Fishing Charters - Consumer Fraud to anglers on board?

[Oceanroamer]

Went toggin on 6 pack charter and the capatain planned the trip until 2:30. He said we will fish till 2:30.

We hit the tog pretty good and the captain was fishing also. He caught far more tog than anyone else that was part of the charter as a matter of fact. When we reached the limit at 10 in the morning. He pulled the hook and we went in.

The 6 of us didn't even want him to catch our fish limit. We'd rather catch our own.

We weren't given that option. Is it consumer fraud by a charter to say you are fishing till the afternoon at 2:30 and come in at 10AM??? We came from all over for this trip and wanted to keep fishing. There was no advance caveat that if a limit occured, we would come home. What do you guys think. I have a lot of respect for many charter captains, but this didn't seem to sit.

[NoWorries]

My rule of thumb is if I'm not happy with my trip is I probably will just go to another boat. There are plenty of Captains out there that will give you what you're looking for in a charter. Most guys on this site have their favorites and could recomend one for you. I like the Mimi and the Fish Monger as my local favorites . Both sail from Manasquan inlet. Both are exceptional !:D

[DFallon]

I agree, let your wallet do the talking for you.
There are a lot of good captains and boats discussed on this site, review those and take your pick.

Would you share what port you left out of?
I have a feeling I know the captain and had a similar experience myself.

[bunker dunker]

1st,did you tell the captain you wanted to catch your own fish?? or discuss what you wanted out of your trip?.he may of thought he was helping.it is always a good practice to speak to the captain about what you want out of your trip so there is no problems like this.

[CCMPmonmouth]

Something does not add up. Did you tell the Captain you did'nt want to go in yet? If so I would like to hear how that conversation went.

[Capt. Debbie]

Did you tell the Captain when it happened? Or kept it to yourself and just complain here? These guys want you back.

Were 1/2 the fishermen tossing their cookies? Was it 7 foot seas?

The Capt wants you happy. That means fish in the boat, but that's only party of making happy customers.




Went toggin on 6 pack charter and the capatain planned the trip until 2:30. He said we will fish till 2:30.

We hit the tog pretty good and the captain was fishing also. He caught far more tog than anyone else that was part of the charter as a matter of fact. When we reached the limit at 10 in the morning. He pulled the hook and we went in.

The 6 of us didn't even want him to catch our fish limit. We'd rather catch our own.

We weren't given that option. Is it consumer fraud by a charter to say you are fishing till the afternoon at 2:30 and come in at 10AM??? We came from all over for this trip and wanted to keep fishing. There was no advance caveat that if a limit occured, we would come home. What do you guys think. I have a lot of respect for many charter captains, but this didn't seem to sit.

[Oceanroamer]

Yes. It was clear we wanted to stay.

But when you tell someone you are fishing till 2:30 and come in at 10:00. That's a big difference. Some big tog were around and we would to have liked to fish for some big ones. It's not complicated 3 foot seas, nice day. Plenty of fish biting. If we wanted to have meat, we'd hit the seafood store and save time.

Am I just complaining here. Yes. A couple guys complained to the captain on the boat and got the cold shoulder so off we went to the dock. All of the fishermen on the boat have their own boats so it was chance to do something different. But I am refraining from using the captain's name on here. Probably shouldn't. But I am. I'll draw the line there.

I would say that policies of captain catching part of the patron's limit or going in early after a limit should be disclosed. That is why I used the term consumer fraud.

[Joey Dah Fish]

I think it's important to explain your intent to the Capt prior to booking your charter. There is nothing wrong with catch and release after you keep your limit. Call the Capt and discuss the issue you and give him a chance to respond. For me personally it's all about the time on the water nit how many are caught. I can honestly say I have never encountered what you are saying happened. But the Capt deserves to be heard. Sometimes the have family things that need to be done or repairs etc. I'm sure if you talk you can resolve between yourselves. He may even give you a reduced cost on another trip. I seems like you had a good bite going so it sounds like a good Capt that knows fishing. Just my opinion. I've seen a lot of guys get a bad wrap just for miscommunication. Good luck catchem up

[Gerry Zagorski]

I think it's important to explain your intent to the Capt prior to booking your charter. There is nothing wrong with catch and release after you keep your limit. Call the Capt and discuss the issue you and give him a chance to respond. For me personally it's all about the time on the water nit how many are caught. I can honestly say I have never encountered what you are saying happened. But the Capt deserves to be heard. Sometimes the have family things that need to be done or repairs etc. I'm sure if you talk you can resolve between yourselves. He may even give you a reduced cost on another trip. I seems like you had a good bite going so it sounds like a good Capt that knows fishing. Just my opinion. I've seen a lot of guys get a bad wrap just for miscommunication. Good luck catchem up

