Just got back from an incredible 3-day trip on the Red Rooster III and I cannot say enough amazing things about this experience. From start to finish, everything was absolutely top-notch! The deck crew -- Art, Dylan, Anthony, and Julian -- were phenomenal and worked nonstop the entire trip. They were always there helping, teaching, untangling lines, answering questions, and making sure everyone had what they needed. A special shoutout to Art because he truly deserves recognition. He was beyond helpful, kind, patient, and always had a smile on his face. He is an absolute saint and made such a difference in the experience. People like him are what make trips like this unforgettable. Chef Mike absolutely knocked it out of the park with the food -- every meal was amazing and way beyond what you'd ever expect on a fishing boat. Assistant Fernando was also fantastic and helped keep everything running seamlessly. Charter master Mark Moffat brought amazing energy to the trip with fun prizes right from the beginning that got everyone excited and engaged. Captain Kevin Underwood was outstanding. His seminar was incredibly informative, and his knowledge and guidance put everyone in the best position to succeed. He worked hard to help everyone get on fish, and thanks to him and the incredible crew, people were catching limits of bluefin! This entire trip felt like fishing with family. Amazing crew, amazing food, amazing leadership, and memories that will last forever. 5 stars all the way -- I can't wait to come back! read more

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So Captain Kevin gives the class and the plan of action on what we will be doing in the next few days of our 6 day trip. I take notes. Then, I transfer them all to 3X5 flash cards. Sitting in the galley I am going through them. Folks ask what I am doing and tell them and also how excellent his class was as it goes exactly along what the various fishing book collection have to say. It is a travel day, one thing leads to another and we start playing "The Flashcard Game (like the tutor at vocational college taught). So this "Night Captain" "Art" sees us doing this and gets really angry. I mean like crazy St. John Fisher Catholic Nun teaching class bends over and someone in back lets out a raspberry noice to cause her psychopathic response. The Nun on the playground uncontrollably angry because little boys are playing in the mud. This "ART" dude does not like the questions nor the fact we "need" to be have to be doing this: Captain and crew names, times we will be fishing and where, how to tie the various knots, the fishing lines to use, hooks, lures, and etc... Just doing my best to be a good fisherman, a good passenger, and a contributing member towards our boat totals. ART targets me, public mockery and is relentless, 24 hours a day. Please do not misunderstand me. Everyone in this good organisation are well trained and very excellent at their jobs. The loss of stars is because of "Night Skipper" "Art" who is that Crazy Nun from Catholic School. read more

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Great Boat, Great Officer, Great Crew & food. This operation is Exceptional and you will be glad you used them. read more

