Big Mike's Fishing Charters

TESTIMONIALS

Barndoor Halibutt "I have been going on Big Mike's charters for over 10 years now and it has always been a great trip, even when the fish weren't jumping in the boat. The great thing about going on a private charter is that you get to fish with your friends. All it takes is one jerk from the general public to turn your favorite hobby into a bad experience that you still have to pay for. Not having to guard your tackle from theft, people who refuse to move if you have to go around the boat with a good fish on, obnoxious drunks, the list goes on and on. In contrast by fishing Big Mike's charters I have developed a group of fishing friends and great memories."

"I have also had many epic fishing trips (168 yellowtail = 20 guys and limits of 3 - 30 lb average seabass for everyone on the boat by 5 am come to mind) and scored some scored some major large halibut (25-41 lbs)."

"I work 55-60 hours a week and appreciate the convenience of having a monthly trip to look forward to without the hassle of making arrangements. Setting up a charter on your own is a lot of work and you have to deal with people backing out at the last minute. Big Mike takes all those issues off the table and lets you relax and enjoy your trip. Mike has many years of So Cal fishing experience, and knows all the boats and skippers, so you are always fishing the best boats. I heartily recommend you book your trip with Big Mike's and hope you get the chance to fish with him too, since he is great guy."

Peter A. Schilhavy
Mechanical Design Engineer
"AKA the Rocket scientist"

"I have had the pleasure of fishing with Mike Elder for over 5 years now and I have been truly impressed with his knowledge, his compassion, and his willingness to go the extra mile for you."

"His charters are second to none, in my book. I have been on other charters, but the do not have that special magic that Mike's charters have. A very professional and seasoned angler, Mike is well versed in what is required to have a great time."

Nice Reds "Thinking about bringing the kids? Mike is great with them, encouraging them to experience the pure joy of reeling in the 'big one.' I have even seen Mike hook many fish, simply to hand it to a youngster so that they can experience the 'fight' of the fish and I like to watch the smile that comes to his face when the fish is finally landed and the kid stands there proudly with the fish and dad is taking photos."

"Mike understands the sea, the boats, the fish and what is needed to catch them, so even the most novice fisherman would be in good hands with his charters, I have personally taken may of my novice friends on his charters, only to see them catch a white sea bass, or big red snapper on one of his charters, then to be hooked (pun intended) on coming back on another charter."

"Mike's dedication for the less fortunate has been shown for the last 10 years as he organized, fished, handed out prizes and delivered thousands of pounds of fresh fish to a local area homeless shelter, leaving them with not only fish to feed the hungry, but cash to take care of their expenses - All this for a simple thank you."

"Fellow anglers, you will not regret booking charters with Big Mike. In fact you will see that all I have said is true, and I believe you will have one of the best times of your life!!! So check your calendars, and make the call, book your trip and have a great time with Big Mike's Charters!!!!!"

Tight Lines & Sharp Hooks!!!
D. Joseph
Reseda, CA

"Thank you for the quality entertainment our clients have experienced with Big Mike's Fishing Charters! 'That was a day never to be forgotten,' our clients said, and they will keep it in memory for years to come. They are fully satisfied and will share their experience with their friends and recommend Big Mike's to them. On behalf of our company I would like to thank you for taking such a meticulous care of our clients and I am looking forward to further cooperation with you when such an opportunity arises. Thank you again and I wish you success in your future endeavors!"

Sincerely,
Irina Christie

"I have fished on Mike Elder's Charters for ten years and he runs a first rate operation. Whether it has been a small group or large, he manages to make everyone feel welcome and special. The hassle of planning a trip is made simple with all of his attention to details."

Scott

"I've been fishing with Mike for over 15 years, the reason is because Mike is a great host and the fishing has been good. I recommend Mike's charters to anyone who thinks camaraderie is just as important as fishing."

David G. Walker
Hacienda Heights, CA

Charlie's 'Butt "I met Mike at the rail of the Fury about 25 years ago. We have been good friends ever since. I have been fishing with Mike on numerous occasions and have been on all but one Homeless Charter when I was recovering from back surgery."

"When you meet Mike you know he is definitely a 'straight arrow' - the kind of guy you want to be your friend. Everything he does is quality; and that includes his fishing charters. One of the many things I admire in Mike is the fact that he is very willing to share info, help the novice fisherperson and ensure everyone has a good time. I have never met an individual who so willingly gives to others without benefiting himself -- the Homeless Charter is a good example."

"I have attached a picture of a fish caught on one of the Homeless Charters -- and, as it was a fish for the Homeless Charter, I couldn't take a piece home (rules are rules!)"

Charlie Thomas

FISHING FOR CHARITY
by Andrew Johnson

Nineteen years ago, Life Member Mike Elder was searching for a way to turn his passion for saltwater fishing into something more. "My buddy and I were talking about helping people who didn't have much," Elder says. "That weekend, my wife and I came up with a plan to go deep-sea fishing for charity."

At the time, Elder was living in San Bernardino, California, and his wife had some experience working with a battered women's shelter. Together, they hatched a plan to organize a fishing tournament that would donate the entire catch to the shelter. "That first year 10 or 12 of us simply got together and went fishing," he says. "We made up the rules as we went, had a great time and decided to do it again. In fact, every one of those guys that started still goes with me each year."

Capt. Bobby Gaffs Big Mike's Big Butt For the past 19 years, Life Member Mike Elder, left, has been hosting charity fishing tournaments along the California coast.

For the first five years, all of the fish were donated to the battered women's shelter, but then Elder and his wife moved up the California coast to Ventura. "I wanted tokeep the tournament going, so I approached a group called Project Understanding, which has done some fabulous stuff, all on a donation basis," he says. "They were ecstatic about it, and the rest is history. It was important to me to keep the tournament free from government subsidies, so it was a perfect match."

Over the years, the popularity of the events has grown, but the rules remain simple: participants pay a $75 entry fee to cover the cost of the charter boat, plus whatever they want to donate toward a raffle. The angler who catches the largest fish receives a handcrafted rod and trophy. The most important rule—everyone must have fun!

Although the tournaments have been about helping the less fortunate, Elder admits the fishing isn't too bad either. For every event, he has enlisted the charter services of fishing Capt. Bob Valney, who cuts the cost of his service in half for the group. "We don't target any specific species of fish," he says. "Capt. Valney is out there every day, so we let him make the decisions—and he hasn't done us wrong yet. In 2002, we had over 200 yellowtail in the boat, which totaled over 1,000 pounds of donated fish."

To date, the tournament has given more than 9,000 pounds of fresh fish and over $25,000 to charity.

Elder is hosting another tournament April 12, however, this time the proceeds will go to his longtime fishing partner and friend Bill Thomas, 40, who recently suffered a rare spinal stroke. He is now a quadriplegic and breathes with the help of a ventilator. To participate in or donate to this upcoming event, contact Life Member Mike Elder at (805) 672-2414.

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