I can't believe I'm saying, let alone typing this but for once, I actually agree with my brother :D

[tombanjo]

Well, I'm sure he gave you half price for half a trip, no? Boat limits you go in a little early, maybe. Had that happen once on a striper trip with that hot shot hot dog charter guy in PP a few years ago. This was during that epic blitz. We had 12 fish pretty quick and the Cap't is like, "okey dokey, guess we'll bring 'er on home now." We got downright hostile and he decided to stay.

[Joey Dah Fish]

I can't believe I'm saying, let alone typing this but for once, I actually agree with my brother :D

Holy Bat Sh*t Bat Man :eek:

[chuckieb]

I had a very similar experience a year ago. Billed as an 8 hour trip, caught boat limit by 11:30, and captain says it's time to go in despite the fact that the tog were biting better than ever. I asked why are you cutting the trip short. He said, "You don't want to overfish the good spots." I thought this was a bunch of crap: we had fished two spots and I'm sure the captain had a dozen or more other spots we could have tried. He figured out later that I was unhappy about the situation, sidled over to me and said, "it's about spot conservation." He gave me a knowing smile and patted me on the back. After cutting the fish at the dock he said, "okay guys, that will be $130 for today (the full fare)." I shorted him on the tip and have not fished with him again.

[shrimpman steve]

Fished watchapreug virginia many years ago. Had the six pack chartered for two days. Day one was great, limit by 11 and captain pulls the hook. All of us were pissed. The next day we went and were throwing back five pound fish so we didn't limit and go in. The captain was having a heart attack watching us throw keepers back. He was screaming "what are you doing" we said we drove from jersey for trophy fish we don't care about a limit. There wasn't much he could do but sit and watch us throw back keepers:D

[Sharkyispy]

Fished watchapreug virginia many years ago. Had the six pack chartered for two days. Day one was great, limit by 11 and captain pulls the hook. All of us were pissed. The next day we went and were throwing back five pound fish so we didn't limit and go in. The captain was having a heart attack watching us throw keepers back. He was screaming "what are you doing" we said we drove from jersey for trophy fish we don't care about a limit. There wasn't much he could do but sit and watch us throw back keepers:D

Classic Shrimp! Great way to resolve the issue, fortunately you had the second day to do so and doesn't sound like he(Capt) was fishing...

[Fisherman120]

PM sent. That boat sounds familiar ;)

[Solemate]

If a capt puts me on the meat I'm a happy man. That's why he gets the big bucks. The only real problem I see here is that he was fishing and you didn't like him filling the box. Did you keep a 6 pack limit or a limit for 8? I once drove 2 hrs to a charter then drove 2 hrs to the fishing area. Fished for 90 minutes and limited the boat. Drove another 2 hrs to the dock and another 2 hrs home. When I looked back at the trip which was a 8 hr tog trip I didn't blame the captain but thanked him for putting me on the fish. Consumer fraud- not in my book

[Chrisper4694]

I won't give this guy the benefit of doubt, that's messed up in my book. You pay for the time frame not a full cooler. If he figured out a better way to make the fish bite then he should've showed you what he was doing or asked you if you wanted his help getting a limit. Some of these guys are down right d bags. In my eyes he wanted to save some fish there for his next charter. Why clean up a good spot to throw back keepers?

[MohawkJD]

I don't mind coming back a little early on winter trips when limited, but before noon? That's absolutely ridicules. Nothing wrong with the captain or mate adding a few fish when the fishing is slow, but to help reach the limit early to go home? You got robbed. Does he stay out 6 or 7 hours late to reach boat limit when the bite is slow?

[Oceanroamer]

That fluke story from Virginia is funny. Tossing them back.

Then you read this on these sites, "Back at the dock by 11:00 with limit." And you see the mug shot of the fish. Report by captain doesn't say that the paid clients wanted to catch their own fish, plus stay the time they were told they were staying.

[shrimpman steve]

That Virginia trip was an April tog trip. One of the best tog weekends ever for me. Went down for my first double digit and him in the first hour. Then had another double.

But still didn't want to pull the anchor!! Second day was classic when he realized we were throwing back keepers:D

[Reel Class]

Went toggin on 6 pack charter and the capatain planned the trip until 2:30. He said we will fish till 2:30.