This US sportfishing boat keeps sneaking into Mexico's natural protected areas. Mexico is still working on how to respond June 6, 2025 Sport fishers cast off the fishing boat Red Rooster III Conanp said the Red Rooster III has entered the national park without authorization at least eight times since 2017. (via El País) Share Mexico's ability to defend its marine sanctuaries is being put to the test in Revillagigedo National Park, the largest marine protected area in North America. According to a report from Mexico's National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), a U.S.-flagged sportfishing vessel has entered the massive, 14.8-million hectare, no-take biodiversity zone multiple times since 2017. Isla San Benedicto, a volcanic island in the Revillagigedo Archipelago Revillagigedo National Park is a marine protected area surrounding the Revillagigedo Archipelago, a series of four volcanic islands. (via Periódico de Saltillo) The most recent expeditions occurred in January and March, according to satellite data collected by Conanp. The area is in the eastern Pacific Ocean, about 390 kilometers southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula and approximately 720 to 970 kilometers west of the Mexican mainland. Conanp said that the fishing boat Red Rooster III -- operated by San Diego-based Lee Palm Sportfishers, according to the newspaper El País -- entered the park near Clarión Island, one of four islands in the area. The vessel traveled at 4 to 7 knots, a speed consistent with fishing, and displayed zigzagging movements generally associated with tuna and wahoo (ono) fishing. "This activity is completely prohibited in Revillagigedo, and it wouldn't be the only irregularity this vessel has committed," Fabio Favoretto, a Scripps Institution of Oceanography analyst involved in monitoring, told El País. Social media posts from the vessel's January trip showed crew posing with freshly caught tuna, further supporting the allegations. Historically, the area in question was known as the Revillagigedo Archipelago Biosphere Reserve after Mexico designated it a biosphere reserve in 1994. In 2016, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage natural site, and a year later, Mexico expanded its protections and declared it a national park -- which stood as the last such designation until two years ago. The area's four volcanic islands are uninhabited except for two small naval bases and are accessible only by sea, typically from Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, or Manzanillo, Colima. Often described as the crown jewel of Mexico's marine conservation efforts, Revillagigedo offers sanctuary to the continent's greatest concentration of tropical marine megafauna and is sometimes called "the Galápagos of Mexico." The area offers critical refuge, spawning grounds and migratory routes to a remarkable variety of marine species, including humpback whales, manta rays, dolphins, hammerheads and other types of sharks, yellowfin tuna, and other game and table fish. A screen capture from the platform Global Fishing Watch shows the route the boat took from San Diego to the marine protected area Revillagigedo National Park. A screen capture from the tracking platform Global Fishing Watch shows the route the boat took from San Diego into Revillagigedo National Park. (Conanp) Studies cited by conservationists indicate that such protected areas can boost adjacent fisheries by 12% to 18% through population spillover. Yet the park's remote location and vast size make enforcement challenging. Mexican tour operators are regulated by sustainable wildlife-watching practices when they visit the area, which has increasingly become a mecca for scuba divers. In 2023, a trip there was chosen by National Geographic's as one of its top five "adrenaline-pumping adventures." Conanp collected its data using the open-access Global Fishing Watch and the A.I.-enhanced Skylight, two advanced digital platforms that monitor and analyze vessel activity at sea, particularly to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Conanp said it documented at least eight unauthorized entries by the Red Rooster III since 2017. Despite submitting evidence to Mexico's Federal Attorney General for Environmental Protection (Profepa) and the Navy (SEMAR), no sanctions have been imposed, El País reported. The national park protects a wide variety of species including whales, coral reefs, giant manta rays and migratory birds. (Octavio Aburto/Marine Conservation Institute) Profepa has declined to comment, while SEMAR stated it "does not have any other type of information" beyond satellite alerts. Meanwhile, Conanp officials lament systemic gaps. "We must act in accordance with international law, but what's the point of protecting an area by decree if the law isn't respected?" Benito Bermúdez, Conanp's regional director, asked in El País. A 2018 case involving a tourist vessel near Clarión Island ended without read more

For my birthday, I went on my longest fishing trip to date on the Red Rooster III. Was I looking forward to it? 8 days away from the hussel and bussel of my life.... and fishing too? You bet your serenity I was looking forward to it. As a matter of fact, I was extremely excited. When I first stepped on the boat, I was floored. Wood paneling. Plenty of belly room at the galley tables. Clean bathrooms with full showers. Tiny. But real showers instead of a hand held over the floor drain. The 2 man state rooms were also very nice. They provided you with very comfortable bedding and pillows. (Shhhh. I still used my own). Now I don't use my own because of any Covid fear, but Covid did make me realize that using my own bedding was probably for the best. However, I must admit that I did see a full cleaning crew bring in fresh linen and pillows as they were preparing the boat for our trip. So I admit that the bedding was clean and fresh. What? Of course I arrived 4 hours before departure. That's the best part. You get to meet and hang with the guys you'll be fishing with for the next 8 days. Remember, everybody is just as excited and joyful as I am before a trip. Hours waiting to get on the boat is like a tail gate at a sporting event. The captain gave one of the most inciteful and specific pre fishing seminars I've ever experienced. Don't get me wrong. It's not like he was going to teach me how to fish, but he did teach me how to fish on this boat. He was very clear on what was successful and what may not work. Granted I still fish the way I fish, but it was useful and I incorporated what I needed into my technique for the trip. The food was just amazing. Comfort food at a whole other level. The burger was on steiroids. The steak was juicy and perfectly cooked. The veggies were plump and firm. The service impeccable. The crew was also amazing. You have to understand that once we anchored up for the yellowfin, the bite was nonstop. These guys had to gaff the hundreds of fish caught and get them into the well as soon as possible in a group of experienced anglers. We can be a little hard headed and set in our ways. Plus, each night, they placed new leader line on all of our reels to make sure that we were properly geared up for a sucessful day of fishing the next day. When we took a day off the boat to ponga fish, they took the time to get the boat together. When we got back, they were swimming in the warm waters off the coast of Cedros Island. I thought that was pretty cool. read more

Red Rooster III - Me and my Black Sea Bass. - Boating Near Me - San Diego, California

