Taking a deep sea fishing charter is a very exciting experience for young and old alike. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first timer, we hope this article will help you make the most out of your fishing trip. When taking a charter boat from our lovely Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama areas, keep in mind how long your trip will be. Even the four hour trip requires a little planning.
HERE ARE SOME RECOMMENDED STEPS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR CHARTER FISHING TRIP TO ASSURE YOUR FAMILY HAS A GREAT TIME.
What to bring from home:
- Food and beverages (plastic or metal drink containers only)
- Two coolers (if desired): one for your drinks, the other for your fish filets after our deck mate cleans your fish
- Ice for your drink cooler
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses (Polarized for best results)
- Hand towels
- A hat or cap for each person
- Long sleeve shirt or light jacket depending on weather
- Rubber-soled, non-marking shoes
- Sea-sickness medication, i.e Dramamine or wristbands
We highly recommend that you take Dramamine (or other sea sickness medication) both the evening before your charter and again the morning of your trip, especially if you are worried about getting sea sick.
Alcohol is permitted onboard, and we only ask that you drink in moderation. Captain’s advice: Don’t drink much alcohol the night before, if any at all.
What we provide
We provide all the fishing equipment and bait needed for your trip but you are welcome to bring your own tackle if you choose, although we will not be responsible for any damages to your equipment.
We also suggest you bring your own cooler to take the fish filets home after the deck mate cleans your fish. We have a fish box on board for your fish during the trip.
We have refrigerators on each vessel for you to store any food you may bring. If you want to bring burgers or hot dogs to eat on the trip both vessels have a grill aboard.
Amenities on board
We offer two sized charter boats to choose from depending on the size of your party. Both are very roomy, spacious, and clean.
On our 52’ Class Act (for groups 7-20):
• Full air-conditioned cabin
• Green Egg grill
• 40” flat screen satellite tv (local channels included)
• PS3 player
On our 38’ Daddy’s Baby (for groups up to 6 people):
• Full air-conditioned cabin
• Radio
• Mp3 Player
• Green Egg Grill
Additional information for your Orange Beach charter fishing trip:
Children
We encourage you to bring your children and all ages are welcome. We do suggest that you double the amount of snacks you’d bring for yourself if you’re bringing little ones aboard. They tend to like to snack the entire length of the trip! You may also want to bring an extra change of clothes for the kids too. It’s pretty easy for children to find a way to get wet while on board.
Clothing
Depending on the season and the weather, it’s usually a good idea to bring layers like a light jacket and wear breathable quick-dry attire.
Lastly, wear a pair of non-marking, non-slip boat shoes or sandals, as bare feet are not permitted for safety reasons.
Fish cleaning
We will clean your fish for free on the 4-6 hour trips. We charge $0.30/lb for fish cleaning on longer trips. On all the trips we will keep your fish on ice during the trip and supply you with Ziploc bags to take them home with.
Deck mates
Along with your captain, each trip will be accompanied by an experienced deck mate. The deck mate is there to assist throughout the entire trip and works for tips (typically 18-20% of the total cost of the trip).
Insurance
We are fully insured.
Catering
If you’d like to have food for your trip catered, we can help find catering options for you for an additional fee to include the food costs.
Taxidermy
We can refer you to a skilled and reputable taxidermist.
Extensions
If there is not another trip scheduled after yours, you can extend the trip if you want to once we’re out on the water.
Cancellations
The captains may cancel the trip due to weather or sea conditions, but not just for rain. We will not fish if the conditions are too bad. Once you are on the trip, if you are not comfortable with the conditions, we can elect to shorten and prorate the trip.
There is an ancient Chinese proverb that says, “Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day; teach a man to fish and he eats for the rest of his life.” Deep sea fishing is an exhilarating experience and a survival skill that creates memories to last a lifetime.
Be sure to contact Dale Woodruff before your trip if you have any questions or concerns about the weather or what to bring. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!
