Hey guys, does anyone know why the Stardust 2 for 1 internet pass isn't being offered? I know that it usually isn't offered during the summer months when the fishing improves and crowds return but we are barely out of winter... Makes sense from a business standpoint to use it.

The 2 for 1 was available for a long time online. In my opinion it was a great deal! Now that spring is coming and rockfish season is open, and with salmon season just a week or two away, Jason has decided to take off the 2 for 1. That's his decision as the guy who owns and operates the boat. I would just be glad that it was available while it was.

I agree that the 2 for 1 is a great deal too! But, I'm still not sure why Jason took the 2 for 1 off. First of all, the 2 for 1 was offered during rockfish season (before Jan. 1) last year, so why would the current rockfish season change the policy?
It's not like the fishing is that much better... and who knows if the salmon will even show up this year. Secondly, I've noticed that there are very few people going out on the Stardust these days. As a way to boost business, doesn't it make sense to encourage more people to come out by offering a discount? I mean, if you are getting 10 guys or less out, allow them to bring a buddy for free, and all of a sudden you've got 20 guys onboard. Those 20 guys translate to buying more food/drinks and more tips for the crew than the 10 would!

Obviously, it's a business decision that Jason wanted to make and we can't fault him for that. However, I just think that the 2 for 1 pass really encourages more people to come out on his fine boat. Then when the fishing really rocks this summer and people really come out, then cancel the 2 for 1 policy.

Anyway, just some ideas...

I understand what you are saying. When I was in Jr. High I always remember how cool it was when Merit put up the 2 for 1 for the twilight in the independent. I also remember how bummed I was when it would go away when the fishing got good. Using 2 for 1's and other discounts when the fishing is slow has long been a way for the boats to get business during times of slow fishing.
But there is a difference these days, and the difference is that for the past few months the Stardust, along with boats everywhere have been unable to fish rockfish, their ususal staple during the winter months. Trust me, no one is getting rich out there when the boat sits at the dock. I know the fishing may not seem phenomenal now, but the fact is that the Stardust has been doing really really well on the rockfish since they lifted the ban, and there is a lot more good fishing just around the corner. If you question the timing of taking off the 2 for 1, that's your opinion, but if you think for one second that this kind of stuff gets done out of greed or anything like that, it is far from it. If you were scraping through the winter months at the dock and fishing for whitefish and sculpin, you'd take away the 2 for 1's too when the fishing started to pick back up.
I am not usually the type to get into discussions like this on the forum, but Jason is a good friend of mine who's a heck of a captain and one very hard working guy, and when he does things he does them for a reason. Anyone who has fished and worked boats his entire life would do the same thing.
Time to get out and go fishin.

-Rob

Fair enough. I really do like the Stardust and have had several good trips. I'm just always looking for a cheaper way to fish.

Dear Fishbum and others,
Thank you for your comments - they are ALWAYS appreciated. The feedback we get only helps improve our service to our customers. With regard to the 2 for 1, Jason and I recently decided to remove it for the time being. The reason is because the Coast Guard recentely set some new regulations that we had to comply with - this took most of our profits from last year. I hope you understand that when a business has to tighten their purse strings - they HAVE to in order to survive. I promise though that we will put it back again when fishing gets good. We try to reward our return clientele as often as possible. Thank you for your continued business and we look forward to fishing with you again soon.
Donya Diamond

Understood...

Another thing you have to keep in mind is that this season and last season have not been like those before. There have been rockfish closures for most of the winter. During the winter is the hardest time for sportboats in this area. Usually the have to "resort" to rockfish, but this year and last year, they couldn't even resort to that, they had to target whitefish and sculpin. THAT SUCKS!!! Two primary species of fish to get em through the winter. We can both agree that that's tough. That's when the 2 for 1's really come into play. Whitefish and sculpin will not get you very much cash. When rockfish opened back up, they were no longer a "last resort" as in previous years, they were more of a blessing, thereby bringing more anglers to the boats to fish, and more business, thereby defeating the purpose of a 2 for 1. I know it sounds weird not to offer 2 for 1's while all that's coming to the deck is rockfish, but right now rockfish are a GOOD thing.
-Brian

They certainly are getting a lot more respect now, aren't they?
I've noticed a lot more "Barnies" are actually trying to figure out how to finesse better quality rockfish now that it's not an everyday of the year thing.

Tight lines,
Wade

Tight lines,
Wade