How to Choose a Fishing Charter

I really lucked out on my first fishing charter. In just eight hours, my fantastic guide, Captain Mick Maynard, put my wife on pretty much every major game fish Lake Champlain has to offer, exposed us to new fishing techniques, and cemented a friendship that has lasted for years. I’ll do my best in this article to give you tips to choose a fishing charter that provides the same experience!

I couldn’t ask for more in a guide, but I do have to give myself a bit of credit as I did my homework before I ever hired him. Some people skip this step (or just don’t know what to look for or ask) and wind up having a horrible trip.

I hope this post helps you choose the sort of fishing charter captain who will keep you coming back for more fishing trips for years and years, but if there is anything I didn’t answer that you’d like me to expand on, please feel free to send me an email.

Let’s dive into some of the things you should consider when picking your fishing guide.

What is Your Objective With This Charter?

It’s a good idea to ask yourself what your objective is before you start looking for a fishing charter. Your goals will heavily influence which guide you choose.

• Are you just looking to try fishing for the first time?
• Do you normally fish from shore, but want to take your kids out on a boat in search of bigger quarry?
• Are you trying to organize a company team-building day, and want to spend it reeling in some fish?
• Are you an experienced fisherman looking to catch a trophy, or to work on refining a certain presentation or technique?

There’s a captain out there for every situation, but this is definitely not “one size fits all,” so if you aren’t clear about what you want up front, you can have a wildly different experience than you were expecting.

What is the Price and What Does it Include?

Before you balk at the cost of fishing charters consider all the expenses that the average captain has to contend with. Boats are an acronym for “Break Out Another Thousand” after all and they got that title for good reason!

Your captain has to pay for the costs of the boat and gear maintenance, insurance, licensing, bait or tackle and, of course, fuel. A fishing guide taking you out to local spots on his bass boat might only have a $20 fuel bill for the day, but if you’re headed offshore then you could easily burn hundreds of dollars worth of fuel during the trip.

With that being said, you still need to ensure that you understand exactly what the price is and what it includes before you leave the dock. Make sure you have accurate expectations surrounding the following:

• Is the price per angler or per boat? Getting this wrong could easily sour your entire vacation much less your fishing trip.
• If you’re fishing with bait, is it included in the price, or is there a surcharge?
• Is there a fuel surcharge?
• Are any sandwiches, snacks, or drinks included in this price, or do you need to bring your own?
• Is the cost of a fishing license included in the trip, or are you expected to supply your own?
• Does the price include the tip?
• Does the price include any costs for filleting and preparing fish if you intend to keep them?

Understanding the above will allow you to know what you’re getting into. It also will help you understand if a certain charter is “really” a good deal or not. The captain who is charging $400 all-inclusive for a trip might actually be better than the “$300” trip that doesn’t include fuel, bait, or drinks.

How Much Should You Tip the Fishing Charter Captain or Mate?

If the tip is not specifically included in the price of your fishing charter, you should plan on leaving a 15-20% gratuity for a job well done. This should be paid in cash.

If your charter boat has a mate and a captain, you’ll need to split the tip between them somehow for your fishing trip. The captain has more expenses to cover, but the mate is probably the first one on and the last one off the dock each day, so I’d argue you should tip 50/50.

When choosing how much to tip, bear in mind that there are plenty of things beyond your captain’s control. It’s not their fault if the weatherman lies and tries to kill you, for example. Also, some days just aren’t as good as others for fishing, but as long as the work ethic and enthusiasm is there, your charter captain and mate deserve a tip.

It’s worth remembering that the fishing world is smaller than you might think and you can earn a reputation (good or bad) by your tip or lack thereof. You might find it difficult to book a fishing charter in the future if you stiff someone on the tip today.

Think of a tip as an investment in future charters. If one doesn’t go exactly as planned but you still tip well, you can count on that guide going the extra mile the next time you fish with him.

How Many Hours is the Charter, and When Does It Begin and End?

Most fishing charters last anywhere from 4 – 8 hours, but you’ll want to be clear with the captain as to when your time starts, and also how far away they plan to fish.

