What You Need to Know Before Your Trip
Fishing on your own boat with a professional captain is a different experience from traditional charter fishing, and new clients often have questions about what they need to bring or supply, what I bring, and how the trip will work. I’ll try to answer as many of them as I can here, but every client and trip is different. Please feel free to give me a call anytime to discuss trip planning and questions.
What I Bring on Trips
On all trips, I bring a small selection of high-end Gulfstream Customs rods to give you an idea of the kind of gear I use personally. Please understand that I can’t bring enough rods and reels for the whole boat. Think of it more like a chance to demo some great equipment alongside your own.
I also bring a standalone chartplotter to display shaded relief bathymetric imagery. The plotter plugs into a 12V outlet on your boat. Shaded relief imagery has changed the way I fish and is a great tool for teaching you about the kinds of bottom features to look for.
I don’t supply bait, but I do bring sabiki rigs, so we can catch our own. Alternatively, in some areas we can buy live bait on the water. You’ll need to purchase any necessary chum or dead bait (like squid for deep dropping) prior to the trip. I recommend Baitmasters. For some trips, I can also bring a cast net and, if you want, teach you to throw it.
On swordfishing trips, I provide all the necessary specialized gear — a Gulfstream Customs “WMD” sword rod, electric reel, wind-on leaders, lead, lights, rigged baits and a harpoon. For electric reels, if your boat doesn’t have outlets, I bring an adapter to connect to your battery system.
What You Need to Bring or Supply
Generally speaking, you’ll be responsible for everything you’d normally bring fishing on your boat: rods and reels, terminal tackle, leader, lures, bait, chum, gaff, fish storage with ice, food and drinks, safety equipment, and of course personal gear for you and your crew like clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, cameras, etc. You’ll also be responsible for fuel and for fishing licenses for your crew.
Most clients throw in a few extra water bottles and snacks, but I can also bring my own food and drink. I do ask that you have a quality PFD on board for me.
Prior to our trip, we’ll talk about the type of fishing we plan to do, the specific rods, reels and terminal tackle you need to bring, any dead bait and/or chum you need to purchase, and how we’ll obtain live bait if needed.
Meeting Times and Locations
When you pay for a trip, you’re basically buying my whole day, from sunup to sundown (except on special trips like Pulley Ridge that require an earlier departure). I might recommend leaving or returning at certain times based on conditions, but ultimately it’s up to you when we leave the dock. We’ll work out the details in advance of the trip.
If your boat is in a slip or on a lift, I can meet you at your marina or dock. If it’s on a trailer, I can meet at the ramp of your choice.
Reservations, Cancellations & Payments
To reserve a date for a trip, we require a $100 nonrefundable deposit. I understand that unexpected things can happen and will do my best to work with you to reschedule your trip if you have to cancel.
I reserve the right to cancel trips due to severe weather or sea conditions. In the event your trip is canceled because of weather, I’ll either refund your deposit or reschedule your trip as soon as possible.
Payments can be made via cash, check, Venmo, Zelle or Cash App. Please call me for details.
Tipping Guides & Captains
Tipping fishing guides and captains is by no means required but is customary and deeply appreciated. Tip amounts are similar to those in restaurants — 15 to 20% is standard, and 25% recognizes exceptional service.