Make The Most Of Your Fishing Trip
Florida Keys charter boat captains and crews will go out of their way to guarantee you have a pleasant fishing experience. They will tie the knots, bait the hooks, take your fish off, and teach you the techniques to reel in the big ones.
However, there are also a few things that you can do (before and during your charter) to ensure your Florida Keys fishing trip is a success. Below is a list of tips to help make your trip as enjoyable as possible.
Take Measures to Prevent Seasickness
If you've spent any amount of time on the water you've likely experienced some level of seasickness. Our brains are not designed to handle the constant rocking motion of the waves and it's natural to get queasy while out on the ocean.
However you should never let seasickness ruin your trip. There are a variety of medications and devices designed specifically to prevent motion sickness. We suggest trying different methods until you find the one that's right for you.
Our favorite method to prevent seasickness is to take one full Bonine® pill (or similar motion sickness pill) with water the night before a trip. Then we take half a pill with a glass of water the morning of the trip (before getting on the boat). Motion sickness pills will make you groggy so taking half a pill the day of the trip will keep you from falling asleep while everyone else is reeling in fish.
Don't let previous bouts with seasickness prevent you from taking future fishing trips. It takes time for our minds and bodies to adjust to the sea, and the more often you get out there, the less likely you are to get sick on your next trip.
And keep in mind that there's a good chance the captain and/or one of the mates has probably chummed the water on a rough day as well.
Listen and Learn
Most fishing captains and crews have spent the majority of their lives fishing. Listen to what they have to say and pay attention to the advice they give you.
What took them hundreds of hours on the water to learn they can teach you in a day. Keep your eyes and ears open and before you know it you'll be able to tell your friends back home that you're a saltwater fishing expert!
Don't Be too Picky
Keep in mind that the goal of any fishing trip is to catch fish! Don't get your heart set on catching a certain type of species-they just may not be biting that day, or may not be in season.
We suggest spending some of your trip chasing that sailfish or other species you've always dreamed of catching- and if they're not around- spending the rest of your day on the hot bite.
Florida Keys fishing captains and guides will always do their best to make sure you catch quality fish. Keep an open mind about the types of species you want to catch, and let them put you on the hot bite.
Try not to drink too much Alcohol
Fishing and beer goes together like peanut butter and jelly- but we suggest not having too many cold ones while on your charter fishing trip. Alcohol consumption speeds up dehydration and can enhance the effects of seasickness.
Plus you're going to be handling pretty expensive equipment and you don't want to be so tipsy that you accidentally drop a $600 rod and reel over the side of the boat.
Tip your Mate/Guide
Charter fishing crews (and guides fishing without mates) work for mainly tips. If they've gone out of their way to ensure you've had a successful trip we suggest leaving them a tip.
20% is a good bench mark to go by, but tip accordingly based on the service you feel was provided.
Have Fun
No matter what you catch always remember to have fun. The memories you create on your Florida Keys fishing charter will last a lifetime.
