| When it comes to selecting a deep sea | | | | very popular option for more experienced |
| charter, there are numerous factors to | | | | anglers who may not have all of their own |
| consider. Not only do you want to find a | | | | equipment to go out on an expedition of their |
| charter that is reputable and professional, | | | | own. High speed trolling is best done during |
| you also want to look for one that will meet | | | | the summer months, when conditions are |
| your individual needs. This means that | | | | optimal to catch larger game fish, such as |
| before you even make preparations to spend a | | | | bull dolphin, yahoo, and sailfish. |
| day on the open water, you should decide what | | | | |
| it is that you specifically want from the | | | | One of the best things you can do when |
| experience. | | | | searching for a charter that will meet your |
| | | | needs is to ask the captain up front what it |
| Your first priority should be to decide what | | | | is they offer. You certainly don't want to |
| type of experience you want. Do you want to | | | | waste your time and money on an expedition |
| try reef and wreck fishing? Do you want to | | | | that is not suited to your needs. Many |
| try inshore fishing? Or are you interested | | | | charter services are very up front about the |
| in finding a charter that specializes in | | | | different options they offer. As a result, |
| targeting a specific type of species (such as | | | | you can determine which type of charter is |
| tarpon, billfish, etc.). Some of these | | | | the best fit for your individual needs. |
| factors will depend on what type of the world | | | | |
| you are fishing in. For example, if you are | | | | After you decide what type of specific |
| going to be fishing off the gulf of Mexico, | | | | experience you want, you should determine how |
| your options will be different than if you | | | | much you are willing to pay for the charter. |
| were seeking a deep sea charter off the coast | | | | For smaller boats (that typically hold |
| of northern California. | | | | between two to four people, prices typically |
| | | | start at around $200-$400. To hire a bigger |
| Next, you should think about what level you | | | | boat for an all-day fishing excursion, you're |
| want to fish on. There is a vast difference | | | | looking at between $900-$1,200. Another |
| between a charter that caters to novice | | | | important factor to consider is the |
| fishermen and one that is designed for | | | | reputation of the charter. |
| experienced anglers. However, one of the | | | | |
| great things about the abundance of charter | | | | While most charter services are operated by |
| fishing boats is that there is typically one | | | | experienced, quality individuals, there is |
| to suit the needs of any level of angler. | | | | the occasional shady character that may try |
| | | | and sell you their services. One way to |
| Some charters cater to the beginner and to | | | | check into the reputation of a particular |
| families, while others specialize in taking | | | | charter service is through asking around and |
| more experienced fishermen out to sea. Many | | | | getting recommendations from some of the |
| charter services actually offer several | | | | locals. This can mean visiting local |
| options. Often, captains of charter boats | | | | marinas, bait shops, or simply visiting the |
| will offer a trolling option, which is geared | | | | docks. Another option is to check with the |
| toward the novice fisherman, families, and | | | | hotel where you're staying - often they have |
| children. For example, many charter boats in | | | | charter services they typically use. |
| the southern Florida area will take patrons | | | | Finally, you can interview potential fishing |
| out trolling in the spring through fall | | | | charter captains. This can help you see for |
| months, where they have the opportunity to | | | | yourself what type of person you will be |
| spend six hours hunting for redfish, dolphin, | | | | spending a day on the boat with. Often, this |
| and others. | | | | is the part of the process that exposes some |
| | | | of the less reputable charter options. |
| On the other hand, high speed trolling is a | | | | |