It is customary that any time you spend on the boat driving to or from fishing grounds would be included in your 4 to 8 hour package. It would be unusual for a captain to consider time onshore filling out license slips or cleaning fish to be included in the package.

Every charter is going to be a little different but just make sure you understand exactly what you’re buying before you give them a deposit, so no one has hard feelings.

What Kind of Fish Do You Want to Target?

If you want to target a specific type of fish you should choose a charter with an individual who fishes for that species often.

Not everyone out there is a bass fisherman, or likes to target pike. If you’re keen to catch a lake trout or landlocked salmon, you’re probably going to do better with a guide who has downriggers on this boat than one who fishes shallow water 95% of the time from a bass boat.

Most guides have an extensive photo collection on their website or blog. If you don’t see very many photos of the fish you want to catch, that is an indicator that you might want to look elsewhere for your guide.

What Style of Fishing Do You Prefer?

There are some people who think trolling is the absolute worst way on earth to fish. There are some guides who do nothing but this. These two individuals would have an unpleasant day out on the water together.

If you’re new to fishing, you don’t know what you like so you’ll have to go out and try whatever the guide suggests, but if you’ve fished for a long time, you probably know what type of fishing you’d like to do, generally, and what techniques you can’t stand.

For example, I really enjoy mooching for salmon in Alaska, but I absolutely hate bottom fishing for halibut. I’m fine with trolling, to an extent, but find it much more fun if I’m involved with setting up the rod, or at least setting the hook.

It’s important to know what you like so you can ask the guide how they fish and figure out if you’re a good match or not. Honesty is important here – a good fishing charter will tell you straight out they aren’t for you on this trip, which might help you choose them for the next one.

How Much 1:1 Attention Do You Want (or Need)?

If you’re new to fishing it will be far better for you (and the guide) if you let them know that ahead of time. Ask them if they’re used to helping new anglers, and if there is anything you should do before your trip to help you prepare.

You also might want to consider booking a private charter, or one for just a few friends. While there are large party barges that can take several dozen anglers at once, you aren’t going to get much attention from the mates on these, as they’ll simply be overwhelmed by all the anglers out there.

I know it seems a little counter-intuitive to spend big bucks on a small/private charter when you’re just starting instead of spending a small amount of money on a party barge, but the extra cost is for the guide’s undivided attention, and it is worth every penny if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Do You Need Special Gear or Other Accommodations?

You should understand what type of gear the charter captain uses, and ensure that you’re comfortable using it. I once had a charter captain tell me that, “A paid trip is no time to learn to use a baitcaster” and he was on to something.

While we’re on the topic of baitcasters – not all captains have reels in left-hand retrieve. If you aren’t comfortable reeling in with your right hand it can make a trip tremendously less enjoyable (unfortunately, I know this from experience).

Other considerations include seats. My father is getting on in years and can’t fish standing for extended periods, so he always has to make sure his fishing guides have a seat ready for him. He travels all over Alaska to fish and the lodges there all know that he needs a special seat and have it ready for him, but that’s only because he calls them ahead of time to let them know.

If the captain doesn’t have gear that can accommodate you, that isn’t necessarily the end of the world if you know about the problem in time to do something about it, because then you can either bring your own stuff, or have it mailed to the captain ahead of time. If you only learn about it at the dock, you’re out of luck.

What Should You Bring on a Fishing Charter?

In addition to understanding what special accommodations are present or necessary, you also need to confirm that basic provisions will be available, as many won’t. While it’s wonderful if you can choose a fishing charter that is all inclusive, many aren’t and you’ll need to know this going in.

You should plan on packing anything that you feel you’ll need to be comfortable on the water. This means rain gear, an extra sweatshirt, sun tan lotion, food and beverages. If your child needs a potty or some shade, you should be prepared to bring it and not expect that the captain will have it.

Make sure you verify with your captain if you will need to secure your own fishing license ahead of time, or if you can purchase one from them at the dock.

If you’re purchasing a license, is there a particular one you need? For example, on Lake Champlain there are certain areas where a New York or Vermont license will be reciprocal, but there are other large sections where you need one from a specific state. Make sure you discuss this with your guide ahead of time, especially if you’re going to fish in interstate waters.

