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.