[Jerry]

As a family we have done fishing charters a lot. Number one good weather, light chop is perfect.

After getting settled Mike (son) and I would head down to the docks when the charters were coming back in. Just hanging around gives you a feel for what’s going on. Many times the proof was in the fish caught and listening to the trash talk. There are many different types of boats used by charter Captains. Usually the larger and newer ones cost more to charter. Look at it this way you’re going out probably far enough so sight of land will disappear , getting on a well cared for boat becomes important.

We usually do 1/2 day trips and there is a reason. My big question is how long of a boat ride do we take to the fishing spot ?

This is really important as some like to cruise ” hour plus” so you can double this now that gives you less then two hours to fish. So you’re paying for an expensive boat ride

My choice is about 1/2 hour cruise giving the max time with lines in the water. We did a half day morning charter out of Key West, FL catching fish pretty much non stop. All three Mackeral native to this area. Having a really good time we re-booked for 2 days later .

Twin screw cost more , my choice big boat, comfortable ride.

Look at the boat you’re thinking of chartering go aboard, smell diesel, leave….. smell head leave.

Talk to the captain and the mate just plain BS with the guys will give you a feeling if it’s a match with the personalities .

How long has Captain been in this area

How long have the Capt and mate been together.

Best Florida charter experience ever was Main Attraction Charters out of Marathon Key at Key Colony Beach Marina morning 1/2 day charter we hit school of Cobia and took our limit . Cobia max weight 150 lb. max length 78 inches. excellent eating. Stayed at Grassy Key RV Park.

Had another good time at Destin FL. where you catch your bait first then about a half hour ride to a sunkin cement truck using your bait . The bait line had 6 hooks attached, so Mike finally caught 6 on 6 and still talks about that trip. He had more fun catching the bait.

Did charter out of Juneau, Alaska where about 1/2 way out when we heard on the radio “May Day”. That changed fishing to a boat ride at WOT. We were called off about 20 minutes from the problem and a nice boat ride we had back to fishing area and catching zero fish. There was no charge for the charter.

Don’t split a charter with strangers, do your own boat. Bring iced cooler for your take home.

http://www.sparkyslanding.com

http://www.grassykeyrvpark.com

[Archived]

Rick,

Hog hunt …. idea for a mini rally ?

AL

[Paul]

Al Thanks for the great fishing input. As far as the hog hunt mini rally. I’m game. We’ll be available Jan. 22 to 29 or March 13 to 26. Anyone interested? Rick