Be A Good Charter Client?

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 and the captain and 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.

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 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.

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.

Don't abuse the alcohol privilege if the captain allows alcoholic beverages to be brought onboard. Nobody likes an intoxicated individual; if you plan to get drunk while fishing, do everyone a favor and stay home.

The U.S. Coast Guard enforces a zero tolerance for drugs of any type on a charter vessel. If drugs are found on a charter vessel, the boat may be forfeited, and time in a correctional facility is a reality.

Conduct yourself responsibly while on board. Abusive actions and language may not be appreciated by others and can reflect badly on the captain. Remember, the captain's name is generally painted on the side of the vessel.

Don't throw any trash overboard. Charter vessels have trash cans on board for a purpose; please help keep Lake Erie clean.
Respect the captain's word as law. View the charter boat as the captain's home, and treat it with the same respect. If the captain asks you to do or not do something, there is a good reason for the request.

Promptly pay the balance of your trip fee upon return to the dock unless a prior arrangement has been made. If you have been provided with all the services you agreed to, it's your responsibility to settle your account. If you or members of your party have a concern about something that happened during the charter, discuss it with the captain privately and in an adult manner.

Tipping the captain and crew is customary if you feel they did their best to provide you with a good trip. Chartering is a service industry. 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.

Plan your charter well in advance. Prime dates (weekends) and certain times of the year fill up fast. Many individuals will book charters a year in advance to secure a specific date with a favorite captain. If you verbally commit to a date, send a deposit to clinch your deal. Don't expect a captain to hold a prime date for you without a deposit; chartering is a business, not a hobby.