Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need fishing equipment?
No. I provide all of the appropriate tackle for your trip, and extras. I have all of the tackle, bait, and gear that you could need. If you have a favorite rod that you want to bring, of course feel free to bring it along.
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What about the fishing equipment?
We've had rods and reels lost overboard or broken. It happens. If it's your fault, I don't feel bad asking for replacement or repair costs. If you are casting and throw a rod overboard (it's happened), it shouldn't come out of my pocket. It's not common, but...
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What about the catch? Do I keep it? Who fillets it?
Answer. The fish is yours to keep. As it is caught, the captain or mate will take it off the hook, bleed it, ice it down, fillet it, rinse the fillets, bag them, and store them on ice to provide you with the best quality fish possible. I usually have much more ice than is necessary and have been known to bring 400 pounds of ice on tuna fishing trips! That's enough ice to chill down three 100+ pound fish easily. And I have the storage space on the boat to do so comfortably!
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What about tuna?
Answer: If you catch a legal school bluefin tuna (the size varies), it is yours to keep. In the event that you catch a giant bluefin tuna (greater than 73” long), then the boat retains the fish (this is a Federal law). The captain will sell the fish and 1/3 of the proceeds will be given to the customer. These are valuable fish and wonderful fish--if one is caught, we'll consider that trip very successfully over and we'll return to port to sell the fish (it's value decreases with time, so it's important to get it to the buyer quickly). The trip's cost will be pro-rated based on the time we get the fish back to the pier. I believe that this is the fair way to handle a great fish and a great fishing trip.
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What time do we leave and get back?
Usually we leave around 4:30 or 6:00, depending on the season and sunrise times. We'll expect to get back 8-9 hours later on a full day trip, 10-11 hours later on a marathon/combo trip, and 6 hours later on a 6-hour trip. If you want to stay out longer, we'll happily stay out longer for $100/hour.
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What should I bring for clothes?
Answer: Dress in layers, as it the temperature may change greatly during the day. I like to see people wear sunglasses, as the glare from the water sometimes gives people a headache. Also, wearing sunglasses would help in the case of a flying hook. I will have suntan lotion on board. In most cases, I have a rainsuit for everyone on board. Comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting messy are also recommended.
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What about sea sickness?
Answer: If you are concerned, taking a dramamine-type product the night before AND an hour before boarding the boat has been known to help. One of the biggest contributors to seasickness is a hangover. 50% of people getting sick on the boat have been sweating out a serious hangover. Stay hydrated.
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Is it true about bananas on a fishing boat?
Answer: It’s worse than walking under a ladder, breaking a mirror, having a black cat cross your path, or any other superstition. Leave them at home.
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How many people do I need to charter the boat?
Answer: 1 person is fine--we've had people who like to charter the boat for themselves and fish by themselves. I've designed my boat to cater to the smaller crowds and most of my charters consist of groups of 3-4 people. If you have 5 or 6 people, I can accomodate them. I priced my rates so that the cost per person stays the same whether you have 4,5, or 6 people. I found that before doing this, people would always try to get 6 people on board in an effort to lower the price/person. (so that's where I set my price for 4 people anyways!) It's easier to travel with 3 or 4 people anyways and you can all share a room or you don't have to depend on those 5th and 6th undependable people. Small groups are more fun, anyways!
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What time do we leave?
Answer: I like to meet you at the pier about 15 minutes before sunrise. This way, we can get the boat loaded with you all and be ready to leave the port with enough light to see the lobster pots and run out to the fishing grounds at full throttle. Early in the morning is often the calmest time of the day and it's amazing to cruise into the sunrise at 30+ mph! With tuna fishing, we'll leave earlier than that in order to capitalize on what is often an amazing first-light bite. We can be on the fishing grounds quickly!
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I have a GPS I want to bring it on board?
Answer: Does it swim? Just kidding, but it’s not cool to bring them. Ask me and I’ll show you where we are, but leave the tracker in the car.
Ask us any question that you'd like... captain@blackrosefishing.com