Chartering 101

Please keep in mind when shopping around for a boat that they come in all shapes and sizes, and are operated by Captains with varying degrees of experience. If you get a quote from someone for considerably less than our rates, there is a reason. In all probability the boat is a smaller, open, "center console" type. These vessels, while somewhat faster in calm water, generally have no rest room facilities, or enclosed areas where you can get out of the elements if necessary. Some are operated by people relativly new to the charter business, and discount their trips in hope of building a client base. The $50 or $100 you may save with them could result in a dissapointing catch.

Our boats are all enclosed, and have restroom facilities. Capt. George has operated charter and party fishing vessels in this area on a full time basis for over 35 years, and as a 4th generation native, has fished local waters since childhood (over 50 years).

In this article we hope to answer alot of frequently asked questions.

1. What is included in the Trip? Answer- Bait,tackle,rods and reels, ice, fish cleaning, all permits and licenses, Captain and mate.

2. What is not included in the trip? Answer- Food, beverages, and gratuity for crew are not included in the trip.

3. Are there any other charges? Answer-Rates are based on the cost of diesel fuel at $2.95 a gallon or less. If the price of fuel exceeds $2.95 a gallon, a surcharge will be added reflecting the actual cost.

Commonly Caught fish

 

Gag Grouper… Average weight 7 lbs, but fish over 30 lbs are not unusual well offshore. Excellent eating

Red Grouper… Average weight 6 lbs, with many over 16 lbs in water deeper than 80’. Very good eating (used by most local restaurants)

Spanish Mackerel… Average 2 lbs, up to 5 lbs. Caught nearshore. Very plentiful. Fair food value

King Mackerel… Average around 8 lbs, with largest running over 50 lbs. Can be found from a few yards off the beach, to 100 miles offshore. Great fighters. Fair food value

Barracuda…Average 10 lbs, with big ones running 30 lbs. Great fighters. Not recommended for eating

Cobia… can get over 80 lbs. Excellent table fare

Goliath Grouper… Can go in excess of 800 lbs. We generally attach one hook to three rods to land these. They are protected, and must be released

Mangrove Snapper… Very tasty reef fish that can get over 12 lbs, with  2 or 3 lbs being the average.

Amberjack… Found on the deeper wrecks and offshore freshwater springs. Average around 25 lbs, up to 100 lbs. Terrific fighters. Meat is fair and can have parasites at times

Blackfin Tuna… Hang in waters 90’ and over. Great fighters with good food value

Sharks… many varieties including, Black Tip, Nurse, Lemon, Hammerhead, Bonnethead, Bull, and more.

Key West Grunts (Grey Snapper)… mainstay of party boats, but a great choice for younger children because of their numbers. About 1-1.5 lbs

Tarpon…Most exciting sportfish to be caught nearshore/inshore. Great aerial performances. Up to 200 lbs