Choosing a Fishing Charter gives tips on selecting a charter service that will meet your expectations and make for an enjoyable day on the Great Lakes.
Several hundread dollars is a lot of money to spend on a fishing charter with someone you hardly know. I mean the (Captain) owner can show you pictures, internet sites and talk a good talk, but how do you know what they really can do? The answer is simple, do your homework ahead of time and be prepared to ask many questions. One thing to keep in mind when making your list of wants and questions is what a charter really is. To me a charter is an agreement between you and the Charter Captain. You need to be exact in what you expect on your trip. The Charter Captain needs to be honest and let you know up front whether or not he can fulfill all of your expectations.
At first you might not think it but one of the main concerns is the safety of the trip. Safety issues can usually be satisfied with the answer to a few questions. What safety equipment is your vessel equipped with? Does your crew understand the proper safety procedures. Are you a licensed Charter Captain? What year is you charter boat, they truely take a pounding on the Great Lakes, an older vessel is usually worn out and I don't care how good the Captain is, is his boat going to get me and my family home during radical changing weather conditions. The answer to these questions go a long way to putting your safety concerns to rest.
The next issue is what type of fishing you would like to do. The Captain should give you the best fishing options, for the time table you are booking your dates. Don't ask a Captain to pursue a fish that is just not there. The next question is what type of fishing are you geared for? The Captain may have the versatility to do several types of fishing but don't assume. This goes back to the issue of letting the Captain know exactly what your expectations are. Also a very important issue concerning participation in the chartered trip. Captains have clients that just want to sit back, relax and be handed the rod when a fish bites. Captains also have clients that want to choose the lures, rig there own poles, net the fish and even clean there catch. Again let your Captain know what you expect and he must let you know if that is possible.
The biggest and probably the most important question is that of personalities. The length of a charter can be an eternity if you are with someone whose personality clash with yours. You are trying to make a decision based on a few minutes of conversation over the telephone or in a face-to-face meeting at a sport show. Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for references if you would feel more comfortable and it would help you make your decision. Charters want repeat customers and the only way to keep people coming back year after year is to be open and honest with each other. Don't be afraid to talk with several different charter services, before making you final decision.
