Social Distancing Party Boats?

[Setthehook]

Hope all is well? Quick question! Why dont they allow charters and party Boats to go out fishing? I have been on trips where only 10 people showed up and we went out anyway. Charge a little more and take reservations so we can keep 6 feet apart and still enjoy Fishing. Instead of doing 2 half day trips do 3 half day trips. These sound reasonable to me. Is there anything we can do?

[dales529]

Please look at "sticky threads" 1-3 on top of the message board. much in the works, read and join the effort if possible.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Lots of charter and party boat owners asking the same question, when can I go back to work? People going into crowded indoor spaces like grocery and liquor stores and they and the businesses that serve them take precautions.

What are some precautions that might make sense for charter and party boats?
- I think making sure everyone maintains a safe distance from each other and an easy way to do that is to stretch your arms out next to each other and if your hands touch you're too close. This means larger boats can take more and smaller boats take less but they should be able to take some. OK put your hands out people, if you hands touch you're too close..
- No one allowed in an enclosed cabin??
- No food served, bring your own
- Captain, crew and patrons must wear masks and gloves at all times
- No one boards the boat ahead of time and no one stays on the boat once docked.
- Boat must supply sanitizer lotion or towels for use during the trip.
- Any area or equipment that might be touched by others must be sanitized before and after each trip.
- Captain and crew are ultimately responsible for maintaining these orders and making sure their patrons follow them as well..

Are these guidelines fool proof? No... Will people and the Captain's and crew follow them? If they want to be able to fish they likely will...... Will captain's start running and people come out and fish, take the risk and will the boat need to charge more for taking fewer people? Not everyone will but I think at least the owners who choose to get back to work and the people who want to fish now have a choice.

Not sure if anyone has an inside track to the powers to be at fish and game or state and local officials making the rules. It can't hurt to make well thought out suggestions that make sense for the safety of boat owners and their patrons since many of the people making these decisions likely don't own or operate boats. So lets make it easier for them by handing them some sensible suggestions.

And for those of you thinking " there are way more important things the state is dealing with now." I think the time is near when they start thinking about easing restrictions and we need to be on that line with all the other businesses lobbying to be reopened. It could also be that restrictions will be lifted by county or town and the local officials will be left with these decisions and will need sensible guidelines if they choose to open certain business so the same applies.

Like I always say, lead, follow or get our of the way... I'm not one to sit on the porch and watch or leave things to chance. I want to give us the best chance possible...

Any other suggestions out there? Anyone else willing to get involved or know others who can help? I'm all ears and willing to talk and work with anyone. Please PM me or email me at Njfishing@aol.com if you're not comfortable posting it here.

[TerriMc223]

All good suggestions Gerry. Being one of those party boat nuts that gets up at O dark thirty to get to the boat early to snag a good spot I would suggest that the crew assign fishing spots that are already clearly marked around the rail first come first served, Allowances could be made for family groups who could fish closer together. Also, the head boats might consider a reservation only system. Head boats in other states do this and seems workable.
I would expect to pay more for a fishing trip of course under these conditions.

[frugalfisherman]

I wouldn't expect a crowd on any party boat. These talking head nuts on tv have the great majority of this area scared to death.

[Setthehook]

My fingers are GLUED crossed.

[Fin Reaper]

I know that we don’t really have a lot of details about CV19 just yet, we’re still learning as we go BUT I would be very interested to know what effect salt has on the virus. Wouldn’t it be nice (for admittedly very selfish reasons and I do sincerely apologize for that) if we found out that salt air / spray significantly reduced the virus’s viability ?

[frugalfisherman]

I know that we don’t really have a lot of details about CV19 just yet, we’re still learning as we go BUT I would be very interested to know what effect salt has on the virus. Wouldn’t it be nice (for admittedly very selfish reasons and I do sincerely apologize for that) if we found out that salt air / spray significantly reduced the virus’s viability ?

It used to clear up my acne when I was a teenager.

