The "Riptide" is owned and operated by Capt. William Smith. "Capt. Smitty" has worked on party boats in the Bay Area for over 50 years, has been a licensed captain for 37 years, and has been involved in Half Moon Bay fishing for the past over 36 years. Much of his time in Half Moon Bay has been with Capt. John's "Blue Horizon," as well as other boats, including the three "catboats" – the Huli Cat, Top Cat, and Pogie Cat.