BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Go Sport Fishing

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

Rate: (3 Ratings)

Your number one concern here should not be catching fish, but coming home alive--anybody with a boat can say he or she is a charter captain. Spend a little time weeding out the amateurs from the pros, and you'll have a much safer and more relaxing voyage.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Hang around the fishing dock and see who comes in with the best fish. You can spot the most experienced charter captains by the happy crowds around their boats. Look for locals willing to give recommendations.

Step2

Make sure the boat in question is going after the type of fish you want. Ask what the captains have caught over the past few days. Also see how far out from shore they go, which also determines the type of fish they are likely to catch. If you hope to catch tuna, for example, make that clear to your prospective captain.

Step3

Check the captain's safety record, experience and knowledge of local waters. Inquire about the condition of the engine and the boat in general. Ask to see safety gear, including sufficient life preservers for everyone on board, a radio and a life raft. If the captain meets your concerns with anything less than forthright answers, look elsewhere.

Step4

Understand what the charter service provides and what you need to bring. Most charter tours provide all necessary fishing gear (and bait) but be sure to ask. You don't want to be 10 miles out when you discover that water, lunch and sunblock are your responsibility, nor do you want to have to pay unexpected extra charges.

Step5

Research costs carefully, since they vary considerably. Some boats offer private charters to small groups at a flat rate. Others offer per-person rates. The boat size, body of water, half- or fullday trip and time of year also affect rates. A basic multihour trip costs about $50 per person.

What to Look For:

Type of fish being caught
Captain's safety record and experience
Professional demeanor
Knowledge of local waters
Clear cost breakdown

Tips & Warnings

It is unlikely that the charter operation will offer any sort of guarantee about catching fish, but it won't hurt to ask.
Inquire about help with cleaning and storing fish. Some charter operations will pack and ship to your home address.
Search the web for fishing guides and do your research before your trip. Reservations are recommended.
Pack motion sickness medication if you are the least bit prone to nausea.
Tell someone on shore your expected return time. A responsible operation will also have a contact on shore.

Comments

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 A charter boat captain in the United States must be licensed by the United States Coast Guard in order to carry passengers for hire. In order to fish in the Pacific, Atlantic, or the Gulf of Mexico, they must have a NOAA, federal permit. In certain states they must also be licensed by that state, as well as a state blanket fishing license. You can ask to see their current license to be sure you are going with a qualified captain. Otherwise you are responsible for the licenses, you don't want to get caught without it. A good place to look for a charter boat is at the local tackle shops, ask them for their references. Anyone can come in with a fairly good catch, but the really good captains are well known in the local businesses. Don't just check at one shop, ask around. Just because you want to catch Moby Dick that doesn't mean Moby Dick is in season. The captain of a good boat will advise you on what's hot and what's not. Be sure to take his advice, it's more likely you'll have the best fishing. If you do want to try for Moby Dick let the captain know, maybe you'll get lucky. It's prudent to check out the vessel you intend to board and spend several hours or more on. There are requirements on American charters for safety gear, and a life raft isn't one of them. Costs - the average cost for a charter in Florida is about $100 per person. The cost on a head boat is considerably less. Head boats usually have 30-100 passengers on board, these are not normally considered to be charter boats. Charter boats only carry 6 paying passengers, hence the name "6 pack." If you think you'll need motion sickness medication, take it long before your voyage. The pill is ineffective once the malade mer takes affect. Better still, see your doctor and ask his advice.