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Fishing guides: plan your trip
Plain answers to the questions people ask before their first charter – and their fiftieth: choosing a boat, what to bring, seasickness, tides, wind and the best fishing times.
Guides
Before you book
How charters workBooking, pricing, what is included and how the day runsChoosing a charterSix checks before you book a captain.Questions to AskWhat to ask a captain before you pay a depositFirst CharterWhat happens from booking to the dock on your first tripPrivate vs SharedWho is on board, how pricing works and which trip fits youHalf vs Full DayTrip length, range, target fish and value comparedGroup ChartersBoat sizes, passenger limits and planning for big groupsWeather CancellationsWho calls it, what happens to your deposit, how to planTippingHow much to tip the captain and mate.
Guides
On the boat
What to bringA packing checklist for a day on a charter boat.What to Wear FishingBoat clothing by season: sun, layers, rain, shoes and wadersSeasicknessSimple ways to keep seasickness from ruining your tripCharters With KidsTrip length, life jackets, snacks and keeping kids happyParty Boat FishingHow head boats work, rail etiquette, the pool and tippingKeeping Your CatchCleaning, fillets, ice, travel and shipping after your tripCatch and ReleaseSimple habits that help released fish survive and swim off strong
Guides
Kinds of fishing
Inshore vs offshoreHow the trips differ in time, cost, boat and fish.Deep-Sea FishingWhat deep-sea trips are, how far boats run and who they suitBottom Fishing vs TrollingHow bottom fishing, trolling and drifting work, and which to bookFlats FishingHow sight fishing on shallow flats works, from skiffs to castingGuided Fly FishingWhat the guide provides, casting help and a typical dayDrift Boat vs WadeFloat trip or wade trip? How each works and which to bookBass Fishing GuideWhat a guided bass trip includes, seasons and techniquesGuided Ice FishingHeated shacks, what's provided, clothing and ice safety
Guides
Reading the conditions
Reading Tide ChartsHighs, lows, MLLW, spring tides and fishing the changeSolunar TimesMajor and minor periods, moon phases and how to use themPressure and FishingFalling, rising and steady pressure – and what to expectWind and FishingTypical wind limits, direction, clarity and drift speedBest Time of DayDawn, dusk, tides and season: when fish really bite
Guides
For captains
For captains and guides
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