[Charlie B]

I know that we don’t really have a lot of details about CV19 just yet, we’re still learning as we go BUT I would be very interested to know what effect salt has on the virus. Wouldn’t it be nice (for admittedly very selfish reasons and I do sincerely apologize for that) if we found out that salt air / spray significantly reduced the virus’s viability ?

What you are saying is not very far fetched and could in fact be true. It has been reported sunlight and high humidity seem to shorten the lifespan of the virus. I guess only time will tell...Charlie

[Duffman]

What you are saying is not very far fetched and could in fact be true.

The Diamond Princess.

[Fin Reaper]

All due respect, but that’s not a fair comparison. The DP has a profoundly higher population density, food service and infinitely more closed in space.

[Charlie B]

The Diamond Princess.

I stand by my statement. Do you think anyone stayed out on deck 24/7? The majority of the ship is inclosed as in air conditioned staterooms, dining halls, theaters, and such. Maybe 10% open deck if that...Charlie

[dakota560]

What you are saying is not very far fetched and could in fact be true. It has been reported sunlight and high humidity seem to shorten the lifespan of the virus. I guess only time will tell...Charlie

All questions are good questions but if salt, high temperatures and humidity supposedly shorten the lifespan of the virus, why have cruise ships been hit hard, 700 crew members on the USS Theodore Roosevelt contract it and India which has some of the highest temperature and humidity levels in the world go into lock down mode?

[Setthehook]

I know that we don’t really have a lot of details about CV19 just yet, we’re still learning as we go BUT I would be very interested to know what effect salt has on the virus. Wouldn’t it be nice (for admittedly very selfish reasons and I do sincerely apologize for that) if we found out that salt air / spray significantly reduced the virus’s viability ?
Unfortunately that is proven not effective as Cruise Ships have been overwhelmed with COVID-19.

[Setthehook]

I know that we don’t really have a lot of details about CV19 just yet, we’re still learning as we go BUT I would be very interested to know what effect salt has on the virus. Wouldn’t it be nice (for admittedly very selfish reasons and I do sincerely apologize for that) if we found out that salt air / spray significantly reduced the virus’s viability ?

Wish it were true but the Cruise Ships state otherwise.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Cruise ships are a totally different beast and are like big petri dish for any sort of virus to begin with. People are indoors eating, socializing etc.

How about if people practiced some safe social distancing measures on charter or party boat... No one in the cabin, wear gloves and masks, stand 6 feet apart at all times??

[Gumada]

Gloves need to be changed every time you touch something, anything to be effective. Otherwise they cross contaminate just like hands do. It might have some effect by reminding you not to touch your face...but that’s about it.

[Duffman]

No one in the cabin would never work.

How do you keep 6 feet of separation on a charter?

[Gerry Zagorski]

No one in the cabin would never work.

How do you keep 6 feet of separation on a charter?

You lock the cabin doors. If someone needs to get in, unlock it and one at a time....

Put your arms out next to the nearest person, if your fingers touch you're too close or put red Xs on the deck. That's your spot, stay there...

Is this too soon is another question but at some point these restrictions are going to be eased but will likely be attached with some continued social distancing measures.

If Charter and Party boats don't have a sensible plan they will take a back seat to other small businesses like restaurants and bars that are already starting to think like this and lobby to be allowed to open back up and providing some suggestions to the power to be as to how they might do it safely.

[hammer4reel]

Gerry this virus is also being passed from contact . Actually way more than airborne.
Touching the rail or any part on the boat allows this to travel .

Only reason they are asking we wear masks is so our droplets get on less areas .

Biggest problem is many show no signs of carrying this virus.
We had jobs test workers when guys tested positive.
Half guys who had it had no idea . And even after being home for 2 weeks never showed one symptom. .
Yet guys died on those same job sites .
Anyplace that has people coming from many different directions can just make it spread faster .
.
Of course we all want to fish .
But do you want that to kill someone else's family member ? .

