You don’t have to own an offshore boat to go offshore fishing. You don’t need to be an expert in tuna behavior to reel in a massive bluefin. You don’t have to spend a decade learning strategies to land a muskie.
Thanks to chartered fishing, you can experience every kind of fishing imaginable. These trips make fishing easier and more accessible, but there are some things you should know for a more enjoyable experience.
Private or Walk-On Fishing Charters
There are two basic types of fishing charters: private and walk-on. Private fishing charters are for you and your group only. You reserve your spot in advance and have the entire boat to yourself (with the captain and crew, of course!) These are generally more expensive, but it gives you the chance to fish with just you and your friends or family.
Walk-on fishing charters are shared trips that are offered to individuals and priced per person. It’s structured more like purchasing a ticket to a movie. Anyone can walk up pay for entry, and enjoy the experience. The price per person is usually cheaper than private charters, but they do offer more convenience and require less planning.
Book Private Trips Well in Advance
It’s easy to let time slip away. You talk with your friends, make plans for a chartered fishing trip, then say, “we have eight months, so no hurry.” But the best charter companies book well in advance, especially for weekend trips, so get a sense of urgency and book your trip as soon as possible.
Use Reliable Contacts to Find a Good Charter Company
So where can you find the best charter companies? Start with the people you know. If you have a friend or coworker who takes a chartered trip every year, ask them whom they use. If you are staying at a resort, call the concierge and ask for recommendations. They are in the business of making people happy, so they generally recommend the best charter companies around.
Get Your Fishing License
If possible, take care of this step early so you don’t have to bother with it on fishing day. It’s also a good idea to remind your group to get theirs too, and remember that you need a license for the specific state where you’re fishing.
What Should You Bring?
While most quality fishing charter companies will have all of the items you need, there are some things you should plan on bringing along. Even if the forecast is cloudy, bring along sunglasses and a hat just in case. You should also bring sunscreen, and don’t forget your own hand towel. It never hurts to bring along seasickness medication if you’ve never been on a charter or have a history of upset stomachs.
What to Wear?
This will depend a lot on the season, but you’ll want to make sure you have something that keeps you dry and comfortable. A rain jacket like the Huk PVC Foul Weather Jacket is a smart choice, and if it’s colder, you may want an insulated item like the Huk All Weather Jacket.
During the summer, it’s a good idea to wear a long-sleeve fishing shirt that protects your body from the sun. Light, breathable material for both your shirts and shorts is a wise decision.
As far as footwear goes, wear something that is slip-resistant and sturdy. Leave the open-toed sandals at home and go for a pair of deck boots or water-resistant footwear.
Always Listen to the Captain and Crew
It should go without saying, but some people need a reminder. The captain and crew are highly experienced in boating, fishing, and nautical safety. Listen to everything they say and you’ll have a more rewarding and safe fishing trip.
Excellent Fishing Apparel for Any Charter Trip
When you’re planning your chartered fishing trip, make sure you have the right apparel for a full day on the water. You can get excellent fishing apparel from Huk, so check out our full collection today.
