The Season

The time of year is very important when choosing your fishing charter. You can learn about local fishing seasons by reading area fishing reports, newspaper articles and by calling local captains and talking to them about what fish generally are caught at any given time.

Location

Choosing your port can matter in terms of catching fish. Some areas are consistently productive while others can be sporadic. If you dream is to catch a certain species, the port may be critical. If the types of fish you catch are less important, it might be best to choose a more convienent location and let the captain choose what to fish for .


The Boat

Several factors make choosing your boat important. First and foremost is safety. It's a good idea to ask your captain several questions about the boat before making any commitments.
The Captain and Crew

The enjoyment of the day largely depends on the Captain and crew. A courteous captain and mate can make the day enjoyable regardless of how fast or slow the fishing is. Likewise, no amount of fish can make up for rudeness on the boat.

What to Bring

A good charter captain usually has this information listed on his website and brochures. Usually you will want a small cooler for drinks, and a mid-sized or large cooler iced down for storing the fish at the end of the day. Some boats allow you to bring a fish cooler along, but most will have a fishbox on board to keep the fish cool until you return to port.

The Catch

Your captain will advise you of the intended catch, how to care for them and maybe even tips on cooking. Many charter boats will offer fish cleaning or arrange for the catch to me cleaned at the marina. If you prefer to clean your own fish, discuss that in advance and be ready with a cooler when you return to port.

Your Rights

You have paid for a service and it's the captains job to maintain his end of the agreement. Most problems stem from lack of communication at the time of booking. Here are some things you might want to clarify:

*What happens if the weather is bad? What happens to the deposit if the trip is cancelled?

* When fish are caught, does the captain or crew get any of the fish? If the party wishes to release fish unharmed, is the captain agreeable?

*What are the catch limits on the intended fish?

*What items are not allowed on the boat? ( beer, liquor, GPS, etc.)

The Captain's Rights

The captain has likely mortgaged every thing he has and works like a dog to please you. Please be courteous and treat the boat and tackle like it was your own. Excessive drinking, roughhousing or loudness is usually not tolerated. Carrying illegal drugs on a charter boat is a sure way to get a dockside escort to jail.

Tipping

15-20% is the standard. It's a good idea to discuss this before booking.

After the Trip

Finding a good charter boat is not always easy. If you have a nice experience, it's a good idea to share your recommendations with others. You can also share pics with the captain for use on his website, brochures, etc.

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