subject: Finding A Fishing Charter: 4 Steps To Follow [print this page] If you're headed for a tourist-heavy area for your vacation, you'll soon see there is no shortage of boat captains ready to take you out on the water. This glut of competition can make it difficult for the uninitiated to make a choice. How do you choose one fishing charter over another? Obviously price is going to come into play, but how do you weigh the fees against what you're actually getting for your money? There are a lot of things to consider when you choose your boat. Here are four steps that will help you find the right captain and avoid the wrong one.
Know Your Style
Unless you're really new to angling, you probably know that not all methods of catching fish are the same. Depending on which fish you want to catch, you may need a fishing charter that can cater to your preferred method. Some of this will be location dependent. For instance, you wouldn't go looking for saltwater fish on a small lake, clearly. If you can find a captain who is an expert in providing a quality experience for your style, you'll be much happier than trying to fit a round peg into a square hole. On the other hand, this may be a perfect opportunity to branch out and try a new style.
Price
Obviously, price is always going to be a factor of some sort when looking for a fishing charter. In most cases, you're paying not only to use the boat, but for the services of a captain and crew. This can get expensive, although it shouldn't be too bad on group tours where the costs are shared. The larger the boat, and the further out the excursion, the more you can expect to pay. Call around, get a few quotes, and you should be able to get a ballpark estimate.
Ask Around
You can find every fishing charter you would want to hire in the local phone directory, but this isn't going to help you determine which one is best. If you're on vacation in an unfamiliar city, it can be tough to find recommendations. The internet can prove useful in this instance. Check local message boards and forums for unbiased information. If you're staying home, ask your friends and others who enjoy the sport. They may know some captains to recommend.
Conduct Interviews
The best way to get a feel for what a fishing charter offers is to simply ask. Make a list of some of the questions that are pertinent to making a decision. Call some of the companies you think look promising and ask them your questions. Try to start a conversation. See how they treat a potential customer. This kind of interview can be very illuminating and it can be a great way to make your choice.