We hit the tog pretty good and the captain was fishing also. He caught far more tog than anyone else that was part of the charter as a matter of fact. When we reached the limit at 10 in the morning. He pulled the hook and we went in.

The 6 of us didn't even want him to catch our fish limit. We'd rather catch our own.

We weren't given that option. Is it consumer fraud by a charter to say you are fishing till the afternoon at 2:30 and come in at 10AM??? We came from all over for this trip and wanted to keep fishing. There was no advance caveat that if a limit occured, we would come home. What do you guys think. I have a lot of respect for many charter captains, but this didn't seem to sit.

I didn't read any replies for the sole purpose of responding TO YOU.

Couple of questions:
1) Did you take your concerns up with the captain?
2) Did you tell him you wanted to stay out longer, to possibly C&R?
3) Did you call him afterwards?

Before we go throwing felonious terms like fraud around here, please let us, the readers of this board, know how YOU handled this situation as it was happening, in real time. If you did take it up with the captain, there's gotta be more to this story...

[Oceanroamer]

Hi Reel Class,

Did tell him we'd like to stay and fish for large and catch and release when he said we were going to go home. He was a wise guy.

Our concerns were politely voiced.

Didn't call him after the after the fact. The issue was over at that point

Will not post his name here, but we will not go with him again or recommend him. Lots of good guys in chartering that can go elsewhere.

[shrimpman steve]

I think just the fact that he said u fish till 230 is enough

Just my opinion

[frugalfisherman]

130 bucks! You could have done 2 trips on a party boat and fished all day.

[Sharkyispy]

I think just the fact that he said u fish till 230 is enough

Just my opinion

Agreed! If a limit was the secondary spelled out trip expectation, I would believe that would either be posted on a website or communicated up front by the capt...(weather being a whole other factor)

[makosnax]

I would have reached in the cooler and threw his catch back and said " look we still go room!" Total douche move by the captain

[Islander II]

BS! I could understand if you were fishing so deep that you couldn't catch and release, but the fact that the captain caught half the limit that brought you in early is beyond inexcusable. You pay to fish, you don't pay for fish. This wouldn't haven't went well if I was on that trip. Was there weather due to arrive early that day?

[SplitShot]

BS! I could understand if you were fishing so deep that you couldn't catch and release, but the fact that the captain caught half the limit that brought you in early is beyond inexcusable. You pay to fish, you don't pay for fish. This wouldn't haven't went well if I was on that trip. Was there weather due to arrive early that day?

My thoughts EXACTLY!!! :(

[Reel Class]

Hi Reel Class,

Did tell him we'd like to stay and fish for large and catch and release when he said we were going to go home. He was a wise guy.

Our concerns were politely voiced.

Didn't call him after the after the fact. The issue was over at that point

Will not post his name here, but we will not go with him again or recommend him. Lots of good guys in chartering that can go elsewhere.

Not to belabor the point, but if this was the case, was the ocean nasty? Was crappy weather forecasted for the afternoon? Big swell at the inlet you left from? Super low tide at the dock where you couldn't get the boat in the slip?

There has to be more to this story - but if there isn't, this situation is rather unfortunate.

[seadog]

Just my 2 cents. I believe that most guys who fish are there for more then just the fishing or catching and releasing.Don't get me wrong guys want to get on the meat but many also come to be on the water. Seen many a fellow put away his pole and just hang out and relax. Some of us just plain love the ocean. So unless the whole crew want to call it a day or uncontrollable things like weather,etc you should get what you pay for. That being said you are the costumer and there are a lot of very good boats and Capt. out there. Pick a boat and ask the Capt. what his policy's are. If they suit you then fish with them. Whats done is done. Going over it will just keep you aggravated. You do not need anyone's opinion about what you feel is appropriate for you.

[Mako333]

Not to belabor the point, but if this was the case, was the ocean nasty? Was crappy weather forecasted for the afternoon? Big swell at the inlet you left from? Super low tide at the dock where you couldn't get the boat in the slip?

There has to be more to this story - but if there isn't, this situation is rather unfortunate.

stop making excuses this happens all the time a limit is not everything you pay for a day of fishing anyone can go to a fish market and buy fish alot cheaper

[Harpoon]

I don't think he was trying to make excuses at all. Just trying to get the whole story that's all. I've fish with Captain Allen many
times and he is always very up front with the charters, many times giving them the option for OT or to change game plan for the day if something is not working out. Three sides to every story....fares side/captains side and the truth.

