So you want to do a Fishing Charter

Article by: Capt. Charlie Schoonmaker

Winter’s over and Spring and Summer are coming on and so are your thoughts of the beach, the sun, a vacation, and wouldn’t it be nice to do some fishing? Yes, a great family and friends affair. Fishing is a primary outdoor recreation enjoyed by many, but how can I arrange this? It’s new to me! One of the best ways to enjoy this activity is by booking a fishing charter where you rent a boat with crew and gear to take you where you will be looked after by a competent and enjoyable captain and mate…. but how does one find such a person?

First, Ask your friends who have chartered before for recommendations…. They’ll know who is good from their previous experiences and they know you and your family and your needs. They can help point you in the right direction with the proper questions and information to get. You can also ask the employees who work at one of the fishing tackle stores or local fish markets where seafood is sold daily about the various captains and boats. There are many variables to ask about and question to ensure your fun and a having a great experience….do not hesitate to ask anything and that way there are no surprises!

Here are some good first questions to ask the captain. Are children welcome? What do we need to bring for ourselves and friends? What does the boat and Captain provide? Am I speaking with the captain I’ll be fishing with? What are the rates? If you have a mate, what is the normal tip I should plan on for this individual? Departure time and meeting place? Is there ample parking and is it free parking or pay? Can we drink a beer or two while fishing?

These are just a few of the opening questions everyone should ask, and more will follow. Do your due diligence to avoid any pitfalls. And you do want to look out for your lady anglers by asking about restroom facilities (a head on a boat) and other creature comforts for the family… all these questions and more can prevent a problem for occurring while you are out enjoying your day! And don’t feel like there is a stupid question… captains would rather have the air cleared and everyone understanding the trip before they leave the dock.. they want you to have a great day so you’ll want to come back and do it again! And bring some more friends who will become future clients too!

Here in coastal North Carolina we have three different types of charters available. Some are what we call “inshore charters” where you fish in the Waterway, various cuts and backwaters, and evening brackish rivers and they do not require a lengthy trip to the fishing grounds so you fish a reasonable amount of your allotted time….These trips can be three to four hours in length from dock to dock. Many leave at 7 or 8 and return at noon so you can enjoy a nice lunch and get out of the noonday heat. Know your party and their tolerance for heat and sun…. you may want to arrange a trip later in your week’s stay so you have acquired some sun prior to fishing…that way you don’t risk a major sunburn that could spoil the rest of your vacation! And because these trips are shorter in time, they are usually more reasonable in cost. You can expect to catch a lot of different varieties of fish this way and generally if the action is strong with some species the kids can actually get tired of catching… they may not be the biggest fish but these fish can provide a heap of family fun and a great learning experience too.

The next level of fishing trip would be the “Nearshore” trip where you fish in the ocean, but close to the beach. Usually you never leave sight of land which is comforting to some new anglers. Trolling, bottom Fishing, and casting to schools of breaking fish can be exciting and the sights you see are a treat in themselves. Dolphins, birds and other life entertain you as your trip unfolds.

The last trip is where you will travel far offshore to the deep waters that will require a longer time run and the same time returning. This is your true “Blue Water” trip where the bigguns’ are caught. This could easily be a ten to fourteen hour trip, leaving the dock in the dark and returning in the dark, but the rewards are worth it. Again, due to time and fuel these trips can be expensive, but split between six persons it still is considered a reasonable amount for such a day of fun! These trips are for the more advanced or hardy angler.

A Charter fishing experience can be compared to climbing a ladder… start close, then go out a little further, then go for the top. It is all fun, a great family experience, and can provide you with many a great meal too. As a parent I always stress family fun and kids fishing in the outdoors are enjoying the world about them and nature. It is a great reprieve from the electronic world in which we live.

Tight Lines to all!

About the Author: Captain Charlie Schoonmaker grew up on the waters of North Carolina which has given him experience in all water sports from freshwater canoeing to deep sea “bluewater” fishing. Having seen all aspects of the ocean world Capt. Charlie can appreciate all the fishing and water communities. Capt. Charlie has over 50 years of local knowledge and experience fishing the Beautiful Southeastern Coast of North Carolina (SENCland). He continues operating his charter fishing business “Back Bay Fishing Charters” and his new family oriented excursions “Capt. Charlie’s Adventures” in Carolina Beach, N C. Ready to fish, Call: 910-262-3474