When it comes to sportfishing out of Ventura County, few vessels embody the spirit of the sea quite like The Gentleman. Docked at Channel Islands Sportfishing in Oxnard, this 65-foot by 22-foot boat isn’t just a local favorite. It’s a Ventura County legend.
With its reputation for comfort, space, and steady fishing action, the Gentleman offers anglers a taste of the quintessential Southern California experience: a day spent chasing fish beneath the rugged silhouette of the Channel Islands.
Operating year-round out of Channel Islands Harbor, right off Victoria Avenue, the Gentleman runs three-quarter-day trips, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to spend a full day on the water without the overnight commitment. In the cooler months of winter and early spring, the crew targets rockfish, lingcod, and sheephead, a species that thrives in the deep, rocky terrain off Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands. When the water warms and the season turns, the action shifts closer to the surface, with anglers hooking calico bass, sand bass, and barracuda. On the right day, the deck lights up with the silver flash of white seabass or the powerful pull of yellowtail, the two most coveted catches in the area.
At the helm is Captain Donny Rowell, whose history aboard the Gentleman goes back decades. His path into the sportfishing world started early — and unexpectedly.
“One day when I was 12, I went out fishing on the Estrella and the old captain said if I scrubbed the boat on the way home I could go out fishing for free,” Rowell recalled. “Every holiday and through the summer I was scrubbing boats. I started working deck on the Estrella when I was 15.”
His journey came full circle soon after. “In the winter of 1982, the pier at Paradise Cove was destroyed by a storm,” he said. “The Gentleman came to Oxnard, and I started working as a deckhand on that boat until I got my captain’s license at 19. I left in the mid-’90s to run other boats, but was back running the Gentleman twice before buying the business in 2014.”
Over the years, the Gentleman has become synonymous with family-friendly fishing and reliability. It’s a combination that’s rare and deeply valued by Ventura’s fishing community.
“The Gentleman is a boat with a long history on the Southern California coast,” Rowell said. “It’s wide, making it spacious and comfortable out on the water. It also is the only sport boat in Ventura County that features a comfortable top sun deck for relaxing and viewing the beautiful islands, perfect for families. We also have the Island Fox and the Orion for smaller groups.”
That focus on comfort and inclusion has made the Gentleman one of the most popular boats in the harbor. Whether it’s an experienced angler looking for a productive trip or a family introducing their kids to the thrill of fishing, Rowell and his crew offer a welcoming environment that feels more like a community than a charter.
For Rowell, that sense of connection is what makes his work worthwhile. “One of my favorite parts of taking anglers out on the water is watching kids learn to fish alongside their parents,” he said. “There’s something special about watching kids catch their first fish. And it’s great to see friends and family fishing together in such a beautiful environment. It’s not just about the catch, but the experience. Of course, landing a big fish is exciting, too. Out of all the unforgettable catches I’ve made on the Gentleman, none compare to the day I met my wife. She came out fishing and caught the captain.”
That humor and warmth are part of what makes Rowell such a respected figure among the Channel Islands fleet. Under his guidance, the Gentleman has maintained a loyal following — anglers who return season after season for the camaraderie as much as the fishing.
As for the waters themselves, Rowell has seen plenty of changes over the decades. “Water temperatures play a big role in where the fish are and how they’re biting,” he explained. “The calico bass fishery is still in great shape, and we’ve been seeing solid numbers of rockfish and whitefish throughout the seasons. Yellowtail may even move in during late summer when the water warms up.”
He added that environmental shifts and new regulations have required constant adaptation. “Regulations have been more dynamic, which helps maintain healthy populations, but it means we always have to stay informed and adjust how and where we fish,” Rowell said. “Depending on the season and where the bite is best, we’ll fish around the islands or work our way up and down the coast to give our anglers the best shot at success. Every day is different, and that’s part of the excitement.”
That flexibility and expertise make the Gentleman a perfect fit for the unpredictable, rewarding waters around Ventura and the Channel Islands. Anglers can expect a well-paced trip with plenty of instruction for newcomers and ample opportunity for veterans to test their skills.
The vessel’s design, which is wide, stable, and equipped with two large bait tanks, makes for smooth sailing and an efficient fishing setup. The galley seats 20 comfortably, offering breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and coffee for early morning departures. For those who want to take a break from the rail, the Gentleman even features a spacious upper sundeck, a rare amenity among local sportfishing boats.
Beyond the amenities, it’s the atmosphere aboard that leaves the strongest impression. Aboard the Gentleman, regulars trade stories over the bait tank, families share snacks and laughter between casts, and first-timers get hands-on help from deckhands who remember what it was like to learn.
The crew’s attention to service is what keeps people coming back. It’s also what makes a day on the Gentleman more than just a fishing trip.
Rowell’s passion for his work and his respect for the ocean have also shaped his philosophy as a captain. “I hope every day spent on the Gentleman is filled with new skills learned, memories of time with family and friends, full sacks of fish, and an appreciation for our beautiful Channel Islands,” he said.
That appreciation extends beyond the passengers. The Gentleman operates out of Channel Islands Sportfishing, one of the most established landings on the California coast. Together, the fleet plays a major role in Ventura County’s recreational and economic life, connecting anglers from all over Southern California with the region’s rich marine environment.
For visitors unfamiliar with the area, Channel Islands Harbor provides easy access to both open-water adventure and small-town coastal charm. The landing is conveniently located near shops, restaurants, and beaches, making it an ideal day-trip destination. Many anglers plan their fishing trips as part of a full weekend in Ventura County: fishing by day, dining by the water, and relaxing at the harbor’s nearby hotels or vacation rentals.
Back on board the Gentleman, however, the focus remains on what matters most: good fishing, good company, and good memories. The trip may start before sunrise, but by the time the boat returns to dock — with the sunset glowing across the harbor — the smiles on deck say it all.
For Rowell, it’s about carrying on a tradition that began when he was just a teenager scrubbing decks to earn a spot on the next trip out. Decades later, that same enthusiasm still defines his work. “Every day is different, and that’s part of the excitement,” he said. “No matter how many years I’ve been doing this, there’s nothing like being out there with a boat full of happy anglers.”
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned fisherman chasing yellowtail or a first-timer looking for your very first catch, the Gentleman promises a genuine Channel Islands experience, one that’s steeped in history, family spirit, and the enduring love of the sea.
