Fishing Charter - Finding the Boat

When it’s time for your next fishing charter boat adventure, the possibilities are endless. And once you’ve decided on your ideal location, have your gear packed, and are ready to go, it’s time to find your boat. Chartering a boat, while an easy process in general, can only prove difficult due to the amount of options available to the paying fisherman. Prior to booking the first service you come across, it may be worth your while to get the low down as to what you’ll be paying for. In this article, we will walk you through the process of finding your perfect boat.

Step 1 – To begin, you’ll want to have your boat booked at least two weeks ahead of time. Most of the better boats are generally booked well in advance, and as such, booking yourself in advance is the best way to go. While you are certainly free to test your luck and pray for a last minute cancellation, it’s always nice having your schedule set out for you and knowing that your next trip booked and waiting for you. Check out at least three different boat services before deciding on your first choice.

Step 2 – Contact each company and find out which type of fishing they specialize in. Where some will offer bottom fishing, others will offer trolling and others will specialize in both. Find out information regarding what you should expect in pricing as well as the length of each trip. What types of fish are you most likely to find with each trip? Is there a deposit?

Step 3 – You will also want to figure out just how many people are generally on each trip. Many boats that offer bottom fishing are party boats, whereas trolling boats typically take on between 6 and 8 people.

Step 4 – Are food and drinks offered as part of the package? If not, you should prepare yourself to bring your own. You may also want to find out if alcohol is allowed on the trip. Knowing everything about your trip will help in eliminating any unnecessary surprises.

Step 5 – On the day of your trip, make sure to arrive early. You never know what kind of traffic you’re going to hit, and if you happen to show up late, you may be left behind and be out of a deposit.

Step 6 – Is fish care offered after the trip is through? Some companies offer cleaning services for their customers to provide them with freshly cleaned fish. Some companies charge, others include it with the package price.

Step 7 – At the end of your trip, you should tip your captain. This is a common practice on charter boats, and will be split between captain and crew alike. Typical tipping rules apply- generally 15 – 20 percent if you’ve enjoyed your experience.

Step 8 – Now that you’re fully prepared for the trip, it’s time to get moving. Have fun and enjoy!