Meet Our Captain and Our Boat

Welcome!

Bay Charter Boats is owned by Matt Foster.  He and Captain Chad Aho started sailing the beautiful Ms Marin in 2016. For the last three years they have created wonderful experiences for thousands of people. You’re in skilled and experienced hands when you board the Ms Marin. 

Our Captain

Captain Chad Aho earned his captains license in 1994. Before that, he was a deckhand on a few different boats. He has decades of experience fishing and commanding tour boats. He worked from 1990-to 2016 aboard the New Keesa as a deckhand and then as a captain. In 2016 he joined forces with Matt and is the captain of our alluring Ms Marin.  Since then he has amazed our anglers, finding the best spots to fish in the Northern California waters. 

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Our Boat

Ms Marin is a 33′ foot boat that was originally built for the US Navy. It’s a 6 cylinder Cummins engine and cruises at 11-12 knots. The Ms Marin has a covered cabin, a restroom, and a bunk located downstairs, just in case you need to lay down. There is also a live bait tank with seating all around it. The Ms Marin is equipped with a GSP, Sonar, and VHF radios and all required safety equipment. You can feel safe on board this beautiful boat. 

Do I need to bring or buy equipment

We supply all your fishing equipment. Rods. reels, hooks, lures, and bait. When fishing salmon the first two 40 oz sinkers are included in your ticket price. Each additional 40 oz sinker is $7.  There are no hidden costs.

However, you still need to buy your fishing license. There is a shop at the marina, Berkeley Marina Bait and Tackle Shop that sells a 1-day license. You can also purchase one at Walmart and Big 5. Or you can buy online at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

You must have a sturgeon card to fish sturgeon. Limit 1. The Berkeley Marina Shop sells these.

Can we bring our own rod & tackle?

Of course! If you would like to bring all your own stuff, please do. We understand many like their own rod and reel. And if you happen to forget something, most likely, we have it on board. 

Can we bring our own food & drink?

Yes! Please pack a lunch. We do not provide food but you are welcome to bring it. We recommend a cooler. Alcohol is allowed but NO DRUGS. Even though Marijuana is legal in California it is not allowed on the boat-Coast Gaurd Policy. 

What time should we arrive for our charter?

We would like to see you check in about 20 minutes before departure time.   

How should dress?

Check the weather! We recommend you dress in layers. Things you can easily take off or put on if need be.

When we leave in the morning it can be brisk. Having a few layers allows you to wear warmer clothing and remove the added layers as the day progresses and the weather warms.

When we leave in the afternoon the weather can feel really warm until the early evening when the wind picks up and the sun starts to set. You’ll need clothes to put on. 

Remember your sunblock! And we recommend a hat and sunglasses. 

What should I bring with me?

Your fishing license. 

Your lunch and drinks. 

Sunblock, hat, sunglasses, extra clothes.

Your camera.

Can I bring my kids on the boat?

We love to see kids fishing. Yes! Bring them. Captain Chad caters to all ages, and all levels of expertise, young to old, everyone gets to have a great time fishing. Chad has great patience with kids and is a great teacher. 

Make it a weekend. Check out our Attractions page for things to do in Berkeley. 

Refund Policy

We require 48 hours of rescheduling or canceling your trip. If you cancel 48 hours before the date on your ticket you will receive a 100% refund. If you cancel within the 48 hours you will receive a partial refund and you will be charged a 30% cancellation fee.