[Mako333]

I don't think he was trying to make excuses at all. Just trying to get the whole story that's all. I've fish with Captain Allen many
times and he is always very up front with the charters, many times giving them the option for OT or to change game plan for the day if something is not working out. Three sides to every story....fares side/captains side and the truth.

not sure how much more info you need this crap happens all the time was not intended against capt Allen you pay for a full day of fishing you expect to get that they call it sportfishing not meat fishing

[Oceanroamer]

Again for those not going to my earlier posts.

Beautiful day. Lights seas. No weather coming in.

Politely said we wanted to stay. All 6 of us have boats, this was our treat to us to come along.

He didn't care and he was actually a wise guy.

There is no other side of the story.

And it turns out, apparently this guy does this alot.

[bassnblues]

Imo, there's no grey area and no excuse. Unless there s a safety issue or the customer wants to go in, you stay out for the amount of time that was paid for.

[Islander II]

Again for those not going to my earlier posts.

Beautiful day. Lights seas. No weather coming in.

Politely said we wanted to stay. All 6 of us have boats, this was our treat to us to come along.

He didn't care and he was actually a wise guy.

There is no other side of the story.

And it turns out, apparently this guy does this alot.

Then this captain is a complete ****ing dickhead and board members should know who he is so nobody wastes their time giving him money!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also so there is no speculation about another business.

[PocketFisherman]

Did you pay for the trip in advance?

[Reel Class]

stop making excuses this happens all the time a limit is not everything you pay for a day of fishing anyone can go to a fish market and buy fish alot cheaper

Please refer to where I'm making an excuse for either side here in my reply.

...And for the record, please don't take what I say and put your own spin on it - there's no need to infer meaning for the questions I'm asking - they are just that, QUESTIONS.

[Reel Class]

Again for those not going to my earlier posts.

Beautiful day. Lights seas. No weather coming in.

Politely said we wanted to stay. All 6 of us have boats, this was our treat to us to come along.

He didn't care and he was actually a wise guy.

There is no other side of the story.

And it turns out, apparently this guy does this alot.

Thanks for the clarifications brother, and thanks for responding in an up front and straightforward fashion.

[Reel Class]

not sure how much more info you need this crap happens all the time was not intended against capt Allen you pay for a full day of fishing you expect to get that they call it sportfishing not meat fishing

See my response above :)

[Mako333]

See my response above :)

again sounds like an excuse you want to carry this on the guy could not be more clear of what happened the first time again this crap happens all the time you pay for a full day you should get a full day If I wanted meat I will go to shop rite some of us like to fish.Not all of us have the chance to fish every day And of course if it is unsafe out there that is a total different thing!!!

[Joey Dah Fish]

Lesson to learn here guys and gals. When booking your trip make sure you talk about everything prior to booking.

[Fishin Polski]

What boat was it, lets use this site to help out the recreational fishermen, so we can spend our hard earned money on the boats that earn it the way we do.

[Joey Dah Fish]

I think it's inappropriate to name the boat here. I think all watching the site learned a valuable lesson when booking a charter.

[Joey Dah Fish]

In addition give the guy a chance to change and explain himself. Some guys need a dose of what the customer wants.they are sometimes to involved in what they think. Also other Capts are reading as well and the good Capts with similar out looks can understand better what we want too. I think this thread has been valuable and it doesn't need to get personal

[Reel Class]

again sounds like an excuse you want to carry this on the guy could not be more clear of what happened the first time again this crap happens all the time you pay for a full day you should get a full day If I wanted meat I will go to shop rite some of us like to fish.Not all of us have the chance to fish every day And of course if it is unsafe out there that is a total different thing!!!

Not sure what "lens" you're reading my responses through, but you're the one that is carrying this on - not me :) Seems like you've got a bone to pick with me, or my response, and are basically reading way too much into what I'm saying.

FYI - if you go back and read my response to the original guy, OCEANROAMER, my POV changed and I responded in that fashion.

And FYI #2 - I'm done here, I've said my peace, and as I said earlier, if this whole situation is 100% true, the poster certainly has a legitimate gripe.

[Oceanroamer]

Reel Class, thank you for coming onto the thread as a captain.

Other's thanks for the thoughts.

I use the term "consumer fraud" due to the fact that we were sold a trip that was not given. Captain who does this stuff knows he full way intends to get that limit as fast as possible to get back home.

I hope he and other charter captains who may do this are reading and discontinue the practice.

[Fishhead728]

Well the way I look at there's the charters story then the captains story then the truth may be the charter was a bunch of d bags capt didn't care to have them back on his boat or the captn was a d bag none of us will never know the truth

[shrimpman steve]

One thing I know, reel class is a class act.

