That's the same answer I've got before I went to Sabah. But we still made it out during December and the sea was quite calm...just check before you go...
I think the catch of the boatman belongs to the tourists. Last time a boatman caught a "Dong Sing grouper"....then it was steamed for lunch...yummy.....
Not too bad for that inshore boat trip compared to my experience.....I also tried as well...expected too much though......not sure if those tiny piece of dead squid bait used by the boatman caused such so so catch....