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WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR FIRST PRIVATE FISHING CHARTER: A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS

What to Expect on Your First Private Fishing Charter: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Booking your very first private fishing charter is an exciting step—whether you’re chasing your first big catch, planning a fun day on the water with family, or looking to learn from experienced local captains. Knowing what to expect can help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to make the most of your time on the water. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before stepping aboard, from what’s included to what you’ll do during your trip. Here’s what to expect on your first private fishing charter.

Professional Guidance From an Experienced Captain & Crew

One of the biggest perks of booking a private fishing charter is having expert anglers by your side. Your captain and crew know the local waters, seasonal fish patterns, and the best techniques to help you get hooked up quickly.

Expect your crew to:

  • Provide a Safety Briefing
  • Explain how the day will unfold
  • Demonstrate how to use the fishing gear
  • Set up rods, bait lines, and handle equipment
  • Guide you through reeling in your catch
  • Offer tips for improving your technique

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced angler, your crew is there to support you throughout the trip.

All Gear and Equipment Provided

Most private fishing charters include everything you need—which means you don’t have to worry about buying or packing specialized gear.

Typically included:

  • Rods and reels
  • Bait and tackle
  • Ice and coolers
  • Safety gear (life jackets, flotation devices, first aid)

Some charters also offer premium gear or specialized equipment depending on the type of fishing: deep sea, bottom fishing, fly fishing, etc.

A Variety of Fishing Techniques

Your captain will choose the best fishing methods based on conditions, your goals, and the fish species in season. On your first private fishing charter, you might experience:

  • Deep Sea Fishing: trolling lines behind the boat—great for big game like mahi, tuna, or wahoo. Requires more patience as you need to wait until there is a bite on the line. Once the crew has set the lines and put out the spread, you wait and enjoy the ride and scenery. When there is “HIT” the Captain will yell “fish on” and the crew hands you the rod as you get into the fighting chair and reel in that monster fish! The crew will hook your rod to the chair and help you reel it in, guiding you when to pull it in.
  • Deep Drop Fishing: Great near the reef but still in deep water. We use our electric reels here to drop baited lines with 4-5 hooks toward the ocean floor to depts around 900 feet. The crew will tell you to watch very carefully for the bite and hit the reel button to bring that fish to the surface.
  • Bottom Fishing:  active fishing, everyone on board gets a rod & reel and actively drop baited lines to ocean floors to catch snapper, grouper, and other reef fish, perfect near structure. Your crew will walk you through each technique, so you always feel comfortable and confident.

A Flexible, Personalized Experience

Unlike group charter boats, a private fishing charter is tailored entirely to you. Want to target a specific species? Prefer a half-day instead of a full-day adventure? Traveling with kids? Your Guest Service Assistant  can adjust the itinerary to match your pace and interests.

This makes private charters ideal for:

  • Families
  • Friends looking for a fun outing
  • Couples
  • First-time anglers
  • Experienced anglers wanting a more hands-on trip

You’ll also enjoy the freedom of more deck space, personalized instruction, and a quieter, more comfortable environment.

Catch Handling and Cleaning

Most private fishing charters include catch handling—meaning you don’t have to worry about touching bait, de-hooking, or cleaning fish unless you want to try it.

Your crew typically handles:

  • Bringing the fish onboard
  • Safely removing the hook
  • Storing your catch on ice
  • Cleaning, filleting, and bagging your fish at the end of the trip

Many destinations even have restaurants that will happily cook your fresh catch for lunch or dinner.

What You Should Bring With You

While charters provide the fishing essentials, there are a few personal items you’ll want to bring to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Pack:

  • Sunscreen (reef-safe if in tropical waters)
  • Hat and polarized sunglasses
  • Lightweight clothing or SPF shirts
  • Snacks or lunch (if you want something specific or more than what we provide- we provide lunches on ¾ day and full day charters)
  • I deleted water and beverage as we include this.
  • Seasickness medication (if you’re prone to motion sickness)
  • A waterproof phone pouch for photos
  • If you want to bring your own alcohol that is fine although we provide light beer and canned mixed drinks
  • Please bring a patient positive attitude, talk to your crew and tell them your story and remember that it is a huge ocean out there and we provide the best opportunity to catch fish but it’s not a guarantee of catching.

Weather and Sea Conditions

Your captain will keep you informed about weather conditions before and during your trip. Private charters take safety seriously, and sometimes schedules may shift if weather poses a concern. Please ensure phone # that you booked with  is on the evening and morning before your charter as we will send you email, text and call you to keep you informed if we have to cancel / reschedule. It may look sunny outside but if the waves are too high outside the reef we won’t risk your safety.

Expect:

  • Higher chances of rescheduling during stormy seasons
  • Slightly choppy waters depending on wind
  • Cooler breezes offshore
  • Adjustments in target species based on conditions

Trust your captain—they know how to keep the experience safe and productive.

A Mix of Relaxation and Excitement

A private fishing charter offers the perfect blend of adventure and laid-back fun. Here’s what the day might feel like:

  • Slow cruising over clear waters
  • Relaxing on deck between bites
  • Sudden bursts of excitement when something hits the line
  • Laughter, learning, and memorable moments

Even beginners often end the trip with multiple catches and newfound fishing skills.

Your First Private Fishing Charter Will Be Unforgettable

Whether you’re traveling solo, reuniting with family, or checking off a bucket-list activity, a private fishing charter delivers an experience that’s both thrilling and approachable for all ages. From expert guidance to personalized service, you’ll walk away with plenty of stories—and hopefully a cooler full of fresh fish.

Ready to get out on the water? Now that you know what to expect, all that’s left to do is book your charter, cast a line, and enjoy your first private fishing charter! Contact us if you have any questions.

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