Guaranteed Guide Service

Because of social media it is easier and easier to say "I'm a fishing guide." After being in this business for 24 years, I've seen them come and go. I thought I would share some info for folks looking to book a fishing trip.

To put it simply, a fishing charter is a trip run by an experienced captain or guide on a private vessel. The main point of these charters is to introduce guests to fishing, or to take them out to a specific fishery to target certain species.

Charters can be tailored to suit novices or more experienced anglers. No matter your skill level, the aim of your trip is to hopefully learn how to fish, catch some fish, and enjoy your time out on the water. The price of your charter will differ depending on where you want to go and how much time you spend aboard the boat.
Take a step back and ask yourself what you really want from your trip. If you’re booking a private charter, you can adjust your day to suit your priorities, but you should still be clear on what’s more important. Is it that one trophy fish? A full cooler? Or are you just in it for some fun with the family?
You know what you want, time to find it! There is nothing better than a referral from a friend, but in the online age, you no longer need to stroll the lake and collect flyers. You can find out a lot about a charter on their website or social media. Here are the main things you should be looking for.

The Captain
More than anything, it’s the captain that makes the trip. That’s why it makes sense to “get to know” them before you book. Find out how long they’ve been in business. If they’re new, how long have they been fishing in the area? Are they local? An experienced guide can be the difference between a good day out and the trip of a lifetime.
A good way to learn more about a captain is through their social media. These are a public journal of what they’ve been catching and the kinds of trips they’ve been running. They can tell you how often a guide is out on the water, or what species and habitats they focus on most.
Lastly, reviews. We don’t need to tell you how important reviews are when shopping online. The actual content of a review can reveal much more than just the business’s star rating. Read some recent reviews and see what makes the captain special. Flexibility and good communication before and during the trip will affect your experience just as much as the number of fish you catch.

The Boat
This is the first thing that most people think about when they’re choosing a charter – and it’s definitely worth some thought. Do you want comfort or speed? A floating home or a lean, mean fishing machine? There are a dozen types of charter boat, each with their own pros and cons. Most trips are run on center consoles.
Center consoles are fast and cheap to run. The upside is that you can move around freely as you fight fish.
One thing that all boats have in common is a maximum capacity. This is normally four or six passengers, depending on size. A boat may legally hold 4, but be much better suited to two. Around 22 feet is a comfortable minimum for a family of four, while at 24 feet 6 anglers can fish comfortably.

Price
Don’t book the cheapest charter you find. It’s probably cheap for a reason. Maybe the boat’s old or the equipment’s worn. Perhaps the captain doesn’t have insurance (which isn’t mandatory in many places). You should find out what’s included before you book.

Ask about the fuel and the bait. Also check if the crew will clean your catch and what refreshments are allowed. You can usually find this information online. Bear in mind that the price never includes gratuities.

Cancellations
Life’s unpredictable and sometimes things come up that mean you have to cancel. It’s a shame, but it’s not necessarily a problem. Depending on the business, you can cancel anywhere up to 24-48 hours before the trip and get your money back. Every guide has their cancellation policy set and clearly visible before you book.

Sometimes, it’s the captain that has to cancel. This could be because of the weather or a problem with their boat. If that happens, we’ll reach out to find another date or trip that works for you or give you a full refund. Safety is the captain’s number one concern. Trust them if they cancel due to weather – even if it’s sunny where you live.

Choosing a charter can be a daunting task. This is your big day out and you want it to be perfect. Find the trip that suits you best so you can kick back and enjoy an amazing fishing trip. Tight lines!