Do
Your Homework
You, your friends and your family are looking to have fun. By checking
into a boat and it's captain before you make a reservation, you can
avoid an unpleasant experience and create a special, even memorable
occasion. Remember, too, that you are spending some money to take
this trip, make sure you're getting the most for it!
Make
Use of Your Crew's Experience This
is not your average trip out on the river in a small rowboat with
a box of worms. You're going fishing! The Captain of your boat
should know his stuff, so take advantage of it. If you're a beginner,
take the opportunity to find out about the variety of fish you could
catch, the bait and the equipment you're using. Let him help you learn
how to play a fish, and how to bring it into the boat. There's
nothing worse than having a nice big catch on the line, only to lose
it when you're trying to reel it in. Your Captain can help you come
back from shore with quite a fish tale to tell.
Be
Smart -- Hire a Professional
In order to make sure your trip on the water is safe, as well as exciting,
there are several things to look out for. The boat's captain should
have a Coast Guard license. The boat should always be commercially
documented. If the boat carries more than six passengers
in one trip, it should have an annual certificate of inspection that
lists the maximum number of passengers it can legally carry. Make
sure the boat is well-maintained, and that the crew is forthcoming
with answers to any questions you may have. Feel free to ask for references:
You're looking to spend quite a bit of money and the crew should gladly
recommend some folks who have been out on the water with them. All boats that are members of the Connecticut
Charter/Party Boat Association meet every one of the requirements
listed above.
Have
Fun and Be Safe
Remember that you are out on the water to have a great time. There
is no guarantee, however, that you will actually catch a lot of fish.
You may not come back with the big catch of the season, but you could
wind up with something delicious for dinner that night! Having a good
fishing experience also means not bringing too much alcohol to drink.
A passenger who drinks too much may not only spoil trip for the group,
but could well be a danger to others on board. (Our party boats prohibit
carry-on alcohol.) Besides, you need a quick pair of hands and and
agile mind to beat the fish, and too much to drink can only hurt your
chances. Make sure you check with the captain about the boat's alcohol
policy.
Bring
the Right Stuff
So you're armed and ready with rod, reel, bait and even something
to carry that 80-pounder home. Remember to think about your comfort
on the boat as well as your fishing experience. There's no restaurant
out in the middle of the water, so bring enough to eat and drink.
Some boats will provide lunch at an extra cost, but you must request
this when you make reservations. Even though it's warm on land, the
temperature can be quite a bit lower on the water. Maker sure you
dress in layers and bring rain gear, even if good weather is predicted.
Rainy conditions can develop rather rapidly when you're out on the
boat. Assuming the weather does stay nice, make sure you bring sunglasses,
a hat with a visor, and sunscreen. When you're out on the boat, you
can't just run into the air conditioning to escape the sun. Some sea-sickness
pills are also a good idea, just in case. Finally, don't forget your
camera, so you've got a record of the one that got away!
