Charter Fishing Boat

How to book a Charter Boat

What sort of tide do I need?
The right tide varies according to the sort of fishing you wish to do. If you want to fish over wrecks, you need a small tide so you get longer periods on your mark when it is easier to get the bait down to the bottom. ground fishing needs a little more tide to cover the ground your skipper will advise you of the type of fishing he will be doing on a given day just ask.

Can i go on my own or with a friend?
l take individuals or groups, Quite often a party will be short of anglers and I may be able to fit you in albeit at short notice. Don’t forget that boat fishing is fun and it’s the people you fish with that can make a day special.

I don’t know if my tackle will be suitable.
When booking the boat, confirm with me that hire tackle is needed or if you have your own if so take what you have and I will advice you on it’s suitability and may hire you some if necessary. If for example you have some gear and you want to make sure that it suits the type of fishing you will be doing just ask.

What should i wear?
In an ideal world, you would wear a flotation suit with a pair of waterproof boots. If this is not an option at the moment, then aim for plenty of layers to keep you warm, with a waterproof top layer which will also keep out the wind. It is important to wear a hat as most of the bodies heat is lost through the head, they also keep the sun off you. (Make sure the hat you wear will stay on as baseball caps can blow away). Do not cut back on warm clothing, even in the summer, it is always cooler at sea you can always take it off if you want.

Skipper knows best.
Remember that no matter how much you fish it will still be a fraction of the hours a skipper spends at sea and he does it all in the same area. As the skipper, but more importantly, listen to him or the crewman because this is their area of expertise. It could well be the different fifty miles down the coast, but they will know what works here. And remember to watch what others do on the boat and how they a faring. Never stop learning.

Can i keep my fish?
You can keep any fish as long as they are sizeable, but ask yourself how many fish you want to kill each month; if you fish to fill the freezer, then go to the supermarket, it will save you money. Angling is for sport, there is nothing wrong with taking a fish home every now and then, but please be sensible about it.

I’m a novice boat angler.
Angling is gradually becoming more like other sports and there are now plenty of skippers in Whitby who are more than happy to show you the ropes. Many skippers are happy to help you in the right direction on how to catch fish and what methods / tackle & bait to use.

When should I phone the skipper?
Don’t phone him at closing time, after you’ve had a skin full, he will not be impressed. Likewise, do not phone him at six in the morning if he is up and gone, his partner may not be impressed. Be sensible about the timing. The skipper may inform you that you must call the evening before the trip, after they have had time to see the weather reports. Usually about 7.30pm is acceptable, but ask the skipper beforehand when you have booked the trip.

What happens if the trip is cancelled?
Trips usually only get cancelled due to bad weather, breakdown or illness and only by the skipper! Remember what is a days fun to you is the skippers livelihood. If the skipper has to cancel due to bad weather, don’t have a go at him, he does not want to cancel, he is losing money. If the trip is cancelled the skipper will do his best to book another date for you as he does not want to lose your custom, but if a suitable date is not available, then any good skipper will refund your deposit. If you are the one canceling the trip, ask the skipper when you book the boat, how much notice he needs if you wish to cancel the trip, this should give him time to take another booking if not expected to loose your deposit.

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