channel islands harbor breakwall

LOCAL EXPERIENCE

Having been a local commercial fisherman for the last 15 years, Captain Dave has over 800 crossings to the Channel Islands and has traversed the Santa Barbara Channel in rough and calm conditions. With over 13,000 verified hours at sea in these local waters, you should feel comfortable you are in good hands.  Cpt. Dave is First Aid Certified and has credentials from the US Coast Guard as an Onboard Safety Drill Inspector.

He takes his duty as Captain very serious and will ensure the safety of his passengers as his primary function at all times.

He is more than happy to share a few of his wild stories at sea and can tell you a few fishing stories that Captain Ahab himself would admire.

Captain Dave aboard the North Sea

MY STORY

Hello,

Welcome aboard to my story.  I was raised around the ocean.  I grew up fishing the docks and dreaming of a life at sea.  I knew my destiny was somewhere close to, if not on the water.  

After College and some odd end jobs, I found a career that matched my passion for the ocean.  I started as a deckhand in the California Sea Urchin Commercial Diving Industry.  I tried my hand at diving for these urchins, but found my talents lent themselves above water more than in it.

I have worked and lived in the Channel Islands Harbor for a decade and a half.  I decided that I wanted to share my experience with those that may not always have the same opportunities we fishermen have.  The experience of being up close and personal with the marine wildlife in our area.

I am a conservationist, who wants to protect the ocean and its inhabitants.  The decision to become a charter boat captain was an easy one, knowing that I can provide education of our area and help raise awareness of the need to protect our local environment.

“Within 15 minutes, we will be in a whole new world”

Sea Urchin Deckhand

Responsible for the safe pickup of commercial divers, who spend 4 to 5 hours a day underwater harvesting these sea creatures.  The Sea Urchin Commercial Fishery is a sustainable fishery, and harvesting these creatures is akin to mowing your lawn to the reefs underwater.  For more Sea Urchin Information, visit www.calurchin.org

Captain Dave Colker at Anacapa Island
Captain Dave Colker

Local Connection

Captain Dave has been a resident of the Channel Islands Harbor area for over 15 years and been a Ventura County Resident for over 30 years. He is eager and makes it part of the tour to answer questions about the history of the harbor and the future of the harbor.
This harbor has so much to offer and has so much potential. Captain Dave can suggest hotels, restaurants, site seeing opportunities, historical places, museums, and gift shops to help you explore and get the most out of your stay. There are also fishing charters, and other on-the-water opportunities he would be happy to share with you. We (local businesses) are all interested in making the best experience possible so that you will be more likely to visit us again.

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phone booth in channel islands harbor
I was here here when these were here
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