Islander/Q105 info requested

I know of the 3.5 day trip on the Islander booked for later this year. But I was wondering if anyone has done the 1.5 day or 2.5 day trips on the Islander. The infor I have been finding is that the 1.5 day have limited opportunities. Not sure the 2.5 would be much better. The Q105 offers longer trips at a bigger price. ANyone have any info from one of the kayak/skiff combo or kayak trips?

The Islander crew is absolutely top-notch.  The 1.5 ain't worth the drive from up here.  The 3.5 have been from good to awesome...my 09 charter is a 6 day.

I have not heard good things about the Q105 trips.

I've spent time on both boats dating back to each one's first year running mothership trips. For an experienced kayak angler, my preference is the Islander. Those guys 'get it' more so than the Q crew, who kept people on a ridiculously short leash (1/4 mile) during my spring 2008 all-kayak Baja 3-day. But its not so cut and dried. If you can climb on to one of the Q's 6 to 8 day skiff trips, I hear they are much more hands off. Some might even consider it neglectful, that's if they are uncomfortable with the thought of the mothership steaming over the horizon to take care of the skiff anglers. I call it freedom. On the Islander, its in plentiful supply. 

On the other hand, on the Q you can fish comfortably from the boat even when the rack's full of 'yaks. Its doable on the Islander, but cramped, and you'll be stepping over 'yaks much of the time.

To recap, I feel experienced kayak anglers would better enjoy the Islander on anything other than a Q105 skiff trip. Then again, people who like the security that comes with an abundance of caution are probably best off on the Q. The first-timers on my particular 3-day had a great time.

Speaking of time, the more days the better. If you aren't chasing after trophy calicos but have big game aspirations, only the 3+ day trips will cut it. Due to cost factors, most motherships run during the shoulder season. Oh, you can get a tail on a 1.5 or 2-day, but the odds aren't great. Halibut are a better bet.

Both boats are comfortable, with stateroom accommodations and ok to excellent food. Depends on who's cooking. The Islander has a huge swimstep, easy on easy off. The Q uses a ladder on the side of the stern. The Islander crew has been at this game for 2 to 3 years more than the Q. They are the SoCal original.   

The thing that concerns me about the Islander is that most trips are 1.5 days with a couple of 2.5 days. This looks like a San Clemente only thing and does not seem like enough time to get out chase after the YT and others. The Q offers several longer trips. Thanks for the heads up on the skiff/yak trip. That may be the best option for me. Does anyone know if the Islander has taken longer trips with an open load?

We offer spots on our charter to previous "Islanders" first, then it is open.  I have no idea what the turn out is going to be for the 6 day, as it will be expensive...but the fishing should be EPIC.

I would think around $350-$400 per day is a deal. When you think of lodging around $100+ a night, three meals and drinks around $80 a day, plus personal assistance $? per day. The fishing is around $100 to $200 per day. That is significantly less than a less than a full day of guided fishing most anywhere. Last year in Jackson Wyoming all drift boat guides were $350-$400 a day with only a lunch.