Some Guidelines in Choosing a Charter ?

[Penetrater]

What are Some Guidelines in Choosing a Charter ?

Some questions that should always be asked ?
How do you decide on what size boat to go out in ,
The 31 foot or a bigger boat ?
One other thing , ½ day or full day,

In the past I have been on a few boats, some have
Been good , and others have been a complete waste
Of time and money, so I must be doing something wrong !

If some of you could please give me some advice it would be
Greatly appreciated !

Thanks ,Mark

[EMTAE]

Most charter boats have web sites that will show the boat.Go down to the docks and look at the boat and catch.Talk with the Capt and Mate.As for the size of boat if you have a party of 6 I would be looking at something around 40 or bigger.....Look at your fishing room how many chairs most CHARTER BOATS will have 3 chairs one fighting chair with 2 more smaller chairs for you to fight the fish from.CC boats make for 4 or lees in your party On the Ksea Lake it's a 31 Contender and we can fish 4 plus the Capt. and Mate and theres a lot of fishing room.Hope this helps.Tight lines.

[DropinBack]

The price and size have nothing to do with what you will catch... however, a bigger boat will give you a better chance of getting out to fish and will usually be more confortable...
As far as catching fish, this has little to do with the boat, but rather with who is on the boat... meaning the captain, mate, and the people who are chartering it... must mostly the captain and the mate...
If you are not experienced, the best thing to do is to ask around and you will be pointed(most of the time) in the right direction...
Also, the biggest thing about catching fish is the time of year you're fishing, the area, weather, etc... Try to charter when the fish are in the area on a boat with the best captain and mate you can find... and you will increase your odds...
And also... even the BEST sometimes do not catch a lot if the fish do not cooperate or if yoru fishing in a sub-par port with long runs and not a lot of fish...

[Capt. kapoc]

Talk to the capt and get a feel for them, If you are going to be out with a crew make sure they have the same passion as you would want even when the fishing is slow a mate and capt that keeps you informed and engaged in the days events make the trip worth while.

This is the requirement that I have of my mate the minute that either he or i lose the passion of coming to the dock and watching the sun rise on the horizon of a turbid sea with anticipation of the day to come we will hang it up!

[Sea Draggin]

Ask the guy at the local fuel dock. They will steer you right every time.

[fish4fun]

Ask the guy at the local fuel dock. They will steer you right every time.

If the marina has one, try also talking to the fish cleaners, they always know who is on the fish....

[Jaydog]

As for the 1/2 day, full day part of the question, IMO, I'd recommend the full day. You just never know how the fishing will be and the more time you spend out on the water, the better the chances of catching something. When they aint bitin, it is down right miserable.

[Captain Greg Sears]

Is the captain full time or part time, the guy who is out every day usually knows whats biting. I agree with passion talk to the captain and mate, the mate is just as important for success. As far as the size of the boat how far out are you going 20 or 30 miles a 30+ boat is fine, more than 30 miles from the nearest land and I want at least a 40 footer and room inside and on the deck for everyone including the crew. We run boats from 25 to 46 feet it depends on what type of fishing and how far you are going and how many people. When I go on vacation I personally will not charter a boat with more than four friends six is to many for me in any size boat. ( yes I fish on vacation and my days off ) As far as success do your home work study the type of fish you are targeting and season for catching them. Make sure your captain is not going to take you out in conditions you will not be comfortable in, it should be your choice if the sea is to rough for you. Ask for recommendations if this is an important trip to you make sure the companies past customers are happy. I agree fuel dock attendants and marina owners know who the most reliable captains are.