Do you love to fish, but want something a little more exciting than fishing from shore or a small vessel? If you want to fish out on the open ocean and you don’t own a boat, a local fishing charter can elevate your experience. Though dock, shoreline, and kayak fishing are fun, nothing is better than being out on the sea with your rod and reel in hand.

Here, you’ll learn more about fishing charters and their benefits.

What Is Charter Fishing?

Charter companies’ offerings vary, but they all have one thing in common: the fun experience they provide. Looking at charter companies and their packages will help you learn what is (and isn’t) included, how much you’ll pay, and so on.

Fishing charters help customers make the most of their time on the water. The company operates the boat and equipment, helps you clean and package your catch, and much more. Some companies even provide photography services to help you capture those priceless memories.

Local fishing experience, rental equipment, and other services make for a stress-free and fun day, especially when you’re planning a group outing. No matter your level of fishing experience, fishing charters offer a better experience than a simple boat rental could ever provide.

Deep Sea Charters

A deep-sea fishing charter works much the same way as a normal charter. However, while standard charters typically stay close to shore, these charters sail farther out into open waters. This allows anglers to get up close and personal with more fish species. Depending on the company chosen, you may end up 50 miles or more from shore before the first line is dropped. Therefore, these trips are best for more experienced anglers.

How Much Do Fishing Charters Cost?

The cost of a fishing charter may vary depending on the company’s location, the type of fishing boat, the size of the party, the planned length of the trip, and whether you have your own fishing equipment. With Side Bet Sport Fishing Charters, you’re always guaranteed a great time and a fantastic value.

How Can I Choose the Right Charter Package and Location?

When choosing a fishing charter package, you’ll need to consider factors such as the season, your goals, and the number of people in your party. Following are some of the factors to consider when planning a fishing trip.

• Location: Whether you’re a local or an out-of-towner, you’ll want to choose a charter that’s relatively close to your home or hotel. Even if an across-town charter offers a lower rate, you should remember that most boats leave early in the morning. Driving across town before sun-up is difficult no matter which city you’re in, and when you’re on vacation, you shouldn’t have to get up any earlier than necessary. By choosing a nearby charter, you can sleep in and still get out while the fish are biting.
• Fishing type: Are you planning a night fishing, reef fishing, offshore, or inshore trip? The type of fishing you want to do will play a significant role in the decision-making process when selecting a fishing charter. Ask the captain about available fishing opportunities and mention the kind of fishing you wish to do. After all, you won’t have much fun on a tuna fishing charter if you were expecting to fish the flats!
• Group size: Are you traveling alone or with a group? Are you taking a day to yourself on a family vacation? The size of your party plays a role in charter selection. Smaller group-rated boats hold up to six passengers, and that’s a relatively standard size for private charters. However, a party boat may hold 60 people or more. Shared charters are often affordable, but private charters are great when money is less of a concern.
• Trip length: How long are you planning to be on the water? Half-day charters typically last for four hours. Full-day trips are eight hours, and overnight charters mean that you’ll either sleep on the boat or fish all night. The more time you spend on the boat, the more likely you are to make a big catch.
• Species goals: If you’re after a certain type of fish, be sure to mention it when choosing a charter. Some fish only bite at certain times, and you won’t want to waste time chasing fish that aren’t there. Are you just looking for enough fish to fry up for dinner, or are you planning to stock your home freezer? By informing the captain of your intentions, you’re more likely to end up on an outing that suits those goals.
• The captain: As with other parts of a chartered fishing trip, a bit of research goes a long way. Take the time to learn about the charter company and the boat’s captain. Sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp are a great place to get other people’s opinions on how captains operate, what the boat and crew are like, and much more. Like most things, the time spent reading reviews and researching may make the difference between a dream trip and a total nightmare.
• Vessel type: The sort of boat you are on determines the type of trip you’ll take. You can’t fish the flatlands in a sport fishing boat any easier than you can go on an overnighter in a center console vessel. Being specific as to the type of fishing you want to do will help you choose the right charter boat for the kind of trip you are planning. Some charters can only travel a certain distance from the shore, so your deep-sea fishing dreams may not be possible if you choose a charter that only uses small boats.
• Other features: Some fishermen may not care if there’s a restroom on board, but other guests might. Knowing which amenities you want will help you narrow the options. It’s also a good idea to ensure that the vessel has the right safety equipment, as well as a fighting chair. As a first-time charter fishing guest, you may not think this feature is necessary, but a long fight with a big fish may change your mind.
• Sustainability and conservation: It’s up to you as to whether you keep the fish you catch, but your captain should know which species are in season and which aren’t. Captains should also know about size restrictions and protected waters. There’s almost nothing worse than being out on the water with someone whose practices are disrespectful, harmful, and illegal.
• Cost: This is perhaps the biggest factor in choosing a fishing charter. There’s no upper limit on spending, so be sure to get the best deal possible before booking. Set a budget and stick to it but remember that you get what you pay for. If an offer seems too great to be true, do your due diligence and be sure the charter company is reputable.

Charter Sharing

Instead of choosing the least expensive charter or overspending by renting a boat that’s too large for your group, you may consider a shared charter. Here, you’ll save money, but you’ll also benefit from a bigger boat and additional services. The more guests are involved, the better the price you can get. By sharing the charter with others, you can save without sacrificing comfort and fun.

Contact Side Bet Sport Fishing Charters Today

Fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors (and possibly put some tasty fish on your dinner plate). Whether you’re planning to fish the open ocean or enjoy a day on the flats, and no matter what type of fish you want to catch, a fishing charter is an easy way to have a fun, rewarding, and memorable fishing experience. Our experts serve anglers of all ages and abilities, and they’re looking forward to taking you out on the water. Book today!