How
To Book A Charter
By James Chamberlin |
General
Information
Charter fishing trips can be planned around a variety of variables;
a specific time of year, using a specific fishing method,
and for a particular fish species. Each of these methods have
their time and place, just as different seasons of the year
result in different sizes and numbers of fish caught and different
kinds of satisfaction gained by the angler. The choices are
many, and trips need to be thought out carefully.
The cost of a charter varies by the operation and the services
they offer. The most common way that charter captains charge
is by a time limit, for example a six-hour trip (Half Day)
could be $400 based on 6 anglers and an eight-hour trip (Full
Day) could be $550 based on 6 anglers. If the charter boat
has a First Mate it is proper to tip the mate as their pay
is based on tips. Most Charters in the Great Lakes are licensed
for six-passengers, plus two crew for a total of 8 fishermen.
Nearly all the Great Lakes Charters include bait, tackle,
and ice in the base cost of the trip. Some offer an executive
charter, which may include breakfast, lunch, and beverages.
Most of the time fish cleaning can add to the cost of the
trip. Party or head-boat charters, where more than six people
can fish using their own bait and tackle or that supplied
by the boat is a lot less than a private charter. The bottom
line is that you get what you pay for.
Basic Questions
-
What
is the full cost of the trip?
-
Is
there a deposit?
-
Is
it refundable or applicable to another trip should an unforeseen
circumstance warrant
cancellation?
-
How
far in advance do you need to call to change a reserved
date without forfeiting your deposit?
-
What
is included in the cost: bait, ice, tackle, fish cleaning?
-
When
does the charter begin and end?
-
When
should you be at the boat and ready to go?
-
When
do you return?
More
to Consider
What
are the terms for the trip?
Is the contracted charter based on hours on the boat or catching
a limit of fish? Look closely at the trip duration clause, such
as "eight hours, dock-to-dock, or limit." If you intend
to spend eight hours on the water, you may be disappointed when,
after catching your limit of fish in four hours, the captain
heads back to the dock. To avoid any disappointment, before
hiring a captain, make sure your intentions are clear that you
want to be on the water for eight hours, be sure to state that
request when booking your charter. Regardless of what you're
fishing for, there are always other species of fish to catch
if you 'limit out' early. Remember this is your trip so do not
be afraid to discuss it with the captain before reserving the
charter date.
Does the charter fit you?
Make sure the charter fits your mode of angling. If you book
a charter and expect to be bottom fishing, you may be in for
a surprise to find the captain geared up to troll during a July
charter. The point is, all methods of angling can be productive
during the right time and place, but it may not be the type
of angling your party expects. Discuss your preferences with
the captain and determine if the charter captain's method or
fishing time of year fit your needs and desires.
What should you bring?
Ask what is provided with the base cost of the charter. Generally,
on six-person charters, bait, rods and reels, lures, and ice
are provided. Always specifically ask if there is an additional
cost for these items. On occasion, anglers arrive at the dock
to find that "provided" really means "available
for an additional fee."
What does “Dock-to-Dock” mean?
Most charters are run on a "dock-to-dock" basis. Dock-to-dock
means your time starts from the time the boat leaves the dock
to the time it returns, so if your trip is eight hours, dock
to dock, don't expect eight hours of fishing. Most captains
will spend a little extra time fishing if you are close to catching
your limit or you haven't been successful. Be sure to determine
before you go whether there will be a charge if extra time is
provided by the captain.
Can we fish longer?
Ask how much extra time will cost if you request it. To avoid
any surprises, ask if the captain runs more than one trip a
day. Let's say your charter is 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., dock-to-dock
and fishing is slow, but starts to pick up around noon, when
you ask the captain the cost of a few more hours, he states
that he has another trip in the afternoon and needs to leave
in ten minutes. This isn't what you want to hear, now that the
walleye have started to bite.
What if we are going to be late?
Be courteous to your charter captain! If you have a delay or
need to cancel at the last minute, call immediately. Do not
leave them sitting at the dock all day waiting for you. A minimum
deposit will not cover the cost of a lost charter. By calling
if you need to cancel the captain is free to pick up a walk-on
trip or spend the day another way.
Are we guaranteed a limit catch?
Charter captains will provide you with every possible opportunity
to catch fish. Even though they would like your business in
the future, they cannot make fish bite. It is too much to ask
for a guaranteed limit catch! The number of fish caught will
depend on a variety of factors; including the desire of the
fish to bite, weather conditions, concentration and location
of fish, availability of natural food, water temperature, and
your degree of ability with rod and reel, so it is unfair to
the Charter Captain and crew for someone to expect a guaranteed
limit catch, it is referred to fishing not catching. If you
feel you need to catch the limit to justify the cost of a charter,
just check out the price of fish fillets at the local fish market.
Your share of a six-person charter costs much more than if you
were to buy your fish at the fish market and stay home
What Is Expected From You?
An enjoyable charter trip relies not only on what the captain
and crew provide for you, but also on how you interact with
them. The following suggestions should be considered to ensure
a good experience for you, the captain and the crew, to help
protect their investment, and to make their jobs easier.
Consolidate tackle!
If you are asked to bring your own, or if you prefer to use
some of your favorite lures. A small tackle container can easily
fit into your boat bag. You may want to combine tackle for your
party of six into one tackle box. The point is to not clutter
the boat with unnecessary gear. If you bring your own rod and
reel, make sure they are in good shape, with a new line, and
that they are adequate for the species for which you are fishing.
Do you get motion sickness?
Take precautions against motion sickness if you are prone to
it. Check with your family physician for medication to suit
your needs. Some over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness,
may interact with prescription medications, or could aggravate
a health condition. Avoid greasy foods the evening prior to
and the morning of your charter. Avoid alcoholic beverages before
and during the charter. Seasickness has ruined many charters
for unsuspecting individuals. Remember, the water doesn't need
to be rough to produce motion sickness, a calm day with a slight
roll to the water is all it takes. If you are in doubt at all
about whether you may become seasick, follow the above precautions
and take medication.
Dress for the weather conditions!
Dress properly for the day. In a small boat bag, pack sunglasses,
sunscreen, insect repellant, head protection (cap), towel, rain
jacket, and other protective clothing adequate for the weather.
For early spring or late fall charters, gloves, a wool cap,
and a warm jacket may be necessary. Shoes with soft soles are
required; they keep you from slipping on a wet deck and protect
the boat's finish.
Arrive at the boat a little early!
Be on time for your charter. By arriving well before your charter
departs, you can load your gear, purchase forgotten items from
the marina store, and take care of those "last minute"
things that always seem to cause delays. Being on time will
put both you and the captain at ease. Being tardy in your arrival
can take away from your fishing time, because the captain and
crew may have other things to do after your charter and may
need to return on schedule.
Tip the crew!
Chartering is a service industry! Tipping the captain and crew
is customary if you feel they did their best to provide you
with a good trip. A few extra dollars is a nice way to show
your appreciation to a captain and mate with good personalities,
senses of humor, and honest efforts to show you a good time.
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