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Step 1
Find a charter fishing boat company with a good reputation for adventuring out on the Gulf of Mexico. Choose a company that uses certified captains who know the waters and have many fishing tales to share.
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Step 2
Decide what type of charter trip you want to take. You can discuss this with the captain to ensure you catch a shark. Your choices are full days and half days. Full days you can go out farther and the chances are you'll have a fishing story to tell when you dock at the end of the day.
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Step 3
Reserve your charter by placing a 20 percent deposit on your spot. Shark fishing is quite popular in Texas, and it is wise to book your charter way in advance to ensure you get the best captain and best crew. Credit cards are the best way to make the deposit over the phone or by Internet.
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Step 4
Plan your trip so you are at the dock on time for your scheduled departure. If you are coming from out of town, it is best to stay the night in a hotel before the day of the fishing trip. Most charters leave around 6 a.m. and return at about 2 p.m. if it is a full day adventure. Check with the captain the day before the trip to confirm the time and any other final instructions such as weather conditions or changes.
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Step 5
Load your ice chest with plenty of food and drink. During the shark fishing season the weather on the Texas coastline is pretty hot and calm. Wear comfortable clothes, rubber sole shoes or sandals, lots of sunscreen (gulf sun is murderous), hat, sunglasses, a camera and your fisherman's spirit.











