UC San Diego Library – Scripps Digital Collection

At the beginning of the 20th century, marine partyboat fishing in California was a wealthy man's sport, but 30 years later, the nucleus of the present day fleet of about 400 partyboats was forming. The development of the fleet from 1936 to 1967 is traced in brief, including mention of the influence of governmental agencies on safety, food handling, communications, employment, records of catch, and taxes. A study of fleet activities for one year, 1963, is presented and reveals some economic facts of partyboat life.

During the 21 year period, 1947–1967, the statewide marine partyboat fleet reported a catch of over 71 million fish. Annual totals ranged from 2.0 to 5.4 million fish.

Salmon, striped bass, rockfish, and lingcod have been the primary species sought and taken from Oregon to Point Arguello, whereas off southern California the California barracuda, kelp and sand bass, California yellowtail, Pacific bonito, and California halibut were the most important species.

Of the 20 most important partyboat game fishes in the southern California fishery, all except one entered the commercial fishery.