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What’s in a Charter?
  |  First Published: May 2006



Recently I had the opportunity to go on an overnight fishing charter in Moreton Bay, and to my surprise it turned out to be quite exciting and successful. In this month’s article I’ll discuss what’s involved when you go on a charter, everything from the services to the cost, and how to go about finding a good operator.

Location

One of the main factors when organising a charter is ascertaining where you would like to fish and what type of fishing you wish to pursue. Whether it’s chasing marlin out wide, targeting sportfish on light gear or even chasing the ever elusive snapper off the Barwons you need to have an idea before you start your search. It’s all about concentrating your efforts on what fishing you want to try. From there you can go about planning your trip and finding a charter that can you put you on the fish at the right price.

Service

When considering booking a trip on a charter boat certain things have to be taken into consideration. Most charter operators cater to your needs in that gear is usually supplied unless specified. Bait and lunch is also thrown into the mix most of the time.

Another positive for the charter experience is the comfort factor whereby most of your needs are looked after, whether its assistance with different fishing techniques or preferred baits, most are more than happy to cater to your needs.

One of the most key aspects when looking into charters is reputation and safety. It really does pay off to put an ear out for operators who can put clients on to fish most of the time, as well as having an up to date safety gear and precautions set in place to ensure their clients safety. Reputation and word of mouth is a major part in this business, I have personally experienced my fair share of great trips just through word of mouth. On the other I have also encountered some rather unpleasant trips, through not adhering to the advice of others.

Cost

Taking a trip on a charter boat is often considered as being quite a dear day out on the water.

Most day trips, depending on the location and distance travelled, are around about the $200-400 dollar mark and even more for an overnight trip. The question is can you really justify forking out the amount of money for one day’s fishing?

The answer to this question comes in many forms. It basically comes back to what I have said in the ‘service’ section of this article, in that for those who have no means of getting amongst the bigger stuff outside, or those who do not own a boat full stop. A charter is well worth the money if the right research is put in prior to booking. Researching the weather, tide, boat, crew and the general fishing climate will help you discover when will be a worthwhile time on the water. The age old saying of ‘you get what you pay for’ definitely fits this topic. Operators who have a reputation for good service and just a good general atmosphere you will pay more for, but guaranteed you will enjoy the charter experience a lot more if you pay the extra dollars.

Spending a day out on charter boat can be one of the most enjoyable days an angler can have. I’m not sure if it’s the fact of knowing that you don’t have to clean all the fishing gear or boat when you get home, or just enjoying the non stress environment, in that you’re not having anchoring dramas or the GPS is playing up. In terms of justifying the money I believe it is well worth the money if you choose an operator with a good reputation and a good crew. Hopefully this time next month I will be reporting back on my trip to Weipa, and all the tackle I lost! Fingers crossed.

Till next month good fishing

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