Charter fishing trips can be planned around a variety of variables, a specific time of year, using a specific fishing method, and for a particular fish species. Each of these methods have their time and place, just as different seasons of the year result in different sizes and numbers of fish caught and different kinds of satisfaction gained by the angler. The choices are many, and trips need to be thought out carefully.

General Information

The cost of a charter varies by the operation and the services they offer. The most common way that charter captains charge is by a time limit, for example a six-hour trip (Half Day) could be $400 based on 6 anglers and an eight-hour trip (Full Day) could be $550 based on 6 anglers. If the charter boat has a First Mate it is proper to tip the mate (10 - 20% of the cost of the charter) as their pay is normally based on tips. Most Charters in the Great Lakes are licensed for six-passengers, plus two crew for a total of 8 fishermen. Nearly all the Great Lakes Charters include bait, tackle, and ice in the base cost of the trip. Some offer an executive charter, which may include breakfast, lunch, and beverages. Most of the time fish cleaning can add to the cost of the trip. Party or head-boat charters, where more than six people can fish using their own bait and tackle or that is supplied by the boat is a lot less than a private charter. The bottom line is that you get what you pay for.

Basic Questions

The following is a list of questions to ask the captain that can help you hire the right charter.

• What is the full cost of the trip?
• Is there a deposit?
• Is the deposit refundable or applicable to another trip should an unforeseen circumstance warrant
  cancellation?
• How far in advance do I need to call to change a reserved date without forfeiting my
  deposit?
• What is included in the cost of the charter: bait, ice, tackle, fish cleaning?
• What are the hidden costs? If any?
• When does the charter begin and end?
• When should our party be at the boat and ready to go?

More To Consider

What are the terms for the trip?
Is the contracted charter based on hours on the boat or catching a limit of fish? Look closely at the trip duration clause, such as "eight hours, dock-to-dock, or limit." If you intend to spend eight hours on the water, you may be disappointed when, after catching your limit of fish in four hours, the captain heads back to the dock. To avoid any disappointment, before hiring a captain, make sure your intentions are clear that you want to be on the water for eight hours, be sure to state that request when booking your charter. Regardless of what you're fishing for, there are always other species of fish to catch if you 'limit out' early. Remember this is your trip so do not be afraid to discuss it with the captain before reserving the charter date.

Does the charter fit you?
Make sure the charter fits your mode of angling. If you book a charter and expect to be bottom fishing, you may be in for a surprise to find the captain geared up to troll during a July charter. The point is, all methods of angling can be productive during the right time and place, but it may not be the type of angling your party expects. Discuss your preferences with the captain and determine if the charter captain's method or fishing time of year fit your needs and desires.

What should you bring?
Ask what is provided with the base cost of the charter. Generally, on six-person charters, bait, rods and reels, lures, and ice are provided. Always specifically ask if there is an additional cost for these items. On occasion, anglers arrive at the dock to find that "provided" really means "available for an additional fee."

What does “Dock-to-Dock” mean?
Most charters are run on a "dock-to-dock" basis. Dock-to-dock means your time starts from the time the boat leaves the dock to the time it returns, so if your trip is eight hours, dock to dock, don't expect eight hours of fishing. Most captains will spend a little extra time fishing if you are close to catching your limit or you haven't been successful. Be sure to determine before you go whether there will be a charge if extra time is provided by the captain.

Can we fish longer?
Ask how much extra time will cost if you request it. To avoid any surprises, ask if the captain runs more than one trip a day. Let's say your charter is 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., dock-to-dock and fishing is slow, but starts to pick up around noon, when you ask the captain the cost of a few more hours, he states that he has another trip in the afternoon and needs to leave in ten minutes. This isn't what you want to hear, now that the walleye have started to bite.

What if we are going to be late?
Be courteous to your charter captain! If you have a delay or need to cancel at the last minute, call immediately. Do not leave them sitting at the dock all day waiting for you. A minimum deposit will not cover the cost of a lost charter. By calling if you need to cancel the captain is free to pick up a walk-on trip or spend the day another way.

Are we guaranteed a limit catch?
Charter captains will provide you with every possible opportunity to catch fish. Even though they would like your business in the future, they cannot make fish bite. It is too much to ask for a guaranteed limit catch! The number of fish caught will depend on a variety of factors; including the desire of the fish to bite, weather conditions, concentration and location of fish, availability of natural food, water temperature, and your degree of ability with rod and reel, so it is unfair to the Charter Captain and crew for someone to expect a guaranteed limit catch, it is referred to fishing not catching. If you feel you need to catch the limit to justify the cost of a charter, just check out the price of fish fillets at the local fish market. Your share of a six-person charter costs much more than if you were to buy your fish at the fish market and stay home.

What Is Expected From You?

An enjoyable charter trip relies not only on what the captain and crew provide for you, but also on how you interact with them. The following suggestions should be considered to ensure a good experience for you, the captain and the crew, to help protect their investment, and to make their jobs easier.

Consolidate tackle!
If you are asked to bring your own, or if you prefer to use some of your favorite lures. A small tackle container can easily fit into your boat bag. You may want to combine tackle for your party of six into one tackle box. The point is to not clutter the boat with unnecessary gear. If you bring your own rod and reel, make sure they are in good shape, with a new line, and that they are adequate for the species for which you are fishing.

Do you get motion sickness?
Take precautions against motion sickness if you are prone to it. Check with your family physician for medication to suit your needs. Some over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness, may interact with prescription medications, or could aggravate a health condition. Avoid greasy foods the evening prior to and the morning of your charter. Avoid alcoholic beverages before and during the charter. Seasickness has ruined many charters for unsuspecting individuals. Remember, the water doesn't need to be rough to produce motion sickness, a calm day with a slight roll to the water is all it takes. If you are in doubt at all about whether you may become seasick, follow the above precautions and take medication.

Dress for the weather conditions!
Dress properly for the day. In a small boat bag, pack sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant, head protection (cap), towel, rain jacket, and other protective clothing adequate for the weather. For early spring or late fall charters, gloves, a wool cap, and a warm jacket may be necessary. Shoes with soft soles are required; they keep you from slipping on a wet deck and protect the boat's finish.

Arrive at the boat a little early!
Be on time for your charter. By arriving well before your charter departs, you can load your gear, purchase forgotten items from the marina store, and take care of those "last minute" things that always seem to cause delays. Being on time will put both you and the captain at ease. Being tardy in your arrival can take away from your fishing time, because the captain and crew may have other things to do after your charter and may need to return on schedule.

Tip the crew!
Chartering is a service industry! Tipping the captain and crew is customary if you feel they did their best to provide you with a good trip. A few extra dollars is a nice way to show your appreciation to a captain and mate with good personalities, senses of humor, and honest efforts to show you a good time. If the mate is responsible for cleaning your catch, find out what the extra cost is for his/her efforts. Do not include it in the tip!