They know how to find the fish! Knowledgeable and friendly captain and deckhands. Every meal was fantastic. The boat is comfortable and clean. Book it!!! read more

I 100% recommend this fishing trip one of my best experience and life. Fernando food amazing !!! and the Captain 100 % Complying To find tuna . The rest of the team amazing people always willing to help and make you feel fantastic. Definitely doing it again!!! read more

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I was a on a 3-day trip. We were charged extras on the departure date for fuel surcharge, fishing permits and visas to fish in Mexico water but the boat went north and stayed in US water. No one caught anything until the second night and third day. No fishing on the third night. There were times when the boat stopped for fishing for a few minutes and started moving again. Captain Kevin and crew were helpful and professional but did not find much fish on this trip. Other boats caught more fish. I will not go on RR3 again. read more

My husband and father are both technosaurs, so I'm writing this up on their behalf. They both had a terrible trip last year. They caught very few fish and it was boring beyond belief. Yet, being the devout deep-sea fishermen that they are, they decided to give the Red Rooster another shot this year. Unfortunately that trip did not happen due to Hurricane Harvey. Sadly they had to cancel the trip to batten down the hatches and keep their families safe during the hurricane. You would think the Red Rooster would be understanding and return at least a fraction of their $700 deposits. At the very least, you would think the owner, Linda Palm, would put that money toward a future fishing trip. Nope and nope. In response, Linda said, "Well you should have purchased travel insurance." Seriously? Does this woman watch the news? Did she see the mass chaos in Texas? Does she have any modicum of respect or sympathy for her customers who pay top dollar for a mediocre fishing excursion? Again, nope and nope. Oh and I should mention that buddies of the crew were allowed to freeload on this extravagant six-day trip. How is that fair to paying clients? We've accepted the fact that we're out $700, and that there's nothing we can do about this unfortunate turn of events. All I can do is spread awareness about this greedy woman who has zero respect for her clients. Never again! read more

After reading Jessica's review of the Red Rooster III I was very upset. So I called the office and asked about this. I was told that Ms. Linda had refunded their deposit. So Ms. Linda is not cold and heartless. I have fished on the Red Rooster III for many years. I've always had a great time. I am booked on an 8 day trip this October and I am sure I will have another great time FISHING on the Red Rooster III. As for catching I hope the fish like what I offer them. read more

I have been on this boat many times. Pricey, but fair, considering the crew, the food, the ability to catch fish...large to very large fish. I am on this boat 2-3 times a year and other boats, and somehow this captain, Andy, really knows how to land on the perfect locations. It is weird how it seems like a family they way they treat me. The captain is very open and approachable. The crew and galley always goes the extra distance to make the trip special. Hate to say this....why did I spend all that money on other boats? read more

Red Rooster III - YF 130# - Boating Near Me - San Diego, California

I have been fishing for over 50 years on various boats in the San Diego fleet. I just returned from a day and a half trip on the red rooster and it was by far the finest boat and crew that I have ever experienced. The skipper Andy Cates, runs the most professional crew imaginable. We had 24 people on the boat there were no fish farmed no tangle or Birdsnest was too big for these guys to get out it was just an incredible experience. The boat is a dream to fish all 107 feet of it the deckhands are the most helpful I have ever seen. The accommodations are top notch and the food would rival the best restaurants. The skipper is definitely hands-on and will take care of anything that you need. Do yourself a favor try this boat if you like real quality fishing accommodations food and overall angling experience. Oh I forgot to mention everyone on the boat got limits of bluefin Dorado yellowtail and a sprinkling of yellow fin. read more

I'll start off by saying that I deckhand out of fisherman's wharf in SF, so I know a thing or two about the industry and the standard service a boat and crew should supply and these guys are world class. Top notch galley and a great crew. Very luxurious staterooms and they keep the boat super clean. If you are worried about coronavirus-don't. They are taking extra precautions and keeping everyone's safety in mind. Don't forget to tip the crew and galley guys! Thanks so much for the good time gentlemen. Hope to see you again soon. read more