As to life jackets, while your captain is required by law to provide them, you can also bring along your own if you intend to wear it all day. I’ve invested in a very comfortable life jacket by Mustang Survival and I bring it with me when I book a charter. I’d rather wear that all day than whatever the guide has on hand.

What Should You Wear to a Fishing Charter?

The type of fishing charter you choose as well as the time of year and location will dictate what you wear. In colder climates and times of year, you’re going to get cold — very cold. There are few places as cold as a boat in the middle of the lake. Likewise, few get as hot. Dress accordingly.

A few fishing-specific items I’d consider wearing to a fishing charter include:

• A jacket or at least a windbreaker of some sort. Even if it is going to be a warm day, the ride out to the fishing grounds can be frigid due to the wind.
• A hat and sunglasses to protect you from the glare.
• I’m a huge fan of clothes that offer sun protection. You’re basically out there baking all day. A neck gaiter is a must-have, in my book.
• Boat shoes, or at least non skid shoes with light colored rubber soles. First of all, they’ll help you keep your balance and comfort throughout the day. Secondly, you won’t scuff up your captain’s boat!

Catch-and-Release or Catch-and-Keep?

People feel all sorts of ways about catch-and-release fishing, and it’s important that you and your captain are on the same page before you book your trip.

Some captains (especially those who charter offshore) rely on their catch for part of their wages, as they can sell the fish at local market. If you have misgivings against killing your catch, it could make for a bad experience if you didn’t realize they would do this up front.

In contrast, other captains (especially those who charter in freshwater) would prefer to release all the fish so they can catch them again with other clients another day. If you intend to keep the fish for a meal, you’d better let them know ahead of time before they throw supper overboard!

It’s just one of those things you might not think about until it’s too late.

Is Alcohol Allowed?

Not all captains will allow alcohol on their boats, and for good reason. If you like to enjoy a few suds while you’re out there, make sure you choose a fishing charter that allows it. Otherwise, you’ll come back to warm beer that has been sitting in your car all day!

Another reason for checking this policy is if you’re going out with a group of strangers. You might not have the most fun if you get stuck on the boat with an ugly drunk, so you may be better off screening for a charter that forbids alcohol in the first place.

What Type of Boat Does the Charter Use?

Most charter captains will tell you exactly what sort of boat they own and you’d be well-advised to go and google it to make sure it is something you’re comfortable fishing out of. Again, it’s all about setting expectations for yourself and making sure that your dreams aren’t dashed when you pull up to the marina.

There’s a few critical things you’ll want to understand about your captain’s boat:

Does the Boat have a Head (Bathroom)?

Depending on the size of the boat, there may or may not be a bathroom. This is definitely something you should ask the captain beforehand.

A lack of bathrooms aren’t always a deal breaker as there are often nearby marinas that you can pull in for lunch and a break, but this could cut into your fishing time so you’ll want to do your best to be ready for your trip.

Even if the boat does have a head, don’t have very high expectations. They tend to be tiny and crammed, especially if you’re loaded down with rain gear or other heavy clothing.

I’ve encountered my share of boats where the head was used as rod storage. If someone in your party needs to use the bathroom frequently, it would be a good idea to alert the captain or crew ahead of time so they can make sure it is accessible.

How Many People Can the Boat Comfortably Fish?

The size of the captain’s boat (as well as the captain’s license and credentials) will determine how many guests can legally go on the boat. The US Coast Guard provides ratings for each vessel that includes a maximum number of passengers.

It’s important to realize that the maximum number of passengers is often significantly more than the realistic number of people who can fish comfortably. Choose a fishing charter that has enough space for the people you wish to bring.

I own a 2012 Lund Impact 1875 Sport. It is rated for six passengers, but it also has a walk-through windshield that takes up a lot of space. It’s challenging to fish four people out of the boat and six would be very difficult unless we were vertically jigging.

You should know what your guide intends to take you out in, search the internet for pictures of it, and see if it’s really something you want to go out on with four friends or not. Many times, captains network with each other and will be able to accommodate larger groups if you think it makes sense to spread out over more boats.

