Choosing
the right charter boat for you vacation fishing trip can be the
difference between an outing you will always cherish, or a nightmare
you will never forget. Use these Deep-Sea Charter Boat Service tips
and the selection process can get a lot easier.
The
very first thing you have to do is make an honest (and I do mean
honest)
evaluation of your fishing skills. Hooking and battling marlin, tuna
and other toothy adversaries is not like being the King Crappie
Viking on your local pond. Ocean fish can hurt you, bad. They will
have skilled mates to help you, but the ultimate responsibility is
yours.
Learn
all you can beforehand about ocean fishing techniques.
The
next thing is to determine what you want out of the trip. Is this a
way to spend time with the family, or get away from them? Are you
trying to prove something to yourself? Is it just a personal
challenge? Keep in mind that there are charters that specialize in
ultimate fishing trips for experienced anglers, and those that cater
to family outings, and less experienced blue-water anglers.
Next,
you need to determine what kind of fishing you want to do. Do you
want to yank snappers, halibut and groupers from the bottom, or do
you want to go high-speed trolling for tuna, wahoo and bill-fish? Are
you interested in shark fishing? There are charters that specialize
in all of these. Pick the right charter for the right trip.
After
you've done all this, it's time to do some field-work. You can use
the internet to find charters in the area where you want to go, and
get ratings and reviews from people that actually went out with them.
You can check on their Better Business Bureau ratings, and even call
local bait shops and ask for references. The internet has done more
to promote good business than any other single thing I can think of.
Once
you get down to a short-list of 5 or so charters, call them and
discuss the trip. Be specific about your desires, because no matter
how good they are, they cannot read minds. Be sure to arrive a few
days early so you can have time to personally tour each boat and meet
the crew in-person. Never
go out with anyone you have not met personally, or have personally
checked-out the boat. Always check the boat for general
condition: Does it appear to be in good repair? Does the crew appear neat and professional, or do they act more like Moe, Larry and Curly? Good Captains and crews are proud of their vessels, and go to great lengths to take care of them. Is all the required safety equipment on-board? Be sure to ask about emergency procedures. Is at least one of the crew certified in First Aid and CPR? Once you have answered all the questions, your selection is much easier. Now you worry about the best rates. Keep in mind, usually, you get what you pay for. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
condition: Does it appear to be in good repair? Does the crew appear neat and professional, or do they act more like Moe, Larry and Curly? Good Captains and crews are proud of their vessels, and go to great lengths to take care of them. Is all the required safety equipment on-board? Be sure to ask about emergency procedures. Is at least one of the crew certified in First Aid and CPR? Once you have answered all the questions, your selection is much easier. Now you worry about the best rates. Keep in mind, usually, you get what you pay for. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Be
sure to talk to the Captain. Ask about what specific services they
offer. Be sure to ask about their Cancellation Policies, refunds, and
deposits. Make sure you understand the entire price for the voyage,
and compare prices. Your vacation is not going to be a lot of fun if
you spend your entire bankroll on one fishing trip.
With
a few Deep-Sea Charter Boat Service tips, your fishing vacation can
be a lot more fun.
Happy
Fishing.
Deep-Sea Charter Boat Service Tips
