either, I want you to realize. I would have been perfectly happy if I hadn't caught anything. It was really about the experience for me. Brett and Highliner Charters really made it happen in a great way. I do feel bad that the final fish of the day that I caught flopped around a lot and knocked over the remaining excellent smoked salmon and Ritz crackers that Brett had out for us to munch on during the trip. I guess I'll just have to smoke up some of the slabs from this morning's catch and pay him back with one. I like to think I will use him again next July when they fish for King Salmon if I can get a day to do that. I would do it in a heartbeat. read more

This charter service was recommended by the local ACE hardware store and we couldn't of been happier. The boat was clean and modern, Tyler was extremely professional and a pleasure to fish with. As soon as we boarded he gave us the safey instructions which as an ex coast guardsmen I really appreciated as well as my wife who is a afraid of the boating part of fishing. She was a lot more comfortable after he gave her his lighter and more modern life jack that she could wear for the entire trip. She also felt safer once she knew that I had been given instructions on what to do in case of an emergency. Just in case I hadn't learned during my time in the USCG. We proceeded to the islands and had a great day fishing and as a bonus the killer whales were all around us all day. The salmon were jumping so we even used bait casting to catch some as well as the down ridging system. We limited out which made it even a better day. In fact, we hit a slow period towards the end of the day and I suggested we call it a day. But Tyler said we only needed to catch three more to limit out and he wanted to stay a little longer. As soon as he said that we were on the fish again and limited out. We will book with them again the next time we're in Whidbey island visiting family. read more

I just had one of my best-ever fishing days. The weather started out lousy but Captain Brett, a retired Navy Pilot and Rescue Swimmer, was sure it was going to let up so he advised us to wait it out. We are sooo glad he did. He was exactly right about the weather; it did get better and we were able to get out to one of his secret spots. We each caught at least one Ling Cod and most of us got our limit. I have been fishing numerous times, most often in Hawaii, and was a little nervous about going out in the rougher waters in the Puget Sound because I have a balance problem. Captain Brett, besides being very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about fishing, is also the kind of man you want at the helm if there's a problem. There were no problems but it certainly was a comfort to know that we were all in such capable hands. My thanks to Captain Rosson for being so professional, accommodating, capable and knowledgeable -- and for convincing me that fishing in the Puget Sound is just as exciting, and more scenic, than fishing in Hawaii. read more

My family can only get together about once a year due to long distances and busy schedules, and we love to fish when we are here in Washington. We have gone on four trips with Brett and his crew - each one was an incredible time. They have always made us feel like family and gone above and beyond previous charters we have been on. Whether you are laid back or competitive, young or old, pro or amateur Brett and his crew will make your trip great. They are knowledgeable and will get you on the fish if there are some to be had. This last trip we came back with more fish than anyone else on the docks and even the family member who had never fished before had a blast with the biggest fish caught! Thanks Brett and Austin for the BEST TIME YET!!! We were a little wary about bringing the youngest member of the family (she's almost 4), but Brett had her at ease & enjoying every bit of trip and she even reeled in her first fish. We would HIGHLY recommend Brett & Austin read more

What a great trip Raymond met us a store and guided us into the Marina then proceeded to get us out safely in some pretty nasty fog. The boat is nice and there is lots of room for 4-5 people. Another positive is that there is heat inside the cabin. On a cool day that is nice. Also on our trip when the fog did lift we saw 2 Salmon caught and one was on our boat. Ray then took us and put on some rock fish. Of course we couldn't keep the Lingcod and Spinebacks, but we did get a Grenling (sp?) and a Cabazon (Sp?)... As a Veteran I would also recommend Highliner as it is a Veteran Owned Business and Veterans receive a discount as well. Finally the amout of time for the charter 8 hours... In Michigan Salmon charters are usually 4 hours. Thanks again to Brett, and especially Raymond for giving us a lifetime of memories. If I get back here I will be using them again... :) read more

We had a nice trip yesterday with Brett, who owns this business and R and R Fishing Charters. He clearly loves being out on the water fishing. I was worried when he said that the day before they hadn't had even a nibble all day. I was more worried when we caught fish we had to release (two cohos and a ling cod). It was getting right to the end of the time we had on the boat and I thought we'd go home empty handed. But Brett knew how badly we wanted a fish. He kept fishing past our time to head back. With just seconds before he was going to call it quits, my son and another fellow had fish on! My son reeled and reeled and wanted me to take over, but we encouraged him to keep going. After five minutes of fighting, he landed a 15 lb king! read more

