Let's Go Fishing
Let's Go Fishing
By Alex Crawford
So, you and your fishing friends have decided to hire a fishing guide for a day of fun. Some advance homework will help you make an informed decision and increase your chances for an exciting and productive day out on the big pond. Following is a short, but certainly not inclusive, list of considerations in selecting the right charter captain.
First, let’s not lose sight of the primary objective, which is to catch quality fish and have fun. Individual perceptions of quality fish vary greatly. Your search for a professional Captain will start with identifying your target species and locating guides that have a proven, verifiable track record in catching those specific types of what you call quality fish. Third party testimonials or local information will tell you if your guide knows how to consistently put fish in the box. Or, determine if your Captain practices CPR, Catch, Photo and Release. Let your guide know up front if you are into a catch and release mode or if you want fillets to take home.
Your next due diligence effort will be to narrow your selection criteria by qualifications. Remember, this is your money and it is reasonable that the Captain you choose meets basic expectations. The most important prerequisites are listed below:
- U.S. Coast Guard license
- Commercial vessel insurance with at least $300,000 liability coverage
State of Florida Vessel license(this eliminates the need for you to have a saltwater license)
- Appropriate Permits i.e. Coastal Migratory Pelagic Charter, Gulf of Mexico Federal Reef Fish Charter, South Atlantic Reef Fish, Tuna Permit etc.
- Coast Guard Safety Equipment i.e. Proper type and number of approved life vests, fully charged fire extinguishers, operational VHF Marine radio, etc.
- Current First Aid and CPR certifications
Good fishing guides know that angler safety and comfort are at the top of the priority list. Ask about the fishing vessel. You and your fishing friends, children etc. will be onboard this boat all day and you want to be comfortable while you are getting your string stretched and having fun. Look into issues like comfortable seating, ability to escape the sun, boat cleanliness, bumpy and wet rides, smoking, alcoholic beverages, raingear, portapotties/head and good reliable motors.
Weather plays a huge role in customer comfort, particularly for offshore trips. Discuss weather reports with your Captain, especially wind and sea conditions, as well as precipitation . It is an inexact science at best, however, picking a good weather day will certainly enhance the overall quality of your fishing experience. Understand the charter fishing company’s policy concerning weather-related trip cancellations.
Ask about the types of tackle you will be using. You have a right to expect high quality equipment. Smooth working reels, excellent rods, appropriate terminal tackle and sharp, quality hooks will help you catch more fish and have more fun doing it. Selecting the right tools for the job is vital to the prepared opportunist angler. Average or inferior equipment will make for a frustrating day.
What about fish cleaning? Is this included in the charter or an extra charge? Some guides fillet fish and charge by the pound, while others do it for tips. Is the Captain setup with a good fish cleaning station and will I go home with freezer bags of fish on ice in my cooler? The best guides provide this service for a nominal charge.
Confirm the rate in advance and discuss types of payment. Normally, this information will be included in the charter fishing company’s website, but make sure there are no surprises. In fact, most of the information that is discussed above is available in the Captain’s website.
Professional fishing guides know that you will come back and fish again if your experience is a positive one. Conversely, they know you will tell everyone about a fishing trip that did not live up to your expectations. Let your Captain know up front what your reasonable expectations are and, hopefully, he will tell you if they are achievable. Remember, fish sometimes get a case of lockjaw and that is why it is called fishing and not catching. Soon, I expect to patent a new process and become wealthy. I will simply swim down and teach the fish to eat on command. After my patent is issued, I will be found lying on my favorite beach in the Virgin Islands, sipping one of those cool, tall drinks with the umbrellas on top.
HAVE FUN, CATCH FISH!!!
Until next tide, tight lines and solid hookups,
Captain Alex Crawford
Proud Member Florida Outdoor Writers Association
Proud Member Florida Guides
Association
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