Equipment: The boat is a 2012 37’ Strike that is in pristine condition and meticulously maintained. The vessel was re-powered in 2020 with twin 550 turbo diesel engines and cruised at 20 - 25 knots. The boat has a full walk around configuration and rides dry. The boat has a cabin with electric head and the deck has high gunwales for added confidence with children (and adults) on board, we had our 11 year old with us. The boat has updated electronics / fish finder / GPS and Captain Ray had his spots efficiently marked. Captain Ray navigated from the flying bridge so we had the enclosed helm / deck area to ourselves to relax and stay out of the wind.
The fishing equipment they provided were Shimano rods and Penn reels, all in excellent condition - they had the perfect tackle and bait for the species we were after…all the right equipment. We stopped at the bait barge and fished with sardines and squid. The boat has livewells and a freshwater washdown system.
The Crew: Captain Ray Vasilas is experienced, professional and friendly, as novices; he made us feel comfortable from the moment we stepped aboard the boat. His deck hand Ernie was equally as professional and friendly and did an excellent job of explaining everything, helping us and cleaning the fish. Captain Ray was able to get us over some great spots compensating for the drift and wind, we all fished from the Starboard side to avoid lines going under the boat but the configuration of the Strike allows for 360 degree fishing.
Definitely a five star personalized experience, I thought the price was fair considering the overheads the business has; fuel, slip fees, insurance, maintenance, bait, equipment and so on. I didn’t feel like Ray or Ernie cut any corners.
I was with my father in law, wife, and 11 year old and we all had a great experience, we caught too many fish to count, we had enough keepers for dinner and then some, Ernie did a nice job cleaning and icing down the fish.
Highly recommend the Wild Goose, Captain Ray is welcome to use us a reference, indeed, we discussed finding a time to go out with him again this summer.
Equipment: The boat is a 2012 37’ Strike that is in pristine condition and meticulously maintained. The vessel was re-powered...
Thank you John for the thorough review! We have a lot of passion for what we do and it’s rewarding hearing people recognize that. It was a pleasure to fish with you and your family.