Many residents turn to a Islamorada fishing charter as a way to improve their techniques and catch more fish. However, there are many different fishing charters out there and getting a bad bad one can ruin your experience and maybe even make you worse at the sport. So, how do you choose the charter that is best for you and your needs? Below are some helpful tips to follow:
Islamorada Fishing Charter | You Get What You Pay For:
It’s not an unknown fact that Islamorada charter fishing can be expensive. And it’s understandable that you’d want to save money, especially when the amount may be several hundred dollars. However, the old saying is right: you get what you pay for. And if you’re paying for a really cheap service, you may end up with cheap quality. A good captain is worth their price and higher prices come when captains have proven their quality. If you want to have the best charter experience, don’t cut corners and book the cheapest possible charter.
Fishing Charters in Islamorada | Do Your Research:
People often get intimidated because they have never booked a Islamorada fishing charter boat before. Because of the unfamiliarity, they worry about not knowing what step to take next. Given that, you should treat this like any other expensive purchase. Before you put down any money, you need to do your homework! For example, you’ll want to know what their insurance covers and if they carry their own life jackets and other safety gear.
You’ll also want to check their licensure and make sure at least one person is trained in CPR and first aid. Lastly, you’ll want to verify that the boat has at least a twin engine. When it only has one engine, then an engine failure can leave you stranded on the high seas.
Charter Boats in Islamorada | Convenient Location:
One rookie mistake that people make is treating Islamorada charter fishing like a luxury cruise. And because of this mentality, many people end up traveling hundreds of miles to board a charter boat. It’s one thing to do that if there is nothing closer to you. But generally speaking, you’ll want to book a charter that is closer to you than one that is further away. A closer charter helps you save money because you burn less gas getting there. And it helps save time because you can easily get started early in the morning. Ultimately, booking a closer charter lets you get more out of the experience while paying less.
Islamorada Charter Boats | A Short Interview:
There are many options for learning about different charters, and most of them involve doing some quick online research. However, it’s recommended to pick up the phone and call the place. This lets you pose very specific questions and get an idea of the charter’s character and honesty as they answer you. With a simple phone call, you can verify things like deposit amounts and departure times. And you can also verify the fine print on things like their cancellation policies. Don’t forget to pose any questions that you couldn’t find answers to on your own.
Islamorada Charters | Look Into Social Media & Other Online Reviews:
When it comes to products and services, word-of-mouth remains one of the best ways to get the truth. Companies will offer promises and advertisements, but customers will offer blunt honesty. This is why we recommend checking the company out on social media or sites like the Better Business Bureau or Angie’s List. You can start by searching for the charter’s name and seeing what people are saying about it. If the charter has their own social media account, you can also see how they interact with people online. If they take good care of online questions and concerns, then they’ll take care of you out on the water.
Charters in Islamorada | Personality:
So, what do you do if it comes down to two different Islamorada fishing charter services and both of them look really solid? You go with the one that has the better captain. In this case, “better” means that you have a good feeling about them. A good captain does more than keep you alive on the water. The captain should have intense knowledge of fish and, ideally, really good social skills. You’re going to be stuck with this person in a contained environment for a really long time. Might as well get a captain that you really like!
Islamorada Fishing Charter | Know Their Policy:
Chances are that you have a preferred way to fish. Do you like to catch and release, or are you more of a catch to eat person? Just as you have your fishing preferences, the charter will have their own. And you want to make sure the two of you are in agreement. For example, many people get a thrill at bringing home a huge fish and feeding it to their family. But certain charters are catch and release only, which might leave such a person feeling disappointed.
Chartered Fishing in Islamorada | Preferred Way to Fish:
The “catch or kill” policy isn’t the only thing you should be checking on. You’ll also want to see what kinds of fishing this particular charter specializes in. Some people love to fish inshore, and others get a thrill from deep sea fishing. Some only fish at night while others swear that reef fishing is the way to go. There’s no “wrong” way to fish, but you’ll want to make sure that this particular fishing charter can accommodate your particular needs for the trip.