Finally a Warming Trend!

It has been pure hell for the local fishing guides in the colder than normal temperatures. I have been fishing in six or more layers of clothes while my northern customers are in t-shirts. Though I have to admit there were days they had multi-layers on as well at least in the morning. This cold has changed the way many charters are doing business. Instead of the normal 8:00 start most are starting at 9:00 to let the sun get up a bit.

This brings me to another point about charter and guide trips. How long is a full day? Generally, 7 to 9 hours. For meat fishermen that can be a little less when the bite is exceptionally hot. Once the box is full or the crew has limited out it is time to head back to the dock. The trip can be a bit longer when the bite sucks early and picks up late. When conditions change like the current dies, the wind gets wicked or storms move in it is time to head for the barn. When this happens the charter captain will normally cut you some slack if the trip is less than 5 hours long. Over that it is generally considered a full day based on the catch.

When a trip sucks most captains try to schedule a do over at a reduced rate. We don't like refunding because most of us can't afford to eat the fuel, bait, tackle and crew costs. Luckily, it is very rare that we schedule trips when it is likely to be boring without letting the customers know in advance. We all have had trips when we knew it would be less than a chamber of commerce kinda out come before we hit the water. The only reason we run them is because vacations don't last forever and people start Jonesing to get on the water. Even on these trips we normally have enough action to satisfy most customers. So if you are a clock watcher, make sure you discuss things with your captain.

Marathon in the Florida Keys should be your next fishing vacation destination. Join us for charter fishing, fishing guide trips or our fishing 101 so you can fish on your own with better success.

Tight lines,

Capt. Dallas