Welcome to Barbarossa Fishing Charters, where passion for the ocean meets professional expertise. Since 2016, we’ve been guiding anglers through the pristine waters of Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay, creating unforgettable fishing experiences that combine the thrill of the catch with the beauty of California’s coastline.
Captain Justin Payton grew up in the Bay Area and has been fishing since a young age. His first memories of fishing are of going out the Golden Gate to fish for salmon on his Grandpa’s trawler. Growing up on the Delta, he was an avid bass and striper fisherman. He later moved to Northern California for 6 years where he targeted King Salmon, stripers, and trout on the Sacramento River.
In 2016, Captain Justin relocated to Santa Cruz, immersing himself in saltwater fishing. What sets him apart is his dual role as a recreational and commercial fisherman. Captain Justin is also a commercial rockfish and halibut fisherman on his days off and a commercial dungeness crab fisherman in the winter. His favorite fish to catch are salmon and tuna, and will throw everything in the tackle box at them to get you that fish of a lifetime.
Our fishing adventures take place aboard the Barbarossa, a 25′ Parker Pilot House built for speed, comfort, and capability. Our Parker 2520XLD, a rugged, reliable, and fully-equipped fishing vessel designed to get you to the fish quickly, comfortably, and safely. Known for its deep-V hull and commercial-grade build, this boat is ideal for offshore and nearshore fishing charters.
The 2520XLD features a spacious, enclosed pilothouse with comfortable seating, offering protection from the elements and ensuring year-round fishing capability. With twin Yamaha outboards, the boat delivers speed, power, and efficiency—allowing us to cover more water and find the bite faster.
Anglers will enjoy the expansive deck space, complete with rod holders, bait prep stations, and a large livewell to keep bait fresh all day. Electronics include top-of-the-line GPS, fish finder, and radar systems to keep us on the fish and ensure a safe trip.
Whether you’re chasing tuna, halibut, rockfish, or salmon, the Parker 2520XLD provides the perfect platform for an action-packed day on the water. Stable, dependable, and built for serious fishing—this boat is ready to deliver an unforgettable charter experience.
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We believe success comes from understanding the ocean, using proven techniques, and respecting the environment.
Each charter is tailored to your experience level—from beginners to seasoned anglers.
Trips include education on marine ecosystems, sustainability, and Santa Cruz’s fishing heritage.
Our 5.0-star rating comes from consistently exceeding expectations and creating memorable experiences.
We follow all Coast Guard requirements and prioritize safety over fishing when necessary.
We promote sustainable fishing and conservation education for long-term ocean health.
Captain Justin’s commercial experience gives us insider knowledge of where the fish really are.
All charters include rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fish cleaning services.
From 3-hour family trips to 12-hour offshore tuna runs, we match your experience with the right trip.
With 8 years on Santa Cruz waters, Captain Justin mastered local patterns, seasonal migrations, and hot spots.
From sandy flats to rocky reefs, we fish all of Monterey Bay’s best spots.
We can fish from Big Sur to San Francisco, adjusting for seasons and conditions.
Trips can launch from Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay, or South San Francisco for your convenience.
Many guests return yearly to celebrate milestones and explore new fishing seasons.
We remember our regulars, offer priority booking, and accommodate special requests.
We proudly support local conservation and contribute to Santa Cruz’s fishing heritage.
Whether you’re new to fishing or chasing your next trophy, Barbarossa Fishing delivers unforgettable trips led by a trusted captain, equipped with top-tier gear, and fueled by true passion for the sea.
