Sea Angler II
BackSea Angler II is a charter boat focused on giving anglers of all levels a genuine saltwater experience, with an emphasis on putting people onto serious fish rather than offering a simple sightseeing trip. The operation is built around skipper Malcolm Jones, whose long experience off the South West coast underpins the reputation of the boat among regulars and visiting anglers alike. Reviews consistently highlight that this is not a generic pleasure cruise, but a trip where the day is structured around tides, marks and methods to maximise your chances of bending a rod.
From a customer’s point of view, the first thing that stands out is how approachable and hands-on the skipper is. Anglers with decades of experience describe him as one of the most capable charter skippers they have fished with, while newcomers who have never handled a rod at sea before also feel relaxed and supported. Rather than simply steering the boat, he is constantly in the cockpit helping untangle lines, dealing with bites and calmly talking people through what to do when a good fish is on. Families, groups of friends and seasoned club anglers all report that the atmosphere on board is friendly and relaxed, but still focused on serious fishing.
The boat itself, a Lochin 33 sports fisher, is repeatedly mentioned as a strong platform for offshore work. Anglers describe it as well maintained, stable and kitted out with the electronics and gear needed for offshore wrecks, reefs and banks. A well set-up deck makes it practical to fish with a full party, and those who have chartered other boats from the same harbour often comment that Sea Angler II feels particularly purpose-built for fishing trips, rather than being a multi-purpose vessel pressed into service. This is an important point for anyone comparing different options for sea fishing trips in the area, because a dedicated hull and proper layout can make a long day more comfortable and productive.
A major selling point is the range of fishing available. Sea Angler II runs shorter inshore sessions as well as longer days chasing larger species, using both reefs and wrecks depending on season and weather. Anglers talk about productive sessions for conger eels, flatfish and mixed-species days where the skipper moves between marks until he finds feeding fish. For those searching online for fishing charters, this flexibility is important: it means the same boat can deliver a relaxed introduction to boat fishing for families one day, and a fully committed offshore session for experienced crews the next.
Where Sea Angler II really earns its reputation, however, is in its shark and big-fish work. Multiple independent reviews mention memorable encounters with blue sharks, including fish reported at substantial weights, and very large conger eels taken over the wrecks. Anglers recount days where every member of the party landed sizeable eels, and club anglers speak of trophy sharks caught on competition trips. This has helped cement the boat’s profile among those searching for shark fishing or specialist deep sea fishing rather than just light inshore sport.
The approach to these trips is methodical rather than casual. Customers describe long drifts or anchorages where the skipper continually refreshes chum bags, adjusts baits and alters the spread to hold fish in the slick. This level of effort is frequently singled out as the difference between a quiet day and a banner one. Many anglers comment on the way Malcolm shares his reasoning about marks, drifts and depth changes, turning the outing into an informal lesson in offshore technique. For anyone specifically looking for sea fishing charters that go beyond basic mackerel bashing, this level of commitment is a clear advantage.
Sea Angler II is also often recommended for those taking their first steps into charter fishing. People who have only ever fished from shore, or who last went afloat as a child with a parent, remark on how quickly they felt comfortable. Lifejackets are provided to those who need them, safety is explained without fuss, and help is always at hand when fish are hooked or tackle needs adjusting. Parents particularly value this when bringing children out on their first proper sea fishing experience, noting that the crew take the time to involve younger anglers while keeping a close eye on what is happening around the deck.
In terms of equipment, a common theme is that everything needed for a productive day is available on board. Tackle and bait can be supplied by arrangement, which is ideal for visitors who might be travelling light or who have not yet invested in heavier gear suitable for wrecking or sharks. Anglers still have the option of bringing their own rods and reels if they prefer, but those who rely on boat gear report that it is robust and capable of handling strong fish. Combined with hot drinks throughout the day, this makes the boat a practical option for both experienced anglers and complete beginners searching online for sea fishing trips UK or charter fishing opportunities.
The skipper’s knowledge of local wrecks, reefs and sandbanks is repeatedly mentioned as one of the main strengths of the business. With decades of experience in these waters and many years as a full-time charter skipper, he has built a mental map of spots that produce at different stages of tide and in different conditions. Regulars point out that when one area is quiet he will not waste time; instead, he moves on to alternative marks until he finds feeding fish. For anglers comparing different fishing trips in the region, this willingness to work hard and change plan is often the factor that keeps people rebooking year after year.
While the overall feedback is very positive, there are some practical considerations worth noting so that expectations stay realistic. As with any dedicated fishing charter, the emphasis is firmly on time spent with lines in the water rather than sightseeing, so those who want a leisurely cruise with brief fishing stops may find the focus a little intense. Shark and wreck trips also involve long runs offshore and a full day on the water, which can be tiring for very young children or anyone unused to being at sea. Prospective customers looking at sea fishing trips should be honest about their own stamina and sea-legs when choosing the length and type of trip.
Another point to bear in mind is that availability is not always immediately visible through third-party calendars. Some charter directories list Sea Angler II without detailed online schedules, advising potential customers to make direct contact to discuss dates and options. For anglers used to instant online booking, this can feel less convenient, but regulars suggest that talking to the skipper helps tailor trips, whether you are interested in a short inshore session, a long wrecking day or a specific sea angling target like conger or shark.
Weather dependency is an unavoidable factor with any offshore fishing boat, and Sea Angler II is no exception. Strong winds, heavy swell or poor forecasts can lead to trips being altered, shortened or postponed for safety reasons. While this can be disappointing for visitors with tight schedules, experienced anglers recognise it as a sign of a responsible operation. Prospective customers should build a little flexibility into their plans and understand that, even on a highly regarded charter, fishing results will always be influenced by conditions and the time of year.
Despite these realities, repeat custom is a consistent theme in feedback about Sea Angler II. Anglers mention booking the next trip as soon as they step off the boat, and some have fished with Malcolm for many years. Club anglers use the boat for competitions, families return to recreate memorable days with children, and dedicated shark anglers plan annual visits in the right months. For anyone comparing different fishing charters UK options, that level of loyalty speaks to a business that delivers what sea anglers actually want: a skipper who works hard, a capable boat and a genuine chance of quality fish.
For potential clients weighing up the pros and cons, Sea Angler II presents a clear profile. On the positive side, there is a highly experienced and hands-on skipper, a well looked-after boat, strong catch reports for species such as conger and blue sharks, and an inclusive approach that caters to both novices and seasoned anglers. On the downside, trips can be demanding in terms of time offshore, availability is best confirmed directly rather than through instant online tools, and, like any serious sea fishing charter, everything depends on weather and season. Anglers who understand these trade-offs and are looking for a focused day’s fishing rather than a generic boat ride are likely to find Sea Angler II a strong option.
Overall, Sea Angler II is suited to anyone searching for sea fishing trips and boat fishing charters where the priority is time on the fish and a skipper who actively helps you improve your results. Families, first-timers and hardened anglers all feature in the feedback, and the common thread is that they leave with the sense that every effort was made to find them sport. For those researching charter options and comparing different sea angling boats, Sea Angler II stands out as a straightforward, fishing-focused choice that seeks to balance professional standards with an easy-going, friendly atmosphere on deck.