How To Choose a Fishing Charter

Booking a fishing charter is a popular and convenient way to enjoy a day on the water. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a newcomer to the sport, a well-planned fishing charter can provide you with a memorable fishing experience.

However, it can be hard to choose the right one, what with the variety of options available, especially if you don't know what to look for. Fishing charter packages can vary significantly, and narrowing down your choices isn’t as easy as it seems.

In this blog post, we will discuss essential tips to help you choose the perfect fishing charter for your needs and preferences.

What is a fishing charter?

A fishing charter is a service provided by a licensed captain or fishing guide who takes individuals or groups out on a boat for a fishing trip. These may range from half-day trips to multi-day excursions. They can also offer different types of experiences such as deep-sea fishing or fly fishing. You can choose to hire the entire boat for a private fishing trip, or share it with other groups.

As an angler, you're essentially paying for the overall fishing experience, as well as the captain's or guide's guidance and expertise, and the convenience of having everything you need for the fishing trip ready and available. In many cases, we're not just talking about standard fishing gear and tackle, but also convenience features like fish finders, snacks and drinks, onboard restrooms, and even photography and video services to capture your fishing moments.

As you might expect, additional amenities can significantly raise the price. While they can certainly enhance your experience, it is also possible to have a great time without them. The key is to know your budget and your priorities so you don't overspend.

Choosing the right fishing charter is important if you want to have a successful, enjoyable, and safe fishing experience. A good charter will provide you with everything you need and keep you comfortable while sticking to the required safety protocols.

On the other hand, a bad charter can lead to frustration, disappointment, or even danger if the captain and crew don't have the necessary skills and experience to provide you the fishing experience you're after. So, it's important to do your research and choose a fishing charter that fits your needs and preferences.

Tips for choosing a fishing charter

Know your priorities

When choosing a fishing charter, it is important to determine your priorities and budget to ensure that you book the right charter for you. First, consider what is most important to you in your fishing experience. Is it the type of fish you want to catch, the size of the boat, or the length of the trip? Knowing your priorities will help you choose a charter that meets your expectations.

Don’t forget to consider your budget, too. As mentioned earlier, fishing charters can vary in price, so it is important to determine how much you can afford to spend on your fishing trip. Keep in mind that the cheapest charter may not always be the best choice, as quality and reputation are also important considerations.

Ask all the questions!

It’s always a good tip to ask the charter service all the questions you need answered to ensure that you are well-informed about what to realistically expect from the trip. Some questions you may ask are about the type of fish you’ll be targeting and the fishing equipment and techniques you will use. You may also want to know about the captain and crew's experience and qualifications, the condition of the boat, safety equipment, and a list of what you’re allowed or not allowed to bring.

One of the questions that is often asked fishing charters is whether you are guaranteed to catch fish during the trip. There will definitely be some charters that may offer a guarantee. It may even be the top selling points of their service. But let’s be real here: fishing is unpredictable, and there are no guarantees. Even the best of us, sadly, get skunked. Having said that, a good charter will have an experienced captain or guide and crew who know the local waters and can increase your chances of a successful catch.

Know the rules you’re expected to follow while onboard

People on a fishing charter are expected to follow certain rules regarding boat safety and equipment. Some of these rules are common sense, such as wearing a life jacket, avoiding running on the boat, keeping the deck clear, and following the captain’s instructions.

The captain and crew may also have specific rules or restrictions on alcohol consumption or smoking, or equipment use. For example, many fishing charters are extremely serious about not allowing bananas on board. We’ve talked about it before, but in the fishing community, bringing bananas on board equals bad luck. Whether or not you subscribe to this belief is up to you, but if you try to bring a banana, and the captain makes a fuss about it, or throws the fruit overboard, it's best to take it in good humor and follow the captain's wishes.

Check online reviews and recommendations

The Internet is a great resource for exploring fishing charter websites and social media profiles, comparing prices, trip durations, and the kind of fishing experience these charters offer. It also provides you with access to reviews from previous customers, and helps you look into the reputation and safety record of fishing charters. That said, word-of-mouth can also prove to be valuable so don’t forget to ask friends, family, or fellow anglers for recommendations.

Check the captain or fishing guide’s credentials

An experienced and knowledgeable captain or fishing guide is essential for a successful fishing trip. When choosing a charter, ensure that the captain holds proper licensing and boasts an extensive track record in the area. A seasoned captain will be well-versed in local fishing conditions and safety regulations, providing an advantage over a novice who may still be learning the ropes.

Final thoughts

Choosing the perfect fishing charter requires a clear understanding of your fishing goals, along with the proper research and planning. Knowing your priorities, asking the necessary questions, checking your captain or guide’s credentials, looking into reviews or recommendations, whether online or from friends and family, and setting realistic expectations from this kind of service, can all help in making your fishing experience fun, comfortable, and safe.

Be sure to check out our other fishing guides. such as How to Stay Safe on a Boat, Tackle Box Essentials, and What To Bring When Fishing. And if you want to up your fishing game, check out the Baitium blog for more awesome fishing tips and updates.