[Sharkyispy]

Many of the Captains here on the board are top notch and first class captains who I have fished with over the years. I return to fish with them for this reason. It seems very simple to me how to resolve this issue. If a Capt wants to reserve the right to cut a trip short due to limiting out, put that on your website and communicate that upfront to your customers. I have also been on some of those trips and after learning how the Capt decided to run their trip, I did not return again. I'm sure that most customers given the options, would also make an educated decision whether to book a trip or make the choice to use another charter. Yes, I'm always appreciative to be on the good end of a great trip and catching fish limits, AND, sometimes I have made the joint decision to call a trip as I was worn out from a great catch experience, Again, WE made that call. No I'm not appreciative of being cut short at my expense of paying full fare for a trip you quoted we would have, regardless of a limit obtained. Just my .02 for what it's worth.

[Reel Class]

One thing I know, reel class is a class act.

LOL Thank you for posting this Steve. I really appreciate the kind words :)

Just for the record, REEL CLASS has nothing to do with this post - only reason why I responded was because I was bored this morning and started reading, and felt like I had to interject my $.02 :)

[dakota560]

Completely agree with Joey Da Fish on this one. Don't post the Captain's name, it will potentially set a precedent and turn this great site into a sewing circle. If anyone wants the boats name, maybe Oceanroamer would consider providing it through a pm.....that's his decision. Simple lesson learned here is what's most important ask the captain before booking what the rules are including if a limit is attained by the charter and in this case the Captain or crew contributes to that limit does he as a matter of policy return early or do they stray out regardless for a full day, assuming conditions warrant. I would never have thought to even ask that question but after this thread will do so if I ever charter a trip. Doesn't matter who the boat is in this particular case if that question is asked.

Oceanroamer thanks for sharing your experience, I'm sure your post will be very helpful to members down the road. Sooner or later this will work itself out anyway with the boat you had this experience with because as we all know there's no more service intensive word of mouth business than the charter fishing business. The word will get out on it's own and I can't imagine the Captain in this case will be in business too long if that's his normal practice.

Dakota

[tombanjo]

I'll tell you one thing you won't be seeing here anymore, reports like "Limited out, back to the dock by 11am."

That one always left me shaking my head.

[Joey Dah Fish]

One would hope not. Capts be ware :)

[Capt. Jerry P]

Sorry to hear ur bad experience I Hear ur complaint all the time. Sadly its common pratice on alot of boats. And Ill try my best to explain from a charter Captains Owner point of view.

First off everyone runs their businesses differently... so better to ask up front to find out and find an operation that suites ur liking. Some guys are by the clock for a many reasons some will only catch one species some will only troll etc. Some go in after limits etc. So based on ur expectations choose ur boat wisely.

I understand what ur saying and always leaned on the customers side to provide what our clients wanted. For us that includes c&r and mixed bag ( when available) when fishing was real good or very slow and many days of Overtime when needed to ensure to the best of our ability the crew all has a good experience.

While Striper fishing over the years when the bite was very good it was pretty easy to know the timing of the bite..until something changed. So if we knew the stripers were gonna bite for an hr in the morning we would go off seabassin inside 3 miles after rather then run home to say we limited early... or play c&r.

If striper fishing was hack we often go for seabass even if it wasn't the charter first choice many days it saved the day many times while other drove around in circles knowing the end result.

Another year jigging was good in the fall we often let everyone play with blackfish while other ran in early. This in my opinion is what made some bodies great trip a trip of a lifetime.

With bottomfishing and fluking we rarely come in early unless a full boat limit was reached ( which usually took all day sometimes even later than scheduled time to return)

Also hear alot of complaints about guys trolling. Many days in the spring n fall we bust our ass to catch em on jigs or liveline. While others pull rigs and the guys sit on coolers. Now if that's what an inexperienced charter wanted that would b fine but I often hear the wanted to jig or live line n got stuck trolling. Of course at times this may b the only way. But many just do it bc it easier. No bashing anyone and it isn't directed at anyone in particular.

These are all things that are a MUST to ask when booking ur trip.

I often fish on trips and contribute fish to the box as well but usually I try for the customers to catch there limit (6 man ) and the crew to make up a boat limit ex 8 man. As well as fig out the bite and what the fish want to help the guys maximize their catch. On slow days the extra fish are welcomed to fatten up fillet bags or compensate for someone who had an off day.

When Blackfish is good We usually make a c&r after a charter limit or a drop top off a boat limit...look for big fish n life for another trip without beating the bottom to death.

