Smokin' 'Em Fishing Charters 
    Frequently Asked Questions
           Please Scroll To Bottom For Our Policies

 

  • I've never done this before. How should I get started? 
  • Does the boat have a bathroom on it? 
  • Do the boats have beds on them? 
  • Do I need a fishing license to fish on a charter boat? 
  • What should I bring with me on the boat? 
  • Is the boat safe for me and my entire family? 
  • Does the boat still go fishing on rainy days? 
  • Why are sportfishing boats limited to six people? 
  • Do you do trolling or bottom fishing? 
  • What kind of bait do you use? 
  • Do you catch and release? 
  • What happens to the fish I catch? 
  • What are the best fish to eat? 
  • How do I know if the boat is available for the date I want? 
  • What is your cancellation policy? 
  • How much gratuity do I give the crew? 
  • Why do fishing charters cost so much?

    •  
    I've never done this before. How should I get started?
    Ask us any questions you like. We are always willing to help you with choosing the right charter. To get a feel for the latest fishing conditions, ask to speak with the Captain. He will give you valuable information about what's biting and the weather conditions at sea.

     
    Does the boat have a bathroom on it?
    Yes. There is a private bathroom in the cabin of our offshore boats.

     
    Do the boats have beds on them?
    Yes. All offshore boats sleep 4-10 passengers in beds.

     
    Do I need a fishing license to fish on a charter boat?
    No. The boat is completely equipped with all the proper licensing for you to fish.
     
    What should I bring with me on the boat?
    You don't need much! Consider bringing food, drinks, your camera, a hat, towel and sun block. Our boat is equipped with a refrigerator for your food and drinks. Also, consider a small cooler to keep in your vehicle until the end of the trip to put your fish fillets in.

     
    Is the boat safe for me and my entire family?
    YES. The captain is federally licensed by the United States Coast Guard to take passengers out 300 miles from shore. Also, our boats have many redundant safety features. For communications we are equipped with a VHF radio, a cell phone, and a independent satellite phone. The captain will brief your group at the beginning of the trip about where to find life jackets, fire extinguishers, and the most important safety feature a boat can have, the EPIRB. This unit will instantly send a distress signal via satellites to the Coast Guard if the boat sinks or the crew sets it off due to eminent danger. Don't worry; we've never had to execute an emergency plan beyond a drill! Our safety record stands at 100%. You can enjoy our trips knowing that we are safe and secure at sea, and that's the professional difference.

     
    Does the boat still go fishing on rainy days?
    Our boats are designed to keep you dry and safe. If there is a chance to avoid rain offshore, or if you simply don't care, we will fish on rainy days. Usually the fish bite is surprisingly very strong on rainy days! If you are in doubt of the weather, always call the captain before you decide to cancel your trip.
     
    Why are sportfishing boats limited to six people?
    Mandated by the United States Coast Guard. We have no control over the six paying passenger law. Unfortunately, if you show up with more than six passengers for a single boat charter, we will not be able to accommodate your entire group. We do offer multi-boat charters if you have a large group. We would be glad to set up two or more boats to take your group offshore.
     
    Do you do trolling or bottom fishing?
    BOTH! When you charter the boat, you decide. We normally recommend what type of fishing is most productive. During the spring, summer, and fall, we recommend both, but during the winter we recommend only bottom fishing.
     
    What kind of bait do you use?
    We use Ballyhoo, Sardines, Mackerel, Squid, Pinfish, Grunts, Mullet,  Blue Runners and assorted artificial lures. The bait that we use depends on the type of fishing you choose and the time of year. Large live baits are our favorite!

     
    Do you catch and release?
    Game fish which are not very tasty like Marlin, Sailfish, Barracuda and Shark are released. There are many limitations on the length of fish; therefore, they are released as well. If you would like to have all the fish caught on your trip released, please request this. Similarly, if you only want to keep enough fish for a single or few meals let us know.

     
    What happens to the fish I catch?
    Edible fish are stored on ice in a cooler till the end of the trip. The crew will gladly fillet your catch for no additional charge. The fillets are then placed in gallon sized bags for easy handling. We strongly recommend that you take some of your catch to a local restaurant and have them prepare it for you. Your crew can make recommendations on where to take your fish.

     
    What are the best fish to eat?
    The best fish for your dinner will be Grouper, Snapper, Tuna, Wahoo Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Amberjack, Snook, Trout, Flounder, and Redfish. Any of these fish make for an unforgettable dinner. We can also have your fresh catch cooked for you at the Tiki Bar which is right next to our dock. All you will have to pay for is your side dishes and drinks !

     
    How do I know if the boat is available for the date I want?
    If you call to reserve several days or more in advance, we almost always can make arrangements for our boats or a similar affiliate boat. The sooner you make your booking the better.

     
    What is your cancellation policy?
    You can cancel any trip 72 hours in advance and pay no fee. All trips cancelled between 72 and 24 hours in advance are charged a 25% administrative processing fee. If you fail to show up for a fishing charter, your deposit will not be returned. If the captain cancels the trip due to weather, you will receive a complete refund or the trip will be rescheduled at Captain's discretion. 

    How much gratuity do I give the crew?
    We like to think of it as a restaurant. If you see that the crew is working hard, and you are treated well, 15%-20% is standard.

     
    Why do fishing charters cost so much?
    Maintaining and operating a safe, properly rigged quality fishing boat is expensive. Fuel costs are no help either. There are many more costs that one never sees on a fishing charter. For example, charter insurance, dock fees, crew costs, boat maintenance, and many other factors are involved. You get what you pay for in charter boats, and we strive to keep our costs down to give you the best value in the area. The excitement of chartering your own boat and actually catching fish is well worth the expense.
     
    Our Policies
    Cancellation
    You can cancel any trip 72 hours in advance and pay no fee. All trips cancelled between 72 and 24 hours in advance are charged a 25% administrative processing fee. If you fail to show up for a fishing charter, your deposit will not be returned. If the captain cancels the trip due to weather, you will receive a complete refund or the trip will be rescheduled at Captain's discretion. 
    Injury Coverage
    When you decide to book a trip with Smokin' Em Charters you must know that it can be a dangerous sport. If you are on the ocean in a boat, with water everywhere and slippery fish flopping on the deck accidents can happen. If you book a fishing charter with us we will not be responsible for any injuries you may incur on your trip or at the dock. When you decide to go fishing in the ocean on a boat you must know there are some dangers involved. The Smokin' Em Crew will do everything in there power to keep you safe at all times but accidents do happen.
     
    Check out our monthly specials page for great discounts in pricing !