My dad booked the charter with Brent, and Austin was our captain. Austin did a great job putting us on the fish as we had nine hooked up over the eight-hour trip. We kept four (two were too small to keep and three got off the hook before making it to the boat). I would not hesitate to use these guys again, and will be passing their name around the office up here. Austin was very personable and helped to keep things fun during the slow periods when fish weren't biting. They were also very good to us when our original party of four got shaken up at the last minute due to an emergency work trip for one of our guys, giving us lots of options when we only gave them about three days notice. read more

what can i say good day on the water with bait in the water should always be this good the bigest fish of the day to this charter and nice great fishing better than any charter i have had and i have had alot of them captain brett is a great fisherman and better freind yes thats how the trip ended up ask a question and he knows the answer finding fish hes the master hats off to you if you want to know how many and what size look at the web site we are their halibut did not have a chance this is a great charter dont wast time or money just go with the best price is great salmon halibut lingcod fair winds a screaming reels read more

Just got back from salmon fishing with my son in law; last day of the season, and Neptune did not disappoint: we each netted a good sized keeper. Captain Brett is a skilled professional, all the gear is provided, and he goes out of his way to make the excursion a good experience. The weather was suboptimal, but that never stops a real fisherman anyway. Learned about Highliner Charters and Captain Brett from another family member, and now I strongly recommend the experience, as provided by a personable talented fisherman. Another plus: he is able to provide on-the-spot fishing licenses, which is truly a luxury. read more

It doesn't get much better than this. Captain Brett is professional, personable, and makes the entire experience a joy. He served our country in the Navy, now serves others in this way and shares his passion for fishing with all ages, all skill levels. And beyond that, 10% of their proceeds go to less fortunate people through Rice Bowl Ministries! That's testament to the quality of individuals they are. And the four gorgeous Chinooks are testament to the quality of their fishing prowess! I HIGHLY recommend Highliner Charters! Thanks Captain Brett! FISH ON! read more

What an amazing day of fishing! Captain Brett really knows his stuff. He does things a little different than most, which is probably why he catches more than most! Brett knows the waters well, and more importantly he knows the fish! Knowing what the fish will bite, and when they go on the bite, is perhaps the most important skill a charter captain can have, more so up in the islands where currents can be very strong. Captain Brett has both down to a science. We limited the boat out and went back early. Simply amazing! I will surely be back next year! read more

I had a great time with Highliner Charters. I love to fish and have been for most my life. Lingcod however I didn't know much about. So I decided to book a trip with Highliner charters and go to school. Not only did I learn a lot, I caught a huge lingcod. The key is to listen and do exactly as Captain Bret tells you. Do that, and you're in for a catch of a lifetime. Bret and Rick go out of their way to help you catch fish. Their equipment is great, and boat is awesome. Thanks ..Charles read more

We had a fantastic time fishing with Captain Austin at Highliner Charters! I wanted to bring my two girls ages six and eight for their first experience with salmon fishing. The girls were probably just as excited about the boat ride as anything else, but we were also lucky enough for them to each land their own salmon. As a schoolteacher, Captain Austin is great with kids. And I can recommend to anyone that a day salmon fishing with your kids for the day I'll never forget. read more

Its always disappointing to spend the day fishing and come up with no fish at the end! However, this is no fault of Highliner Charters. Our captain, Brett, took us out for 6 hours, he took us to many fishing spots, and we had the chance to see many of the San Juan Islands, the day was beautiful, with sunny skies and we shared our boat with nice folks. The experience of being out on the water and educated about the surrounding places, in a comfortable boat was very satisfying. read more

Too bad there are only five stars, because our Highliner Charters experience was really first rate. Captain Brett knew all the right places to go, when to go there, and how to fish it. He runs a great business and has a passion for fishing. The boat and equipment were of the finest quality and were well maintained. Brett's mate, Rick, was so helpful to every member of our party. Everyone caught fish and thoroughly enjoyed the experience! We plan to be back next year. read more

Yesterday was my second trip out with Highliner Charters and once again had a phenomenal time! Captain Brett is a true professional, who doesn't just know how to fish, but is very courteous and goes out of his way to make sure you have an outstanding time! I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND him to anybody looking for a quality fishing trip. He supplies everything you need, and even better the price is completely reasonable! THANKS so much for the AWESOME trip Brett!!! read more

Absolute Blast of a time, had fish on the boat within the first 45 minutes of being out. Captain Brett is very helpful and attentive to the needs of his customers. Quality gear and a comfortable boat made for a memorable experience. Fishing was great and the scenery in the San Juan Islands is beautiful. I would highly recommend this charter to anyone and I plan to go again! read more

Three of us boarded Capt. Brett's boat early on July 3rd and within a few hours all of us had limited out on King Salmon. Can't say enough about Brett and his attention to detail and dedication in providing a good time and fish for his clients. He took care of the cleaning too! Wouldn't use anyone else in the San juan Islands. G.L. read more

Today was the second time I have done a halibut fishing trip with Highliner Charters and both times I was not disappointed. Captain Brett is very courteous and accommodating. He always has plenty of tackle and extra gear on board and ready to help when needed. I highly recommend Highliner Charters for your next fishing excursion. read more