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