This has to be said.

[Capt Sal]

First of all I do not want to create a shit storm with what I have to say. I get calls every day asking about ''open boat'' trips and what I charge. I have only ran a total of 2 open boat trips ever. The open boat forum does not mean all ''charter boats'' run open all the time. Here is the problem as I see it. The open boat was meant to fill a charter when someone was short of six people. It is no longer the once in a while filling a full charter but instead it has become the norm.
To run a ''six pack'' charter open all the time puts all the responsibility on the shoulders of the captain. Instead of booking up your calendar with deposits and knowing where you stand you become a secretary as well as a captain. This means your cell phone rings all day and makes it harder to concentrate on giving the customers on your boat the service they deserve. I believe it will be the ruination of the charter boat industry rather than save it. I have run a construction company and a charter boat business for many years and I feel I know what I am talking about. What is better than a day on the water with friends and family. Plan a in advance a book a trip with the charter boat of your choice. It is common knowledge that bass run from late April thru June. Fluke are a summer fish and so on. As far as I see it a party boat is an open boat and a charter boat is exactly what it says-FOR CHARTER. If you disagree with me that is fine this is just my opinion. If you are a young captain and think you are going to make a living running a charter boat open think again. I wish the best for all of the for hire boats and hope you have a safe and profitable season.

[kmaty]

I slapped myself in the forehead after reading this!!!

This is why one boat will stay tied at dock until sat and Sunday and others will hustle and sail everyday wasn't guna put this last part but for the guys who put their work in deserve it . I rarely ever fish the open charters but csn certainly respect them putting the extra effort in! If you have other obligations to your other business that's on you. Keep on keeping on guys!

[Roman' Round Charters]

I have always been taught to respect my elders so ill keep this short and to the point. Fishing changes day to day and sometimes hour to hour. Our industry is changing and you either have to change with it or get out of the way. All respects capt. But that needed to be said.

[Mako333]

Originally Posted by kmaty

I slapped myself in the forehead after reading this!!!

This is why one boat will stay tied at dock until sat and Sunday and others will hustle and sail everyday wasn't guna put this last part but for the guys who put their work in deserve it . I rarely ever fish the open charters but csn certainly respect them putting the extra effort in! If you have other obligations to your other business that's on you. Keep on keeping on guys!

well said can never understand when people complain about being to biusy

[sportfishingusa]

Started in Cape May and running all over the state and coast now. Open boats are a thing of the future and thus why most will not last in the industry. Guys will come and go but the ones who fill books and fill.boats with charters and are.not scrounging for passengers will last while others will fade oor just use the open boats to fill some spots and help cover their costs.

[cark2044]

Amazing for you to say this. For the past few years I have witnessed you advertising in the open boat & (I know) charter forum. However you never have the same boat. One time it's an old luhrs,26 regulator, 32 contender or a downeast boat. Maybe your business would be a little more steady and more reliable if people knew what boat and where they were going to sail from for each trip. Stop hating on the "open" charter boats that have a steady business in a changing economy and business. The guys that are trying to make it with the open boats are guys that are doing this full time, many don't have other jobs or pensions to fall back on when the weather doesn't permitted sailing or the full charters aren't beating down the doors for them like they are for you.

[makosnax]

I will be right back, going to make some popcorn.

[Harpoon]

It's you business and you should treat it how you want. It's just bad business to look down on how someone else in your industry runs their business. Ultimately you are all in to make money on the water and have some fun.

[Bass Specialist]

In this economy to have only have had to run 2 open boat trips ever, consider yourself very fortunate. Peoples plans change, they back out etc. so things happen. I'm all for open boat trips. I have my own business so it's tough to plan in advance when I'll have a free day let alone watch the fishing reports and the weather on top of it all. And if your running a trip you can get back to potential clients after the trip is over.

[Bass Specialist]

Ps I've caught my biggest bass close to. 50lbs on a golden touch open boat trip