This review is for my 5 day fishing trip last September (2012) First off, the ladies in the office really kept in touch with us before the trip date to make sure we all have what we needed for the trip. On the day of the tri, we were running a bit late so she called to make sure we're ok and kept the captain in tune with where we were. Kudos to them. The crew consisted of the legendary Andy Cates, Tim, Nicky, Trevor, Derek, Fernando and Stanley. I've been fishing for over 20 some years and have done my share of multi day trips and I must say, this crew is by FAR the BEST. They work in teams and are a well oiled machine when it comes to being productive and precision. From handling tangles, gaffing fish during a WFO bite, mentoring newbies, talking through chaos and even keeping the boat tidy and clean. There was hardly a time where they sat and did nothing. They're always keeping themselves busy and that's what a hard working crew does. They were never rude and no matter how many years and trips they've been on, they still treated everybody on the boat with respect even the ones that needed some scolding. Hats off to them keeping their composure. Andy brought us to the fish and our trip, to me, was ranked top 3 of all my days of fishing. Yellowfin, Bluefin, Mahi Mahi and yellowtails galore. The epic night bite on quality Yellows will forever be singed into my memory banks. Thanks RR3! read more

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The captain and crew worked exceedingly hard to put on an awesome trip. Definitely buy travel insurance. My girlfriend got hurt loading her horse two days before the trip. Stuff happens. Awesome food, clean bathrooms, nice but small cabins, and a lot of help at the rail with tackle, techniques, and fighting fish. Not for the faint of heart, but if you to battle big fish this is your best chance. read more

Best long range sportfishing vessel I have been on. The skippers, crew and of course the lovely Christina in the office make the whole fishing experience something I look forward to every year! The boat is spotless, crew is a well oiled machine, food is good, and we will watch tv on the satellite oftentimes. What isn't there to like? read more

Red Rooster III - Boating Near Me - San Diego, California

I have fished long range trips for over 25 year, but nothing over 5 days. Well, I have always wanted to fish for Wahoo which was very difficult to do on short trips, so I decided to bit the bullet on a 8 day trip. Now which boat do I choose? I did my homework and decided on the Red Rooster 3 I talked to many long rangers and Andy Cates name kept coming up, so this was a no brainer. I booked a 8 day trip the 21st of Oct along with my son Keith and best friend Glen. When that special day arrived we found out Andy would not be the Captain on this trip, He had worked so many day straight, that he had lost count. Andy turned control of the boat over to Erin, a well known long range Captain. I was a little apprehensive with the change, Wow was I wrong, Captain Erin is as good as it gets. We spent 40+ hours going straight to Alijos Rocks, one of the top Wahoo destinations in the world. We ended up with over 40 Wahoo, and later in the trip limits of Yellowfin The crew aboard the Red Rooster 3 reminded me of a nascar pit crew.The food prepared by Chef Mike was out of this world. This was a Bucket List trip for me and I could not be happier Thank You Red Rooster 3 I will be back Terry Mitchell read more

just got back from 1.5 day trip with my buddy alex . was bumpy to say the least but the crew did the best they could . outstanding effort. we didnt catch much but we learned how to fish for huge bluefin . congrats to the guy that got the 224 pounder with help of the entire crew and capt sitting on the rod butt ! food was excellent and boat was very clean.look forward to when we can afford to go again with these guys .105 foot boat is never crowded... this is from stewart and alex, thanks again guys read more

I went on a 5 day, Larry Brown charter, fishing trip on the Red Rooster III (RR) sports fishing boat. I have to start by saying the RR captain and crew and top notch. These guys work their a$$ off to help you land your fish. In the 20 years I have been fishing I have never seen a crew work so well. These guys will do all they can to help you land your tuna. They run, untangle, gaff, cook, and chum while maintaining a high sense of professionalism. The RR boat is CLEAN. Its fast and its steady. Andy the captain has great communication and leadership skills. He smells the fish and gets them on the deck. The state rooms have plenty of storage space, a nice sink and big beds. Two per room. I am pretty sure there were 4 showers. OK now I have to mention the food. The cook, Stan, was very friendly and accommodating. Mail them your diet concerns in advance. They will do what they can to make it right. The chef helper, Fernando, was excellent. He kept the galley clean and made sure you had whatever you need. The moment you sat...Bam you got a gourmet meal sitting in front of you. In 5 days we ate fish once. The rest of the time it was nothing but home cooked healthy meals. I went on trip #14, 5 day. I caught 580 lbs of fish. Trip of a lifetime........Hook up....Color...Gaff.. High Fives..... read more

The Red Rooster III is one fine long range sport fishing vessel. The own, captain and crew are fantastic. This the only way to long range fishing. read more