Sportfishing resumes at Channel Islands Harbor

OXNARD—The Ventura County public health officer announced sportfishing businesses can resume operations again at Channel Islands Harbor. Two sportfishing charters operated out of Channel Islands Harbor: Hooks Landing and Channel Islands Sportfishing (CISCO).

The charters were allowed to resume its operations as of May 29, according to a statement released by Ventura County’s Harbor Department.

“Dr. Robert Levin, Ventura County public health officer, made a decision to allow sportfishing businesses to resume operations under pre-established safety guidelines,” the Harbor Department’s public information officer said in a released statement. “Ventura County Harbor Department Director Mark Sandoval said measures taken by sportfishing businesses will be consistent with guidelines developed and recommended by the Sportfishing Association of California, guidelines developed to ensure the safety of customers and employees.”

Both sportfishing businesses must enact the following measures when going out to sea:

• Social distancing
• Reduce passenger capacity
• Require all on board to wear a face mask
• Implement cleaning and sanitation measures
• Notify authorities if a passenger or crewmember develops Covid symptoms.

No word yet on whether Levin’s directive also applies to Ventura Harbor, which is managed by the Ventura Port District.

Levin’s directive also applies to Ventura Harbor, which is home to Endeavor, Island Spirit, Pacific Dawn and Pacifica, among other boats.

Channels Islands Harbor is under the jurisdiction of Ventura County; Ventura Harbor, meanwhile, is managed by Ventura Port District.

Sandoval said the re-opening of sportfishing charters at Channel Islands Harbor would be good for anglers and businesses alike.

“Sportfishing is an integral business component at the Harbor as it draws thousands of visitors to the Harbor every month who support other local businesses,” Sandoval said in a released statement. “With the reopening of our sportfishing operations, we anticipate anglers will be quick to book trips and enjoy a day out on the water.”

Deep sea fishing charters were halted during the Covid-19 pandemic; private fishing trips, however, were still occurring across the Southern and Central California region.