★★★★★Absolutely awesome experience 10/10 would recommend
5.024 reviews on Google
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These reviews are sourced from Google and reflect the opinions of their individual authors, not GuidedHunts. This is a snapshot captured in September 2026, not live data.
★★★★★
Having worked as a captain and guide myself, I say confidently that California Guide Service is a well-oiled machine and doing it right. Melynda and Maddie are an awesome compliment of crew and guides. They are pleasant, knowledgeable, patient, and accommodating. The boat is comfortable, well-maintained, and clean. My recommendation is without reservation and wholehearted. Thank you guys for a great hunt.
★★★★★
Went out on 12/1/2024 after Sea Scoters with CGS and Melynda Dodds and her deck hand Meagan. Bluebird, flat pancake seas gave that bluebird/we're getting skunked vibe... Not even close to that. Great shoot, lots of action, no one near us, great crew, and I had a rare, zen moment with my Benelli where it was hard to miss. Started the day with a double on hens and highlighted it with a Scotch Double on drake Sea Scoters. Melynda and crew are respectful of the outdoors, super safety conscious, positive and fun to hunt with. She hunts down cripples with skill, picks up spent casings religiously, and pays attention to boat and gun safety at all times. One of the best guided hunts I've been on. I'm bringing my daughters as soon as a day opens on her calendar!
★★★★★
If your interested in A sea duck hunting adventure California Guide service is a place to go.guide A fun hunting Experience speakerphoneexperience deduce huntingdocumenting this is definitely fun dot com
★★★★★
Amazing experience! Mel and Maddie were fantastic, knowledgeable and delivered on their promise of a GREAT hunt! Thanks very much! See ya again soon. Cw
★★★★★
We spent two mornings hunting with Melynda, Maddie, and Nova. It was a phenomenal experience and first class from beginning to end. We limited out fairly quickly both days and had a blast. Melynda clearly has a passion for guiding and delivers a very safe, fun hunt experience. We are going back again next year.
★★★★★
Highly recommended guide service! 3 of us went out and limited out. Absolutely enjoyed ourselves. Plenty of laughs all around. Put us in good spots for plenty of shooting. Will go again and again
★★★★★
We've hunted with Mylinda and her amazing assistant Maddie several times now. Each and every time we've been out with them, it's been outstanding. They greet you in the parking lot, load all of your gear, make sure you're comfortable and off you go. The boat and all of their equipment is second to none. Customer service and safety always comes first but putting us on ducks is a close second. Every time we've been out, we all limited out! Mylinda and Maddie work tirelessly to ensure you have a good experience and have every opportunity to get your limit. We've hunted the grasslands for decades, but being out on the bay and shooting scoters is something everyone should try. It really is a unique experience, and the backdrop of the city is amazing. We've hunted with guides before, but the one thing that's unique about hunting on Mylinda's boat, is that it's just you, your family and/or your hunting buddies. Five stars all the way around! I highly recommend hunting with Mylinda and Maddie and we'll definitely be back again and again. Thank you for all the great hunts!
★★★★★
An experience like no other, watching surf scoters swoop in one after another to the decoys as the sun rises over San Francisco Bay. Capt. Melynda, Maddie, and Nova got us into birds so thick we could take our pick, it was a 75th birthday for dad to remember. Safety is #1 and there's plenty of room on the boat for everyone to be comfortable. Book early, dates sold out this year!
★★★★★
If your lookin to have a action packed sea duck hunt, then California Guide Service is the one. The boat is TOP NOTCH, with safety as number one priority when traveling & hunting. Perfect for beginners or the seasoned hunters looking to add a BEAUTIFUL sea duck to the wall. Took out my 17yr old daughter & two buddies. We were so thick into the birds that we started to take only the drakes!!! Having to Monster Drakes mounted!!! It’s something that every waterfowl enthusiast should do. I’d highly recommend this outfit & look forward to booking again. Thank You David Watkins
★★★★★
California Guide Service provides a very exciting time ! Her services are both prompt and professional - Melynda Champions her vessel confidently and is safety conscious throughout the experience - trust her to get you there and back ! Book her now she fills up fast - most popular in the bay. 5 Stars ALL THE WAY
★★★★★
First class operation. Got us out there safely and got us on the birds. Would recommend to anyone looking for a diver or sea duck hunt. Great guide and a great time!
★★★★★
I booked my first California Sea Duck Hunt with California Guide Service 2 Seasons ago. Captain Melynda has the knowledge and and experience to put you on all Sea Duck and Diver Duck Species. One Classy Professional!
★★★★★
If you have ever wanted to try duck hunting especially sea duck hunting book a trip with California Guide service. You can’t go wrong and will make memories to last a life time. Very professional, Low stress, helpful. You will not be disappointed guaranteed.
★★★★★
Melinda and Maddie are no joke. They hunt hard and know their area. Best surf scooter hunting I’ve ever had and a 7 limit is hard to beat. Iff you’re looking for a quality feet down beat down in California look further.
★★★★★
Hunted sea ducks with CGS in early December with a friend of mine. We both limited out 7 surf scoters before noon and we’re back at the dock shortly after. Very comfortable boat. Great experience. Will be going back out with them next opportunity I get. Definitely worth the experience.
★★★★★
Captain and deck hand are awesome. If your looking for a great shoot, check out California Guide Service!!
★★★★★
One of a kind duck experience. I’m local to the SFBA, and until my hunt with California Guide Service I had no idea you could harvest surf scoter with the San Mateo bridge in the background! The CGS team knows their stuff, are patient with new hunters, and love helping you succeed. Highly recommend this experience plus any other guide work they do.
★★★★★
Best experiences I’ve had with a guide service for waterfowl. We hunted limits of the beautiful Surf Scoter with morning views of San Francisco bay. California Guide Service has top notch equipment making your boating venture safe and successful. Our next hunt was for divers along the shores of the bay. CGS had us in the middle of more shot opportunities than any I’ve encountered. I was nervous knowing some of the divers have a limited bag limit. Melinda set my nerves at ease. She identified fast moving divers well before they came zipping into the decoys. I can’t wait for this years experience! Stay tuned
★★★★★
Capt. Melynda, Maddie, and Nova work their butts off & run a tight ship. They keep a great balance of professional & fun, and will do what it takes to get you on some birds(it’s up to you to shoot true and hit them). Book a hunt!! Go watch the sunrise from the middle of the SF Bay, share some stories & laughs with great people, and go home with a strap full of ducks. -CA Guide Service Repeat Offender
★★★★★
It doesn't matter if it is your first time duck hunting, or 1000th... you'll have a heck of a good time with Melynda. She's a wonderful teacher when needed, professional, and the hardest working person I've ever met. The sea and diver ducks are a humbling, fast paced experience that everyone should try! She called in my first turkey for me as well! I recommend her wholeheartedly.
★★★★★
Super fun and productive trips on board the Melanita! The ladies are wonderful and they make you feel right at home. Sign up for a trip before its all booked up!
★★★★★
Sea ducks were one of the most fun and unique hunts I've ever been on. Will definitely make another trip in the future.
★★★★★
Melynda and Maddie are the best guides. They put us on limits very quickly and made sure that we had a great time. Lots of laughs, shells spent, and many memories made. Already booked to come back again later this season.