[Charlie B]

Big difference between being on a fishing boat for a few hours and staying on a cruse or military ship all day and night for many days. Like comparing apples to oranges...Charlie

[Duffman]

Not trying to come across as skeptical but I can’t see it. These guys obviously need to get out and get business going.

How do yo keep cabins locked and one at a time? Where is everyone putting their dry gear? I couldn’t imagine everything I bring having to stay on deck with me. What about in an emergency situation? An incident that required all to be off deck? Lightning, storms, etc. Walking fish, mates landing fish etc. it’s a contact sport.

On a charter with say 140-160 sq ft of deck space. 6 guys + deckhand? I’m just guessing on that size and could be way off if someone can correct me.

And what’s the difference if I’m exposed to corona for 5 minutes or 5 hours or 5 days? Exposure is exposure no? Either way, until restrictions are loosened we are all fu.....

[Adrenalinerush]

Not trying to come across as skeptical but I can’t see it. These guys obviously need to get out and get business going.

How do yo keep cabins locked and one at a time? Where is everyone putting their dry gear? I couldn’t imagine everything I bring having to stay on deck with me. What about in an emergency situation? An incident that required all to be off deck? Lightning, storms, etc. Walking fish, mates landing fish etc. it’s a contact sport.

On a charter with say 140-160 sq ft of deck space. 6 guys + deckhand? I’m just guessing on that size and could be way off if someone can correct me.

And what’s the difference if I’m exposed to corona for 5 minutes or 5 hours or 5 days? Exposure is exposure no? Either way, until restrictions are loosened we are all fu.....


Your post is spot on, thanks for being rational. I understand party boat and charter guys want to get back to work.

I want schools to open so I can conduct business, but i also understand they can't right now.

You can't keep guys out of a cabin and and you can't effectively practice social distancing on a small boat. When your on a 6 pack and running in the snot are gonna tell your fares they have to spread around the boat and not touch one another? Sorry, but its just not practical.

Hopefully, all this changes sooner rather than later. God bless everyone!

[Setthehook]

I think it is quite rational to that anyone who would like to charter a Party Boat can and with out doubt can keep social distancing. Just ideas and thoughts but a typical Party boat has approx 60ish pole holders each spot is averaged at $60 a head that is $3600 est PACKED! I have been on them when only 10 show up at the dock and they would go out. Thats $600. If someone were to charter boat for lets say $1000 and are limited to 10 heads which can stay approx 6 feet apart. The Deck hand can successfully help us while the wind blows. They can wipe down the rails during every spot switch and of course we can all wear masks and gloves. This can be done!!!! This can keep the Captains in business and get us out on the WATER!!! Not everyone has their own boats!

[Gobigblue]

So we are asking mates and captains to double their work load for half the money they would make normally so you can go fishing. Guys it going to get better, but you have to trust the process. I want to go fishing really bad however, if bring home more than fish and give it to someone in my or someone else's family, it just not worth it.

[Detour66]

Take less people to assure social distancing and charge more money to make the trip worth while for the Capt and crew. If anyone feels sick the day before the trip DO Not GO! If people really want to go fishing they will pay the extra money.Plus be smart and safe about it. If anyone gets sick after the trip be sure to notify the Capt. Plus a waver should be signed saying if anyone get sick on the trip it's on them not the boat. Just a thought and my two cents.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Gerry this virus is also being passed from contact . Actually way more than airborne.
Touching the rail or any part on the boat allows this to travel .

Only reason they are asking we wear masks is so our droplets get on less areas .

Biggest problem is many show no signs of carrying this virus.
We had jobs test workers when guys tested positive.
Half guys who had it had no idea . And even after being home for 2 weeks never showed one symptom. .
Yet guys died on those same job sites .
Anyplace that has people coming from many different directions can just make it spread faster .
.
Of course we all want to fish .
But do you want that to kill someone else's family member ? .

