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