In the United States, there were 631 million fishing trips in 2020. Fishing is one one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities in the US and there are many different types of fishing, including freshwater, saltwater, and fly-fishing. 

If you are planning to go on your first fishing trip with a fishing charter boat, you can expect a completely new experience! Do you want to learn more about fishing with a charter boat and what you can expect? 

Keep reading this guide to answer all of your questions about using a charter boat for your next fishing trip. 

How Should I Prepare?

If you have never been on charter boats before, it is important that you learn how to prepare for your fishing trip. This way, you will be ready for whatever happens during the day and you will be able to enjoy yourself more on your trip. 

First, you need to prepare physically. While it may seem like a fun and relaxing activity, deep sea fishing can be very taxing on your body. Because of this, you need to be prepared for the work that you need to do!

You need to get plenty of sleep before your fishing charter. Often, fishing is best in the early morning, so you may be starting before the sun comes up. Getting plenty of sleep will keep you from getting worn out early in the day for your fishing trip. 

You also need to wear layers. Even if you are expecting nice weather, you may get cold when deep sea fishing. The ocean spray and breeze can cut through your clothing, so wearing several waterproof layers will help you stay comfortable in any weather. 

What to Bring

Not only do you need to prepare physically for your fishing charter, but you also need to bring the right supplies to keep you comfortable throughout the day. Most often, fishing gear is included in your charter, so you don’t need to pack too many supplies. 

Some things you may want are sunscreen and polarized sunglasses. The water reflects the sun and can lead to some serious sunburns or headaches from squinting!

If you know that you get seasick, you should also bring medication to help with motion sickness. This way, you will not have to worry about choppy waters ruining your trip. 

Lastly, you should bring drinking water, food and snacks, and a large cooler for the fish that you catch. 

What Is Included in the Price? 

Different types of fishing charters will include different amenities in the price of their booking. Make sure you look for your charter’s specific onboard policies to ensure that there are no additional costs or fees. 

For example, do they include fish cleaning, bait, gear, and filleting in the cost of your rental? Do you need to pay extra for fuel costs? 

Most charters include all your fishing gear, including lures, rods and reels, live bait, and more, in the price of their rentals. 

What Types of Fish Will You Catch? 

The types of fish that you will catch will depend on where you go fishing. Often, you can expect to catch things like tuna, sailfish, kingfish, and even dolphins on deep sea fishing trips. 

You can talk with your crew to see what types of fish they have brought in in the past so you know what to expect from your fishing charter. 

How Far Do You Need to Travel?

If you want to catch the best fish while deep sea fishing, you will likely need to go several miles offshore. This way, you will be able to reach the deep water where the big fish spend most of their time. You can expect to go at least 10 miles off the coast to get a good catch. 

How Long Will You Spend on the Water? 

The length of your fishing trip will depend on how long you want to spend on the water! Most fishing charters will allow you to book a certain amount of time. 

However, it is important to understand that you will not spend this entire time fishing. You also need to take into account how long it will take to travel to your fishing location. 

Even if you have an 8-hour fishing trip, you may only get five or six hours of fishing after you travel to your destination. You can discuss this with your crew before you book your fishing charter to ensure you have as much time as possible on the water. 

What Do You Do With the Fish? 

Finally, you need to understand what you will do with the fish after you catch them. Depending on where you are fishing, there will be different rules and regulations. For example, you may not be able to keep a fish that is too large, as it is outside of the legal size limits. 

If you can keep the fish you catch, you can have it fileted right on the water or you can release it if you are simply fishing for sport. 

Booking a Fishing Charter? 

If you are looking for the best vacation activities or water activities, booking a fishing charter is a great option. By learning more about these different types of boats and what you can expect from your fishing charter, you can be prepared for your upcoming fishing trip!

If you are looking for the best boat options for your fishing charter, Carbon Cat Charters can help! Our 35-foot catamaran makes it easy to explore the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa bay in luxury. 

Contact us to book a trip or to learn more about our services.