Is the Boat Exposed to the Elements?

Not all boats are created equal. I’ve fished in Alaska in comfortable, custom-made 37′ cruisers equipped with heated cabins and restrooms. My father fishes each year at another lodge that used a converted landing craft totally exposed to the elements.

Which one would you bring your wife to?

You’ll want to know what type of boat your captain has to help you narrow your selection.

• If you’re bringing along a gaggle of kids, a bass boat probably isn’t going to be the best choice.
• Should you wish to troll on a hot summer day, you’ll be thankful if you choose a fishing charter captain who has a bimini top on his boat.
• If you’re headed to some frontier where the weather could turn at any moment, a heated cabin is a luxury you’ll crave.

Just try and match your expectations and needs with the type of boat your captain has and you’ll be fine. A quick question about his vessel coupled with a quick internet search to confirm what the boat looks like will make for a better experience.

If You’re Going Offshore, Does the Boat Have Multiple Engines?

If you’re chartering a boat offshore (or even in the Great Lakes), you really want it to have multiple engines in case one of them fails. This is an important safety feature as it can be extremely dangerous to lose power, especially in a storm.

If you’re on the Great Lakes, you’d do well to search for a guide who has a kicker motor next to their main outboard. While these small motors won’t get you anywhere fast, they do offer some peace of mind if the big engine fails.

What Do You Know About the Captain?

While it’s a great idea to make sure you understand the fine print of any fishing charter as well as the equipment and boat that you’ll be using, it’s all for nothing if you choose the wrong captain.

You should strive to find someone who is friendly, reputable, knowledgeable, and fully licensed and insured. Checking references is a must. You’re about to fork over a good amount of money to spend an entire day (or more) with this individual, so you’d better get along.

Is This the Captain’s Full-Time Job?

While I’m sure there are plenty of part-time guides who do a fine job, it stands to reason that you have a better chance of having a good experience if you book your fishing charter with a full-time captain, or at the very least a full-time fishing professional (such as a professional tournament angler who guides on the side).

Hiring a full-time captain means that you’re booking with someone who is guaranteed to have been on the lake very recently (usually, yesterday) and knows what’s going on. They’ll be much more in-tune with local conditions and fish movements and much more likely to put you on a good catch.

The part timer might be an excellent fisherman, but if this is the first time they’ve taken people out in a few weeks, you might find that you spend the first part of the day exploring and trying to figure out what works.

Is Your Captain Properly Licensed and Insured?

It’s important to ensure that you choose a properly licensed and insured fishing charter captain.

Chartering on federally navigable waters requires that the captain hold a current OUPV or Master Captain’s license, and a Department of Homeland Security transportation worker’s credential (TWIC). If your guide does not have this, and you’re fishing federally navigable waters, they are not compliant with the law.

What other laws are they ignoring? Are you sure they have life jackets?

As to insurance, you’ll want to make sure that they have proper coverage in case anything happens. Money won’t give you back life or limb, but it can at least pay for unexpected medical expenses due to an accident while on board.

A serious captain would have a proper license, and insurance. You’re trusting your life to this individual, so make sure they’re the real deal.

How Well Do They Know the Area?

It’s important to understand how long your captain has been fishing the area before you commit to hiring them. If you don’t clarify this, you could find that you’re one of the “exclusive first members” that helps them figure out what they’re doing. It just doesn’t make sense to spend several hundred dollars hiring a guide who knows as little about the area as you.

If they admit that they’re fishing a new area, see if you can negotiate a reduced price or extra hours to help them try stuff out. They might go for this because it makes it easier for them to learn about the lake and have better success with future clients.

When Captain Mick first started guiding in Florida, he offered to take me out from dawn until dusk for the price of a regular 8-hour charter, so long as I was OK with trying out a few different spots and helping him figure out some patterns. That was a win-win for both of us. I got to fish extra hours, and he had another person casting and helping him figure out a new lake.

Do They Have any Sponsors or Tournament Wins?

There are plenty of great fishing guides who don’t have any sponsors and don’t fish in any tournaments, much less win them, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt if they had these credentials.

