So you have decided to see what Great Lakes
Charter fishing is all about! While enjoying this adventure with
family, friends, business associates or by yourself there are a
few key factors beyond price that you should consider.
Most charters last between 5 and 8 hours, so the personality of
the Captain and mate (if your charter uses one) becomes just as
important as experience and performance. Can you imagine being on
board with Captain Bligh? Of course the best way to determine your
compatibility with a particular charter service is to spend a bit
of time talking with your prospective captain ahead of time... Is
this someone you could spend 10 hours with? A reference from someone
you know who has used this service before is an excellent start.
For experience, try to determine if this is a full time career or
just a side job for the Captain.
If
you live in close proximity of the charter fishing fleets take a
walk down the dock and see which customers are smiling when they
get off a charter boat. This will also provide you with an opportunity
to see what types, sizes and condition of boats are available. It
is not surprising that often it is not the people who have caught
the most fish who have had the best experience. This is also a good
time to see how Captain and crew take care of their equipment. Is
the boat clean and well maintained? Most Captains will welcome you
aboard for a quick peek at the boat.
What
about cost?
Cost is normally determined by the size of the boat and the services
provided. Services provided is key here because some captains will
travel as far as necessary to catch fish, others stay close to the
harbor, choosing to conserve on their fuel bill. Is the boat equipped
with modern electronics and fishing tackle? Does the boat have twin
engines in the event of motor failure on the water?
Once you have chosen your boat and Captain, plan to be on the dock
early. If you arrive late, in most cases, the Captain cannot add
time on the backside, as he needs to get back to the dock for his
second trip. This will also give you the opportunity to get familiar
with the boat and the equipment you will be using. Don't forget
the camera to record the many memories of your experience on a GREAT
LAKES CHARTER BOAT!
If
you live in close proximity of the charter fishing fleets take a
walk down the dock and see which customers are smiling when they
get off a charter boat. This will also provide you with an opportunity
to see what types, sizes and condition of boats are available. It
is not surprising that often it is not the people who have caught
the most fish who have had the best experience. This is also a good
time to see how Captain and crew take care of their equipment. Is
the boat clean and well maintained? Most Captains will welcome you
aboard for a quick peek at the boat.
