I've never done this before, what's a good way to start?
Ask as many questions as you can, a good charter captain will help you with any questions you may have. Talking with the captain is a good way to make sure they are someone you want to go fishing with. Bait shops are also a good source of information. The staff there can offer a lot of information on chartering.
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What can I expect to pay and what's included?
The prices are going to depend on the different captains, boat size and the different trips (1/2, 3/4 or full day). Please call 727.580.6531 for current prices. Most offshore boats of this size charge about the same for an offshore trip. This price includes everything (bait, tackle, licenses, ice, etc) but the standard 15-20% tip.
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Do I have to buy an expensive out-of-state fishing license to do this?
No. The license is included (the boat is licensed for charter fishing).
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What should I bring (do I need fishing equipment)?
All you will need is sunblock, a hat, food, drink and a camera! All fishing equipment, ice, tackle and bait will be provided. We also have large coolers for your beverages and food. Alcohol is welcome - byob!
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Is it safe?
All captains are all licensed by the Coast Guard. The captains on the MultiPorpoise have years of experience each, in all kinds of weather conditions. We also have reliable marine electronics, including a VHF radio, radar, ePIRB, fire equipment and more. Also, our captains know a lot about weather and will call off a trip if there is any question about conditions. The safety record for fishing charters in this area is excellent. So, you can catch fish and relax knowing you're on a seaworthy, well equiped boat run by a professional - which is a real benefit of chartering with a pro!
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Can I bring the kids?
Absolutely! If you'd like the kids to have a productive day and catch a lot of fish, let us know. We can hit some spots that produce a high yield of easy-to-catch fish to keep the attention of any children, and usually the adults too! On a full-day trip, we can start with the fun catch and move out farther to catch the big game fish, and some dinner. Kids love getting out on the water, seeing things like flying fish, dolphins and the occasional turtle. Check out our photo album to see what you might experience.
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How do I tip?
Our crew work hard to make sure that your trip is safe and enjoyable. Tipping is expected in the charter fishing industry and is usually between 15-20%. In fact, to keep them working hard, most of their day's pay is their half of the tip - so treat them as well as they've treated you!
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What if the weather is bad and we have to cancel?
If the weather is bad and your trip has to be cancelled, the captain will work with you to book a different day. He will try to contact you the night before your trip to let you know whether the trip will run or if there's a possibility that it may have to be canceled.
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The prices I've looked at seem a bit high, why does it cost that much?
Maintaining and operating a properly rigged, quality boat is expensive. Fuel costs easily run into the hundreds for a day out. The captain provides fishing licenses, has a large investment in gear, and has additional expenses (such as insurance costs, dock fees and crew). Overall, charter fishing provides a lot of fun for the money and really is a great value when you consider everything involved. Unlike a head boat, or party boat, the captain is working only to help you and your party catch whatever it is you'd like to target. If you want to bring back a dozen 'gray snapper' (we call them 'grunts'), go out on the party boat. If you want to bring back some SERIOUS fish (grouper, snapper, amberjack, tuna, etc.), then you need to book a private charter.
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How do I pick out a good boat and Captain when I don't know anyone in the area?
The Internet is a great place to start. Almost all charter captains have Web sites now. Again, bait and tackle shops can give you names and numbers. Contact the captain or boat owner directly. If they spend the time to talk to you and help you with everything you want to know, than chances are they are good.
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I've heard "in-shore" and "off-shore", what's the difference?
Inshore refers to fishing shallow and protected waters of the intercoastal waterway. The most common fish caught are Snook, Trout, Redfish and Tarpon. Offshore, also called 'deep-sea fishing,' involves heading out into deeper waters of the Gulf of Mexico, anywhere past 10-15 miles in this area. The fish generally targeted are Grouper, Snapper, Amberjacks, and King Mackeral, but that is just a short list of what is out there. When fishing offshore, it is fairly common to hook something that you have to wait to get up to the boat to determine what it is! Because of the fuel costs and typically the need for a more seaworthy boat, offshore charters run 50% higher than inshore.
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How many people can come on the charter?
For offshore fishing charters, the MultiPorpoise can accommodate (and the Coast Guard allows) up to 6 passengers (fishing or not).
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Seriously, what are my chances of catching some fish?
The chance of catching fish is great, but you need to let the captain know what your goals are. You might want to mix in some "for sure" fishing for fun with some hunting for a harder to catch species. However you approach it, you can be sure that your captain and crew will go all out to catch fish. We know our business is based on providing the customer with a great fishing experience and there is a lot of pride involved. When we come in, everyone on the docks will know how we did. If we want to book other trips, we've got to impress those who refer us! While we're definitely trying find fish for you, there are other reasons we want to produce some nice fish.
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I've caught quite a fish - can I get it mounted?
Captain Anthony and MultiPorpoise Fishing Charters will help you get your trophy catch made into a trophy for your home. Gray's Taxidermy, based in Pompano Beach, Florida, is the world's largest saltwater taxidermist. They manufacture custom fiberglass replicas of your catch with lifelike quality. Ask the captain about getting your fishing experience preserved forever!
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