Guide
What to Expect on Your First Fishing Charter
On your first fishing charter, you show up early, listen to a short safety talk, and let the crew handle the boat, the rigging and the fish-finding while you do the reeling. At the end, your keepers come off the boat, often cleaned, and you tip the crew.
Booking
Before the trip: what to confirm when you book
Most of the stress of a first trip goes away if you ask a few plain questions when you book. Captains get these questions every day, so don’t worry about sounding new.
- Where and when to meet. Get the marina name, the slip or dock number, and where to park. Marinas can be confusing the first time.
- What is included. Most charters supply rods, reels, tackle and bait. Ask whether your fishing license is covered by the boat or whether you need your own, since rules vary by state.
- Deposit and weather policy. Find out how deposits work and what happens if the captain cancels for weather or you need to reschedule.
- Food and drinks. Some boats provide water or snacks, many expect you to bring your own, and a few have rules about glass or alcohol.
- Fish cleaning. Ask if the crew cleans your catch or if there is a cleaning service at the dock, and whether there is a fee.
Then pack light and smart. Our list of what to bring on a fishing charter covers sunscreen, layers, sunglasses, a small cooler and cash for the tip.
Arrival
Arrive early and get settled
Plan to be at the dock a bit before the departure time your captain gives you. Boats often leave right on schedule, and the clock on your trip usually starts at departure whether everyone is aboard or not. Arriving early gives you time to park, find the boat, use a real restroom and stow your gear.
A few habits help:
- Bring a soft bag instead of a hard suitcase. It is easier to stow and won’t scuff the deck.
- Wear shoes with soft, light soles that grip when wet.
- If you are prone to motion sickness, deal with it before you board, not after. Our guide to avoiding seasickness on a fishing charter explains why timing matters.
- Leave a cooler with ice in your car if you hope to take fish home.
Safety
The safety briefing
Before or just after you leave the dock, the captain or mate will run through the basics. It usually takes a few minutes, and it is worth your full attention.
- Where the life jackets are stored and how to put one on, plus the rules for kids wearing them.
- Where to sit or hold on while the boat is running, and when it is safe to move around.
- Where the head (the boat’s toilet) is, if there is one, and how to use it.
- Hook and gear safety: watch your cast, keep hands clear of lines under tension, and don’t grab a fish until the crew says it is safe. Some fish have sharp teeth, spines or gill plates.
Weather is always the captain’s call. If the captain decides to change spots, come in early or not go at all, that decision is about getting everyone home safely.
The day
How the day runs and who does what
The trip starts with a run to the first spot. That might be a few minutes on a bay trip or a long ride offshore. Once you arrive, the crew sets up for the kind of fishing the day calls for, such as trolling, drifting or bottom fishing.
| Who | What they usually handle |
|---|---|
| Captain | Runs the boat, reads the water and electronics, picks spots and techniques, makes all safety calls |
| Mate or deckhand | Rigs and baits lines, sets rods, untangles, nets or gaffs fish, measures and handles the catch |
| You | Listen, hold the rod, reel when told, take turns, ask questions and have fun |
On a trolling trip, rods sit in holders and your group takes turns when one goes off, so agree on an order early. On a bottom fishing trip, everyone usually drops a line at once. Either way, the crew will coach you on how to set the hook and fight the fish. Slow stretches are normal, and good crews keep moving to find active fish.
Speak up if you want to learn something, like tying a knot or reading the fish finder. Most crews enjoy teaching.
Your fish
Keepers, releases and cleaning
When you land a fish, the mate will usually take over. They check the species, measure it and decide whether it can be kept under the size limits, bag limits and seasons that apply that day. Those rules vary by state and by whether you are in state or federal waters, so trust the crew on what goes in the box.
- Keepers go on ice in the fish box right away to keep them fresh.
- Releases go back quickly. Snap your photo fast and let the crew handle the fish so it swims away healthy.
- Cleaning often happens at the dock after the trip, either by the crew or a cleaning station nearby. Bring zip bags and that cooler of ice.
Our guide to keeping your catch covers getting fish home fresh, including travel tips if you flew in.
Wrap-up
Back at the dock: ending the trip and tipping
The trip ends at the time you booked, and that time includes the ride back. The crew will often lay out the catch for photos, unload the fish and start cleaning while you gather your things.
Tipping the crew is customary on US fishing charters, and the mate often earns much of their pay from tips. Many anglers tip a percentage of the trip price, and cash is the easiest way to make sure it reaches the crew. You can tip on a slow day too, since the crew still worked hard for you. See our guide to fishing charter tipping for how to figure the amount and who to hand it to.
Before you leave, thank the captain and ask what was biting. If you had a good day, a short online review helps small charter businesses more than you might think.
Questions
Quick answers
Do I need fishing experience to go on a charter?
No. Charters are built for people of every skill level, and first-timers are common. The crew sets up the gear, baits the hooks and coaches you through hooking and reeling in a fish. Just tell the captain when you book that you are new, and listen during the briefing. Asking questions on the boat is welcome.
Do I need a fishing license on a fishing charter?
It depends on the state and the type of trip. In some places the charter’s license covers passengers, and in others each angler needs a personal license. Ask the captain when you book, and check our fishing license guide for each state’s options before you go.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my trip?
The captain decides whether it is safe to go, and that call should always be respected. Many charters will reschedule or refund if they cancel for weather, but policies differ, so ask when you book. Our guide to fishing charter weather cancellations explains how these policies usually work.
Can I keep the fish I catch on a charter?
Usually, yes, as long as each fish meets the size limits, bag limits and seasons that apply where you are fishing. The crew knows these rules and will tell you what can be kept. Some trips are catch-and-release by design, so confirm with the captain when booking if taking fish home matters to you.
For captains and guides
Your boat, listed free. No commission, ever.
Anglers call you or book on your own website, and you keep 100% of every trip. Want more detail or the one Featured spot in your town? Enhanced is $19/month and City Spotlight $49/month.