Now on the other side of it I often had charters who wanted to go in after reaching a limit but that's something I felt is best left up to the charter Imho

All these combo trips, overtime, and catch n release all cost extra money n some guys just will not do ( which is fine its their choice) I always felt u make it up and the long run and rebookings. Some feel differently and actually have other Captains angered over it. But to each their own.

Again this is just the way we operate n again everyone is different...All u can do is ur best and I'm sure I have had anglers who didn't like the way I did something But in the end it should balance out if u do a good job.if u short change ur customers ur only cheating ur self in the end which leads to less trips in the book.

[Oceanroamer]

Pretty cool to join the conversation Capt. Jerry. Sure you can't please everyone all the time. No doubt. But you try. Good for you.

But in our situation, when the captain says, "ok we are limited, we are going in."

And the charter politely pleads, "Can we please stay and catch and release for fun and photos?" To get a wise guy response as if the question was out of line, that's hard to handle. All the guys on this charter were disappointed. We didn't argue, insult, curse, but we all looked at each other and weren't happy. Probably a common way of handling it.


And I'm getting PM's from guys saying was it this boat in particular? I've held off putting it on here and am torn, but look and see who says "Limited out on fluke or tog and back at the dock at 10:30" in the archives and you can start to put it all together. Bet many tried to stay on the water like our charter, but were not given the courtesy of the contracted fishing trip length stated ahead of the trip.

[Joey Dah Fish]

I think this is a great thread all sides weighing in with valid points. It reminds me what I need to do when booking charters. That's very helpful to me. I'm certainly glad I don't charter :)

[Joey Dah Fish]

Just because it's cold out and no fishing and the desire to keep this thread alive. You rarely hear a Capt and crew air out the the 6 guys showed up 2 hours late drunk out of there minds and couldn't catch a fish if their lives depended on it. They stunk like weed and liquor and threw up all over the boat. Slept 90 percent of the time. But thanks to the Captain and crew they all went home with a nice bag of fillets courtesy of the Capt and crew taking care of their alibis to their wives lol :) these poor guy sure do put up with some shit!!!!

[Capt. Jerry P]

Pretty cool to join the conversation Capt. Jerry. Sure you can't please everyone all the time. No doubt. But you try. Good for you.

But in our situation, when the captain says, "ok we are limited, we are going in."

And the charter politely pleads, "Can we please stay and catch and release for fun and photos?" To get a wise guy response as if the question was out of line, that's hard to handle. All the guys on this charter were disappointed.

And I'm getting PM's from guys saying was it this boat in particular? I've held off putting it on here and am torn, but look and see who says "Limited out on fluke or tog and back at the dock at 10:30" in the archives and you can start to put it all together.

Any time I don't mind weighing in from the charter Capt owner side even tho I catch heat for it sometimes. I always runs trips and ask myself what would I want or feel as if I was the customer.

What boat wouldn't matter to me... but with that said u Make a good point. At the end of the day it's ur charter u paid for the day. The same thing that ur saying happened to me years ago down in Delaware... he knew we were all Captains and we showed up with our own premo bait. If he knew u could fish u would get a small fish drop and he would save his deep suicide big fish drop for guys who couldn't catch em. Bc they bit different... so when we got the inshore drop we just wouldn't swing then he would have take us where we wanted to go... shouldn't b that way but wasn't many options down there.

I agree with ya... but it happens all the time.. prob the worst is stripers. Although I don't know what anglers want on other boats... people may have wanted to go in. But again likely didn't have the option in many cases to c&r or go for something else.

Imho opinion 1030 is crazy early esp for blackfish trip no matter how good it was... most people would n happy just throwing a few back or looking for a big fish. And it gives whoever had a tough day a chance to redeem a day they weren't particular dialed in... After a charter has a limit its my favorite time to try another spot or area... Find life for another day n That's how ya get slob drops ;)

I will say by the time u reach a boat limit of fluke unless it is crazy good the charter themselves have had enough and c&r isn't nearly as popular aswith blackfish.

Joe murray isn't happy u less we catch a limit of two species :p hahaha

[Sharkyispy]

Sorry to hear ur bad experience I Hear ur complaint all the time. Sadly its common pratice on alot of boats. And Ill try my best to explain from a charter Captains Owner point of view.

First off everyone runs their businesses differently... so better to ask up front to find out and find an operation that suites ur liking. Some guys are by the clock for a many reasons some will only catch one species some will only troll etc. Some go in after limits etc. So based on ur expectations choose ur boat wisely.