At the very least, participating in tournaments shows that the fisherman puts his money where his mouth is, as the entry fees can be hefty.

Sponsorships are granted to fishermen who are able to move product for the sponsoring company. This is a good sign that they are a reputable fisherman, as companies would not waste time or money on just anyone. All the same, not everyone bothers with seeking a sponsorship, so I wouldn’t let a sponsorship or lack thereof be a deciding factor in how I chose my fishing charter.

What is Their Fish Guarantee, If Any?

Many fishing guides offer a “no fish, no pay” policy, though this isn’t standard across the industry. Even an unsuccessful fishing trip can be a beautiful (and expensive) boat ride, so it isn’t necessarily a warning sign if a guide doesn’t offer this.

Depending on the species you are targeting, it could be more or less likely that you’ll be successful. Muskies aren’t called “the fish of 1,000 casts” for nothing, after all, but if you just wanted your guide to help your kids catch some fish, one would hope they’d be able to find a bluegill or two!

Are They Comfortable Fishing with Children?

Not everyone is comfortable fishing with kids. I can tell you from experience that it presents a whole new set of challenges and some people just aren’t cut out for it.

You should ask your charter captain how often they fish with children, what kind of gear they have for them, and what the minimum age of kid is that they’ll allow on their boat.

You should also understand if they’ll provide worms if your kids are young or if you need to purchase these, as well as ask them what kind of techniques they intend to use for the day, and how well kids have been able to quickly learn them in their experience. If you are going to use worms, ask if there’s a place to store them to keep them fresh. While dead worms work in a pinch, you’re better off with live ones.

If the captain isn’t used to fishing with kids, don’t be afraid to keep shopping around and checking the local fishing forums to see if you can find someone who is better equipped for the challenge. It’s nothing personal; you need to choose a fishing charter captain who will work out well for you. Frankly, if you’re planning to bring kids along, and one captain isn’t up for it, your discretion is better for everyone.

How Can You Find a Good Charter Captain?

OK, so now that you know what to look for in a fishing guide service and captain, how exactly do you go about finding this gem? There’s a few ways that work pretty well:

Magazine Articles

Many fishing magazine articles detail a writer’s experience with a particular guide or lodge. These tend to be descriptive and will give you a good idea about the captain’s history, reputation, and ability.

If you read a great article about a certain technique you’ve wanted to try and notice that it featured a guide in a state you’re about to visit, the stars may just have aligned for you. Give them a call and see if you can book a trip to learn that technique from the master!

Forums

I’ve always been a big fan of forums for unbiased information. Most of the participants are somewhat anonymous and, shall we say, “unrestrained” when it comes to telling it like it is. If you find that a certain guide or service is held in high esteem by these internet warriors, it’s usually a great sign that they’re worth hiring.

Even better is if the guide also posts to the forum. This can give you some great insight into their temperament and disposition. For example, you can see how patiently they answer (sometimes stupid) questions from newer members, and also gain an appreciation for their values based on what topics they choose to reply to.

Internet Search & Interviews

A final way to help you choose a good fishing charter guide is by taking what you’ve learned in this article and applying it to your own research. Just simply Google “fishing charter in [your state]” and see what turns up.

Usually, you’ll find a bunch of websites for different captains. Start clicking on them to see what you can learn from the site itself (boat, terms, types of fish caught, etc.) and then call the captain and have a conversation.

If you do this, please start by asking if now is a good time and requesting a call back later if it isn’t. A good sign would be that the captain requests to call you in the afternoon. This means that he’s out fishing with a client and giving them his full attention, which is what you would want as well! It also is a good sign that his client is being successful, and the captain has his hands full!

Conclusions

While choosing a fishing charter poorly can prove an expensive mistake, if you select them wisely, you can have a very fun and informative time on the water and walk out of the experience with a new friend.

A guide can significantly reduce your learning curve and teach you new tips and tricks to make you a more efficient angler. They’re also a great way to fish from a boat if you lack one, or to go try something new and daunting.

It’s my hope that this article makes the process of hiring them, at least, a little less challenging. If you found it helpful, I’d appreciate it if you would share it so that it can help others.

Thanks,

John Paxton