The ins and outs of fishing charters

There are many fishing charters across the country. Starting your research as soon as you know where you will be traveling can help you narrow down the options in that area. Write down what you want to ask potential charter captains, to ensure your experience is one to remember for all the right reasons.

Travel package websites, as well as sites for local boards of commerce and tourism, are a great resource to find fishing charters. Once you have a few names, you can begin the investigative process. Tripadvisor.com provides reviews on attractions and services in particular areas across the world. You can type in your charter service name and read up on what others have to say about their experiences. Through the review forums, you also may be able to garner names of other charter companies and attractions that may not be on the tourism sites.

Another good starting-off point is findafishingcharter.com. Here, you can search for charters in the U.S. and Canada. Click on the map and get a listing of companies that advertise their services.

Once you have narrowed down your options, there are some considerations that should be made and questions that should be asked of the charter captain.

Request a complete price breakdown, including if gratuities are expected.

Ensure that the captain is knowledgeable in the type of fishing you desire and where to go to find these fish.

Make sure the captain is licensed according to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard or the Canadian Coast Guard. Ask how many years they have been a licensed charter captain.

Ask for references and confirm the business with the Better Business Bureau. 

Know the equipment level of a charter boat and whether it is high-tech or basic. Ask to see photos of the boat or arrange a tour prior to booking.

Find out where the charter boat actually fishes.

Will the captain and the crew be assisting your party or doing their own fishing concurrently? Novice anglers often benefit from a crew that is paying attention to their customers rather than their own fishing needs.

Are children and families welcome aboard? If so, what kind of bathroom and food facilities are available?

Inquire as to whether you will need your own fishing license.

What fishing gear is provided?

Is this a catch-and-release trip or will trophies be taken home?

Find out a contingency plan for the captain’s absence in case of illness.

Learn about what you have to bring on the trip. You may be required to bring hats, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, rubber-soled shoes, sunglasses and seasickness medicine.

Be sure to verify if you will be signing a contract and a cancellation policy.