What will be the best way to get to Catalina Island from newport, and how long it will take to get there?

Question

New to boating and fanatic to fishing. I have a 17.5 open bow with a 130 hp Johnson what are my chances to survive a fishinig trip to Catalina Island? Going out from New Port, San Pedro or Long Beach. I have installed a marine radio, a compass, also have handheld GPS. Thanks for any info.

Answer 1

Yep, cell phones work pretty much the entire way across the island.  Verify your GPS coordinates, and watch the weather forecasts for your trip - make sure nothing funky is blowing in, etc.  I have a friend who goes over in his small speed boat with his wife.  Not a problem.

Answer 2

yeah. it's no problem. get an emergency transponder too and a flare gun. i think you can even use a cell phone all the way from newport to avalon, depends on the carrier.