Charter Fishing on the Great Lakes, USA / Canada
Charter Fishing Boats and What to Expect in a Charter Fishing Trip
Sep 11, 2008
Fighting a 25-pound king salmon for the better part of an hour is an exhilarating challenge that plays out regularly on the Great Lakes. Many choose charter fishing because the cost is dwarfed by the expense of buying, outfitting, fueling, maintaining and storing their own boat.
Advantages of Charter Fishing Boats
A key point of charters is the convenience. Show up at the appointed time, jump aboard and settle in for some action. The toughest decision is which friends to invite along.
Sport fishing charter captains are top-notch fishing guides who know where the fish are from day to day, so little time is spent finding something to catch. The mate rigs and sets all the downriggers and divers. Some even set the hook before handing the rod off to the angler.
Boats are outfitted with top-drawer fishing tackle. They need the quality and durability of top-of-the-line gear.
Another advantage is the type of craft that make the best charter fishing boats. They’re generally around 27 feet long with a 10-foot beam. That’s a very stable platform even in heavy swells, making for extremely smooth sailing when trolling on a calm surface. That’s a critical factor to a successful fishing trip, because if someone gets seasick it could be pretty much over – after all, they’re usually not going to get better on the water.
Sport Fishing Charters and What to Look For
First, make sure the captain is licensed. The U.S. Coast Guard requires charter captains to be licensed before they can take passengers for hire. The basic license allows a total of eight on a boat including the captain and a mate, leaving a maximum of six passengers. Some states also inspect charter operations, so ask about their status.
Double-check on the number of anglers the captain allows. Some cap it off at four. Depending on the boat, six anglers may be tripping over each other. More would lower the cost if it’s being split evenly, but it may be best to stick with just four for safety and maximum fun.
Talk about licenses for the fishing party. Some captains sell one-day licenses. If they don’t, be certain everyone in the party is legal before they even board.
Ask about bringing food and drink on board. If it’s allowed, pack a little extra for the captain and mate. Ask before bringing alcohol.
Some boats have a head. Others have only a bucket. It’s wise to check that out when booking the charter. Especially in mixed company, it’s not something to try to finesse when nature calls miles from shore.
Check on the after-trip essentials – cleaning and ice. Some captains clean and filet the catch, and some provide ice. A cooler is the angler’s responsibility.
Fishing Charters and What to Expect
Early morning sport fishing charters tend to be most successful. That can mean leaving the dock by 5:30. It’s usually worth it. It’s common to have the first strike as soon as a rod is rigged.
Charters are generally half a day. That may not mean strictly four hours. If the action is hot the captain may want to stay out, returning only in time to clean up the boat for the afternoon charter.
Mostly, expect a great time and terrific game fishing. If the crew found lots of fish, consider a tip.
Expect a strong impulse to book another charter fishing trip soon.
Filet Salmon Quickly and Easily
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