Hiring a Freshwater or Saltwater Guide

Hiring a guide should be a simple proposition; however, there are a few factors to consider before asking "Permission to come aboard, captain?" First, does your family want to experience a head boat or a personalized one-on-one guided trip?

Head boats are the cheapest yet most impersonal charter your family will experience. Most head boats cost between $25 to $150 dollars per passenger. You are shepherded onto a large boat deck with the rest of the captain's charters. Usually, these boats can facilitate between 15 to 100 passengers. Deckhands will keep your lines baited and help land your fish; however, personal attention, fun tales of lore from the captain, and the occasional family friendly joke will go missing. Moreover, heeding to the family atmosphere, some head boats allow passengers to bring beer aboard-head boats are a great, cheap daytime option for bachelor parties; so, parents beware.

Private guides, on the other hand, offer amenities a head boat cannot. Most professional private charters provide tackle, bait, drinks, a light lunch, and personal attention. A good captain will share local legends, myths, and stories to keep the kids entertained between fish. A good captain can, and will, intersperse a conservation and ecological message during your charter making the trip an educational opportunity as well. Private charters also provide the attention to detail your family deserves; however, the personal services do came at a slightly higher price. The average private charter will run you from $350 dollars a day upwards of $1500 per boat, not person-depending on the type of fishing you consider.

Hiring A Guide

You have made your decision to go with a private or head charter captain; regardless of the mode of captain you have chosen, before booking, follow these five criteria to choose the right boat captain for your family.

1. Choosing the right captain is difficult even for the most seasoned charter angler. Where do you find them? What separates a good captain from a great one? The best means to find an excellent captain is through word of mouth. You have probably chosen your vacation destination from hearing of friends' fun adventure tales. Ask them if they used a charter captain on their trip. If not, call the local Chamber of Commerce and ask them if there are any captains they recommend. Obtain a list of three charter services and then get to work.
2. The charter industry is a cutthroat and competitive business. Most respectable captains have a web presence Google them if the referrer did not supply a website address to find their 'storefront.' Read their client testimonials, fishing reports, and list of accomplishments. Charter captains are a proud lot and love to brag about their fortunes on the water. If the captain looks like a fit, call him. Most successful captains' book charters up to two years in advance call and find their best available times and seasons. Ask the captain what he provides, what your family can expect, and if he allows children. Ask him if he has commercial insurance, affiliations with professional organizations, and ask for at least three client referrals. He should easily be able to answer these questions and if he can't thank him politely and move on to the next possibility.
3. The interviews are complete. You have chosen your family's captain and you are ready to book. Most captains require a deposit. These deposits can range from $100 dollars to half the amount of the charter. When you book and pay your deposit, ask about weather change policy, cancellation policies (Fishing is typically seasonal and good captains have a list of short notice clients they call fill in quickly if you cannot make your charter, give him the courtesy to fill the vacancy. Oft times, they will allow you to transfer your charter date if you give ample notice and they can fill the slot), and refund policies. Most captains can transfer your deposit but you will forfeit it if you do not communicate your needs.
4. Your charter is booked, the family is ready to roll, and are you are getting ready to pack for the trip. Call the captain and confirm your trip. Ask him what you need to bring. A professional charter will most often provide everything. However, if you have special dietary needs or personal preferences for drink flavors; ask if you can bring a small icebox. ASK BEFORE HAND! Captain's can be persnickety and storage space on a boat is at a premium-make sure the boat has room before overcrowding the storage space.
5. The night before your trip, call the captain and confirm once again. Get specific instructions on where to meet and times. Ask one more time if there is anything you need to bring. The one thing a captain will not tell you to bring is a tip. Guides provide a service and typically go beyond the actual cost of the charter. If you feel your guide has done his best, tip him accordingly; however, weight the amount of tip on service rather than fish caught, sometimes the fish are not as accommodating as the captain is. The average guides tip is $100 to $200 dollars a day. The more attentive and professional guide the better the tip should be. If he prepares, cleans, and packs your fish, throw in a little extra.

Your family deserves the best. Following these simple rules will ensure your family has the best time on the water possible. The stories and experiences your kids will bring back are priceless. Not only do they get to see nature in action, they get to spend some quality, fun time with mom and dad. Get out, go fish, and have fun.