I understand what ur saying and always leaned on the customers side to provide what our clients wanted. For us that includes c&r and mixed bag ( when available) when fishing was real good or very slow and many days of Overtime when needed to ensure to the best of our ability the crew all has a good experience.

While Striper fishing over the years when the bite was very good it was pretty easy to know the timing of the bite..until something changed. So if we knew the stripers were gonna bite for an hr in the morning we would go off seabassin inside 3 miles after rather then run home to say we limited early... or play c&r.

If striper fishing was hack we often go for seabass even if it wasn't the charter first choice many days it saved the day many times while other drove around in circles knowing the end result.

Another year jigging was good in the fall we often let everyone play with blackfish while other ran in early. This in my opinion is what made some bodies great trip a trip of a lifetime.

With bottomfishing and fluking we rarely come in early unless a full boat limit was reached ( which usually took all day sometimes even later than scheduled time to return)

Also hear alot of complaints about guys trolling. Many days in the spring n fall we bust our ass to catch em on jigs or liveline. While others pull rigs and the guys sit on coolers. Now if that's what an inexperienced charter wanted that would b fine but I often hear the wanted to jig or live line n got stuck trolling. Of course at times this may b the only way. But many just do it bc it easier. No bashing anyone and it isn't directed at anyone in particular.

These are all things that are a MUST to ask when booking ur trip.

I often fish on trips and contribute fish to the box as well but usually I try for the customers to catch there limit (6 man ) and the crew to make up a boat limit ex 8 man. As well as fig out the bite and what the fish want to help the guys maximize their catch. On slow days the extra fish are welcomed to fatten up fillet bags or compensate for someone who had an off day.

When Blackfish is good We usually make a c&r after a charter limit or a drop top off a boat limit...look for big fish n life for another trip without beating the bottom to death.

Now on the other side of it I often had charters who wanted to go in after reaching a limit but that's something I felt is best left up to the charter Imho

All these combo trips, overtime, and catch n release all cost extra money n some guys just will not do ( which is fine its their choice) I always felt u make it up and the long run and rebookings. Some feel differently and actually have other Captains angered over it. But to each their own.

Again this is just the way we operate n again everyone is different...All u can do is ur best and I'm sure I have had anglers who didn't like the way I did something But in the end it should balance out if u do a good job.if u short change ur customers ur only cheating ur self in the end which leads to less trips in the book.


Well put and great post from the Captain's perspective! Thus your reputation well earned.

[jmurr711]

Any time I don't mind weighing in from the charter Capt owner side even tho I catch heat for it sometimes. I always runs trips and ask myself what would I want or feel as if I was the customer.

What boat wouldn't matter to me... but with that said u Make a good point. At the end of the day it's ur charter u paid for the day. The same thing that ur saying happened to me years ago down in Delaware... he knew we were all Captains and we showed up with our own premo bait. If he knew u could fish u would get a small fish drop and he would save his deep suicide big fish drop for guys who couldn't catch em. Bc they bit different... so when we got the inshore drop we just wouldn't swing then he would have take us where we wanted to go... shouldn't b that way but wasn't many options down there.

I agree with ya... but it happens all the time.. prob the worst is stripers. Although I don't know what anglers want on other boats... people may have wanted to go in. But again likely didn't have the option in many cases to c&r or go for something else.

Imho opinion 1030 is crazy early esp for blackfish trip no matter how good it was... most people would n happy just throwing a few back or looking for a big fish. And it gives whoever had a tough day a chance to redeem a day they weren't particular dialed in... After a charter has a limit its my favorite time to try another spot or area... Find life for another day n That's how ya get slob drops ;)

I will say by the time u reach a boat limit of fluke unless it is crazy good the charter themselves have had enough and c&r isn't nearly as popular aswith blackfish.

Joe murray isn't happy u less we catch a limit of two species :p hahaha
still pissed you didn't stop for hickory shad after we had 200 ling,4 mahi,70 bonito,5 pilotfish,limit of flounders, 12 miscellaneous jacks

[njfisherman1975]

That trip was epic Murray! Still waiting for the blobfish, goblin shark and coelacanth trip!!!

[jigemup]

Joey - Not like you, you also forgot about the mackerel and fat alberts.

