Orlando Fishing Charter Frequently Asked Questions

New or potential clients often ask many of the same questions when quiring about their fishing charter. I have attempted to list many of them below. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

What type of fish can I catch?

All year long, you can catch redfish (red drum), spotted seatrout (speckled trout), and black drum. In summer and fall, you may encounter tarpon, snook, ladyfish, and jack crevalle. Easy catching bait fishing trips can catch over a dozen different species in one day. In addition to the ones above, we catch pompano, permit, bluefish, snapper, ladyfish, flounder, whiting, sheephead, shark, and more.

How many fish will I catch?

Many things influence fishing from day to day including the weather. It is impossible to predict how many fish will bite. It is rare that anglers are not given many chances to catch the fish throughout the day. If you are choosing a sight fishing charter, the simple rule of thumb is the better you cast the more you will catch. For live bait trips, we regularly catch 40 or more fish in 4 hrs.

Do you guarantee fish?

Unless I have previously seen someone fish, I have no way of knowing their casting and fishing skills and it would not be reasonable to guarantee they would catch a fish. Some fishing guides do offer no fish/no pay policies or even guaranteed redfish. This usually involves the guide doing the casting and hook-setting and then handing you the rod. Other practices included counting any fish, even a 10 inch trout, as a guaranteed fish. Since I do not fish for my clients unless asked to do so, I cannot guarantee they will catch fish. I do guarantee you will step onto a clean boat with top of the line equipment along with a guide who will put forth 100% effort to put you in a position to catch fish. On easy catching live bait trips, fishing experience is not required and we have never been skunked.

Can I keep my fish to eat?

I practice all catch, photo, and release charters, no exceptions. Every fish removed from the water is one less to catch another day and will not be there to breed and sustain the population. Over the years, the amount of fishing pressure has increased dramatically. I will not catch every fish I release again but one taken home will never be caught again. I offer sport fishing charters where you can stalk trophy sized fish on shallow grass flats or easy catching trips for kids and less experienced anglers. If you are looking to fill up a cooler full of fillets, I am not the guide for you.

Do you use live bait?

That will depend on what type of charter you select the day before our trip. Easy catching and kids trips are always with live bait. On sight fishing and fly fishing trips, bait will not be required. Upon special request, we can discuss doing a live bait shallow water flats trip.

Do I need to buy a fishing license?

No. I provide a license for all my clients

How many people will fit on your boat?

My 16ft Hewes flats boat has room for 2 anglers to sight fish at the same time using spinning tackle. For fly fishing trips, if there is a second angler, the will not be able to stand on the front deck at the same time and will be using spinning tackle. Sometimes, I will take three passengers, usually on kids trips. The only way three people can fish at the same time is to anchor and fish with natural baits with no casting.

Does your boat have a shade top or seats?

My boat does not have any shade top. Anglers need to be able to cast unobstructed at any angle. The front deck does not have any seats. While riding or bait fishing, anglers sit on the cooler which has a cushion and doubles as the center seat, or on the front or rear deck.

Can we bring alcohol?

Small amounts of alcohol are allowed. No drug use will be tolerated. Drinking until intoxicated and standing on the deck of the boat is dangerous and will cause the charter to be terminated immediately. Fortunately, clients are usually to busy looking for and casting at fish to drink to excess. A cold beer or three is a welcome treat, however, after landing a big fish.

Do you take kids fishing?

Definitely! I have had experience taking lots of kids as young as 4 on their first saltwater fishing trip. Having grandkids of my own, I understand how to interact with children and keep the trip fun, action packed, and interesting. in addition to catching lots of fish on properly sized tackle, we also see dolphins, manatee, and other wildlife. All the kids trips are done in waters that are close to shore and well protected from the wind. no big waves or long boat rides. See my TripAdvisor page for reviews from other parents.

What do I need to bring?

You will need to bring your choice of food and drink. I will provide a cooler for storage. Rain gear is good for sudden showers as well as keeping dry if riding in high winds or chop. Florida does get cold in the winter. It is always better to bring too many clothes than not enough. Sunscreen is highly recommended. I put mine on every day before I leave the house. This way it is not on my hands when I am handling the baits or equipment. Polarized sunglasses are also needed for sight fishing trips. A hat will keep the sun from getting behind your glasses and improve your ability for spotting fish.

Do I get to do all the fishing myself?

I do not fish for my clients unless they specifically request it. I will gladly help children and less experienced anglers make the cast and get hooked up. I will be poling the boat and you will be on the front casting and hooking your own fish. I do not make a habit of fish with my clients unless asked to do so. I may, however, carry a rod on the poling platform to assist clients who may be struggling with their casting skills.

What is the best time of year to come?

There is really no "best time" for fishing here. We can fish the saltwater flats all year long. Summer brings generally calm winds every morning but can get hot. During the winter, cold fronts will make their way through every 7-10 days bringing with them rain and wind. If you are coming from the great white north, our winter is paradise. The best time to fish for redfish, trout, and drum is whenever you can get here.

Do you fish in the rain?

I will fish in the rain under certain circumstances. If a brief summer shower is passing through, we can put on the rain suits and wait it out. If there is lightning, we will head to the ramp immediately. If rain is expected prior to the charter, I will call the client and come to a decision together. If there is a high likelihood of rain and bad weather, I do not have a problem canceling the charter and returning the deposit.