Charter Fishing Trips FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

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I've never done this before, what's a good way to start?

What can I expect to pay and what's included?

Do I have to buy an expensive out-of-state fishing license to do this?

What should I bring (do I need fishing equipment)?

I'm coming down with my family for a vacation. We're campers and enjoy the outdoors. Would this be a good thing to take the family out on?

What's the proper thing to do about tipping...do you tip the captain also?

What if the weather is bad and we have to cancel?

The prices I've looked at seem a bit high, why does it cost that much?

How do I pick out a good boat and Captain when I don't know anyone in the area?

I've heard "in-shore" and "off-shore", what's the difference?

What's the best number to go fishing with, are 4 people too many?

I'd like to take my kids, how old should they be before you take them out?

Ok, I know charter fishing isn't a Disney ride, but it's going to cost me and what are my chances of catching some fish (what can I expect)?

I've never done this before, what's a good way to start?

Ask as many questions as you can, a good charter capt. will help you with any questions you may have.
Talking with the captain is a good way to make sure they are someone you want to go fishing with.
Bait shops are also a good source of information.
A lot of charters operate out of Don's Dock, for example.
The staff there (which includes me!) can offer a lot of information on chartering.

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What can I expect to pay and what's included?

The prices are going to depend on the different captains, boat size and the different trips (1/2, 3/4 or full day).
My prices (for 2002) are 400.00 , 500.00 and 600.00.
This price should include everything but the tip.

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Do I have to buy an expensive out-of-state fishing license to do this?

The license is included (the boat is licensed for charter fishing).
If licenses aren't included, you should seek a different boat.

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What should I bring (do I need fishing equipment)?

All you will need is sunblock, a hat, food, drink and a camera!
All fishing equipment will be provided.

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Is it safe?

Captains are all licensed by the Coast Guard.
Boats carry radios and all kinds of safety equipment.
Ask the captain about their boat and equipment when you are checking them out.
Also, most captains have years of experience and thousands of hours of ocean boating experience. They know a lot about weather and will call off a trip if there is any question about conditions.
The safety record for fishing charters in this area is excellent.
So, you can catch fish and relax knowing you're on a seaworthy, well equiped boat run by a professional - which is a real benefit of chartering with a pro!

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I'm coming down with my family for a vacation. We're campers and enjoy the outdoors. Would this be a good thing to take the family out on?

Absolutely, unless you don't like to catch fish!
Many people tell us it was the most interesting, fun part of their vacation.
Just getting out on the ocean, seeing things like flying fish, dolphins and the occasional turtle is a great experience.
No 2 trips are alike...you really should give it a try!

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What's the proper thing to do about tipping...do you tip the captain also?

Tips are welcome and accepted by any of the crew (including the captain).
It is left up to you, but I would suggest tipping similar to a restaurant (around 15%).

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What if the weather is bad and we have to cancel?

The captain will work with you to book a different day.
If that can't be done, then your refund would be refunded.

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The prices I've looked at seem a bit high, why does it cost that much?

Maintaining and operating a properly rigged, quality boat is expensive.
Fuel costs can easily run into the hundreds for a day out.
The captain provides fishing licenses, has a large investment in gear, and has additional expenses (such as insurance costs, dock fees and crew).
Overall, charter fishing provides a lot of fun for the money and really is a great value when you consider everything involved.

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How do I pick out a good boat and Captain when I don't know anyone in the area?

The Internet is a great place to start. Almost all charter captains have Web sites now.
Again, bait and tackle shops (like Don's Dock) can give you names and numbers.
Call the captain up, If the spend the time to talk to you and help you with everything you want to know, than chances are they are good.
Also, you can ask for references. Call them and see what kind of experience they had with a particular captain.

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I've heard "in-shore" and "off-shore", what's the difference?

In-shore refers to fishing shallow and protected water.
The most common fish caught are Snook, Trout, Redfish and Tarpon.
Off-shore is involves heading out into deeper water, which involves going out 10-15 miles in this area.
The fish generally targeted are Grouper, Snapper, Amberjacks, and King Mackeral, but that is just a short list of what is out there.
Offshore it is fairly common to hook something that you have to wait to get up to the boat to determine what it is!
Because of the fuel costs and typically the need for a more seaworthy boat, Offshore costs run 50% higher than In-shore.

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What's the best number to go fishing with, are 4 people too many?

For In-shore fishing, 2 is optimal, but 3 people will work out.
For offshore, it depends on the boat. Some boats can handle 6, but 4 is a good number.

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I'd like to take my kids, how old should they be before you take them out?

For Offshore, 10 years old is about right for starting.
For In-shore, talk it over with the captain. They can tailor the trip to suit the age of the children and will let you know what age they feel comfortable with.

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Ok, I know charter fishing isn't a Disney ride, but it's going to cost me and what are my chances of catching some fish (what can I expect)?

The chances of catching fish is great.
You will need to talk with the captain about what the options are and what you would like to fish for.
You might want to mix in some "for sure" fishing for table fare with some hunting for a harder to catch species.
However you approach it, you can be sure that your captain and crew will go all out to catch fish.
We know our business is based on providing the customer with a great fishing experience.
Also, there is a lot of pride involved.
When we come in, everyone on the docks know how we did.
While we're definitely trying find fish for you, there are other reasons we want to produce some nice fish!