[Taxman]

My issue is that he fished and filled the limit on a day that fishing was good. i have no problem if the Capt wants to catch his limit, more thrilled if when I leave some of the fillets found there way into my bag. If he fills the charters limit and leaves early, not good

Last point which i know many do not agree with is some people do not believe in catch and release. They feel the risk of mortally wounding a fish is not worth it that once a limit is reached, you are done. Before bashing, see above where I said filling boat limit and returning early is not good, but if charter catches their legal limit, either change species or call it a day

[jmurr711]

Joey - Not like you, you also forgot about the mackerel and fat alberts.

was only mentioning the supposed "edible" species lol so add 24 albies & countless mackerel haahhahahahahahahhaah can't wait to not go fluking again in august

[anchor joe]

Well said Cpt. Jerry, fished with you on many occasions and have never been disappointed. Well oiled operation where the clocked is never used and where the best options for the day where discussed.
Many a long productive days. Can't wait for the new season.:):):):)

[ParkerBoys]

What boat was it that took you in early? From the way you describe the trip it sounds like there were 6 of you that felt the same way. I sure as heck would not want to be #7 ( from the way you described it). Why else bring this up on a public fishing forum?

[tunajoe]

Call the boat out! Why not? If he is not named, he will surely do it again. :mad:
Enough of this polite sh&t.

[bunker dunker]

ice fishing anyone???

[FASTEDDIE29]

ice fishing anyone???

hahahahahahahahahaha!!!!! Yesssss!!!!!

[NJ Dave]

This is like a joke with no punch line.
You wanted opinions and you got em but with out knowing the boat this thread is useless.
We cant learn from mistakes unless we know who makes em.

[ParkerBoys]

I think your full of doggy poo.....although you did say and I quote you:

"When we reached the limit at 10 in the morning. He pulled the hook and we went in."

Are you saying this was a single anchor.....six man boat? next clue please......

[Capt Sal]

Six guys that own there own boats? That is an easy charter and I would think you all had experience. The only time I pick up a rod is when it is real tough or to hook a striper for a youngster and let them fight the fish. We want our customers to catch there own fish. On the other hand there are times when we have all first timers and the mate and I do what we have to but they still fight the fish. For me to fill the limit and say that is it we are going in will not happen. There are times when we had stupid fishing and the charter would say lets wrap it up early cap. I appreciate that as we need a break when going everyday. If you stay and play cr with black fish they are usually hooked in the lip and the mortality rate is good when released. If you get into a '' stupid" bite with stripers I hope everyone would switch to a circle hook and try to lip hook the bass. We all need to be ethical not hypocritical! Just my opinion guys and gals.:)

[Oceanroamer]

Two PM's that hit it right on the head. They said, "Was it blank blank boat? He did that to us with fluke." They nailed it. The guys in the PM's hit it on the first guess. Why? Because it happened to them!!!!

For the private investigators....Like Parkerboy, you can keep investigating if you choose, but if I put this guy's name on here. There would be a slew of people saying, "Yep did that to us to for fluke or tog or whatever."

Analyzing how many anchors were out wasn't what I was doing. I was just saying we left to address you poo poo thing.

The guy's rep is out there. They aren't posting up his name and I've held back to for now.....for now. The guy's talent is strong, not the issue. But what I am saying is dead on fact.

And why surprised? Like Capt. Jerry said, he know this practice is out there....maybe not with a whole lot of boats, but there's one for sure.

[Oceanroamer]

And whoever thinks this thread is useless, the people on this board and potential clients think not. No one wants to be on a boat like this. And it brings light to a practice most don't like. So even if I don't post the charter name, it still makes the point.

[Capt. Jerry P]

And whoever thinks this thread is useless, the people on this board and potential clients think not. No one wants to be on a boat like this. And it brings light to a practice most don't like. So even if I don't post the charter name, it still makes the point.

Def not a useless thread... think u made alot of people think about asking a question b4 chartering out a boat. Esp with blackfishing...

U know how many times a charter caught all there big fish on a drop hours after beating the balls off em. Well after a limit... after they were throwing em back. Or when u go check out piece for the next day.

Besides the fact even more so when blackfishing that even if ur crew caught a boat limit. Chances are somebody ( or a few guys) struggled. I personally would sure would feel bad coming in early or in the case of ur trip super early if I had 2 or 3 guys who didn't catch and then posting in early boat limit with in reality a charter unhappy anglers. Sounds like a good way to ruin ur business on day where everyone should have left happy.

I don't think it's bad bringing it up on a board either. it was your experience all people choose how to run their business and all of you guys can choose what boat u fish on.

Still think u should reach out to the
Capt... Mayb the Capt will realize n change his ways... nobody wants to lose business or have unhappy clients esp after a good day of fishing And what should have been a great day on the water.

Good winter time conversation...