James RickardThings to think about before chartering a boat
April 17th 2008 00:25
Sometimes you need a fishing fix when you don't expect it--like when you're on vacation and left all of your equipment at home!
There may be a solution to your problem. Depending on where you are, you may be able to book a boat to get you on the water.
There are two ways to go about chartering a boat. You can book a fishing charter for around $250 and up--mostly up--or book a party boat, also called a head boat, for around $50 and up. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
A party boat is what you may have seen on TV where you have a mob of people leaning on the railing and dropping bait to schooling fish.
Although this arrangement is not everyone's cup of tea, it affords the opportunity to meet new people and share experiences you'll never forget.
For example--my son and I were on a party boat about 10-12 years ago and there was this other father there with his son who was about three years old.
To make a long story short, the Dad hooked a nice sea-bass, brought it aboard and the kid freaked!
As the fish flopped on the deck, the kid yelled, "Stop it! Stop!"
The fish must not have heard the kid and went right on flipping and flopping to no end until the 3 year old ended the gyrations with a stomp of the foot.
To give you and idea of what happen, place your hand, palm up, on a table and curl your fingers. That's what the fish looked like. It may not have squashed the fish but that stomp must have done something to its nervous system.
Another party boat story from that day--several of us anted up for a contest to see who could catch the biggest fish. There were several 12-15 inchers. Looking around and talking to people, I honestly though my son was going to win the $400 pot because he had a 19 inch fish! Unfortunately, someone on the other side of the boat hauled up a 21 incher. Oh, well!
The other route to take is to charter a boat catering to individuals or small groups. Some charters have a flat rate to be divided among your party and some charge by the person. "Small parties" is at the discretion of the service you choose. Five or six people is usually the maximum number but, it never hurts to ask.
When it comes to questions, you can never ask too many. Things to consider are costs (naturally),first aid, sanitary facilities, refreshments, length of trip, what equipment is provided, and, perhaps most importantly, what kind of fish you can expect to catch. If you have a hankering for marlin, those sea bass I mentioned are going to be a disappointment.
There may be a solution to your problem. Depending on where you are, you may be able to book a boat to get you on the water.
There are two ways to go about chartering a boat. You can book a fishing charter for around $250 and up--mostly up--or book a party boat, also called a head boat, for around $50 and up. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
A party boat is what you may have seen on TV where you have a mob of people leaning on the railing and dropping bait to schooling fish.
Although this arrangement is not everyone's cup of tea, it affords the opportunity to meet new people and share experiences you'll never forget.
For example--my son and I were on a party boat about 10-12 years ago and there was this other father there with his son who was about three years old.
To make a long story short, the Dad hooked a nice sea-bass, brought it aboard and the kid freaked!
As the fish flopped on the deck, the kid yelled, "Stop it! Stop!"
The fish must not have heard the kid and went right on flipping and flopping to no end until the 3 year old ended the gyrations with a stomp of the foot.
To give you and idea of what happen, place your hand, palm up, on a table and curl your fingers. That's what the fish looked like. It may not have squashed the fish but that stomp must have done something to its nervous system.
Another party boat story from that day--several of us anted up for a contest to see who could catch the biggest fish. There were several 12-15 inchers. Looking around and talking to people, I honestly though my son was going to win the $400 pot because he had a 19 inch fish! Unfortunately, someone on the other side of the boat hauled up a 21 incher. Oh, well!
The other route to take is to charter a boat catering to individuals or small groups. Some charters have a flat rate to be divided among your party and some charge by the person. "Small parties" is at the discretion of the service you choose. Five or six people is usually the maximum number but, it never hurts to ask.
When it comes to questions, you can never ask too many. Things to consider are costs (naturally),first aid, sanitary facilities, refreshments, length of trip, what equipment is provided, and, perhaps most importantly, what kind of fish you can expect to catch. If you have a hankering for marlin, those sea bass I mentioned are going to be a disappointment.
<<<<<<>>>>>>
For anyone giving this serious consideration, let me offer this advice. Most charters are a half day and full day. A half day, gives you about an hour to get to your fishing destination, a couple hours of actual fishing, and an hour to get back to port. That may not sound like much time but it's PLENTY. You may spend a lot of time in your boat on the river or lake but, trust me--the sea is different! I've seen people get seasick when they're a few miles out and they're pretty miserable. It's a shame to spend all that money and not even get to enjoy it!
One last bit of advice--I'll tell you the same thing the captain of a boat will tell you. If you DO get sick, throw up over the side because nobody wants to smell your vomit!
That may sound mean but, when you think about it, he hit the nail right on the head!
One last bit of advice--I'll tell you the same thing the captain of a boat will tell you. If you DO get sick, throw up over the side because nobody wants to smell your vomit!
That may sound mean but, when you think about it, he hit the nail right on the head!
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
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