I want the choice to be able to do things, not be told I can’t. If they open it with precautionary measures these boats, you, me or anyone else can still choose to stay home if you feel it’s not safe. It’s a personal choice.

I just heard in TX they re opened restaurants and movie theaters and have a 25% occupancy rule... Not like they are forcing people to go to these places, but they can if they choose to.

[Capt. Lou]

I now frequent PB’s 20 times a year only limited load trips ! However this being said you cannot any way shape or form social distance ! If you trim load to 50%
still tough to not contact one another ! The cabin is the worst , in bad weather no one is staying on deck period !
The guidelines we have today without testing available it’s not safe to expose one self to any crowded or confined area with other people !
This virus is a killer, so Ai I tend to quartine myself until vaccine or test make the spread of this virus a lot safer !
I hate to lose my fishing trips but it’s better then the alternative!

[Gerry Zagorski]

I now frequent PB’s 20 times a year only limited load trips ! However this being said you cannot any way shape or form social distance ! If you trim load to 50%
still tough to not contact one another ! The cabin is the worst , in bad weather no one is staying on deck period !
The guidelines we have today without testing available it’s not safe to expose one self to any crowded or confined area with other people !
This virus is a killer, so Ai I tend to quartine myself until vaccine or test make the spread of this virus a lot safer !
I hate to lose my fishing trips but it’s better then the alternative!

Your choice and I respect it Lou.

[hammer4reel]

I want the choice to be able to do things, not be told I can’t. If they open it with precautionary measures these boats, you, me or anyone else can still choose to stay home if you feel it’s not safe. It’s a personal choice.

I just heard in TX they re opened restaurants and movie theaters and have a 25% occupancy rule... Not like they are forcing people to go to these places, but they can if they choose to.
.
It’s not about you feeling safe or not , do you think the thousands who died in nursing homes went out and got the virus ?
The staff brought it in .
The choices we are making right now are hopefully for the benefit of others .
Break this virus chain and get on with normal life sooner .
.
Luckily this virus hasn’t taken hold of every county like it has some .
They were filling 5 refrigeration trailers with bodies a Day at Hackensack ..
Staff there is beyond worn out
.

.

[Bates]

Fox and Friends just had Gov. on and they read the RFA letter to him on air! He cannot ignore it now. Let's see what happens. Hope he applies the "Golf" solution.....

[dakota560]

I want the choice to be able to do things, not be told I can’t. If they open it with precautionary measures these boats, you, me or anyone else can still choose to stay home if you feel it’s not safe. It’s a personal choice.

I just heard in TX they re opened restaurants and movie theaters and have a 25% occupancy rule... Not like they are forcing people to go to these places, but they can if they choose to.

Gerry there's two sides to every coin. All the college students in Florida at spring break wanted a choice and we know how that ended up. We're talking about a pandemic here, not contracting the measles. Personally I don't want all the Darwinian nominees this year making decisions which might kill me, family members, friends or anyone. When a personal choice potentially puts others lives at risk I don't agree the choice should be left up to 300 million people when we're talking about the most serious world-wide health crisis in a century. Look at what California just experienced in re-opening beaches because of the idiots who came out in force this weekend and forgot social distancing and safety risks to party and get a tan.

I applaud what you're doing for small businesses but no business should come at the expense of others lives until science says it's the correct move to make with definitive evidence the safety risk has diminished. We open markets and industry too soon and this thing flares back up unemployment which just hit 30 million first time filings in the last month alone will hit 60 million and then there's no answer. And those numbers don't even include the people because of state unemployment delays who haven't been able to file or people furloughed or terminated who don't qualify for unemployment benefits. The number is significantly greater.

Maybe the answer is instead of giving the Harvard's of the world $11 million and hedge funds God only knows how many hundreds of millions of dollars in stimulus funds, give it directly to the American people who need it to put food on the table, pay their mortgages and car loans, insurance, living costs etc. as opposed to playing politics because it's an election year.