FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the difference between Head boats and Charter Boats?

Head Boats are large boats that drift fish over wrecks or reefs. Normally there is anywhere from 25-65 people on a boat, but not always. These boats fish for bottom fish such as Black Sea Bass, Trigger Fish, Croaker, Spot and Flounder. You pay for these trips per person with ticket prices ranging from @ $35-$380.

Charter Boats range from 46'-59' and can carry a maximum of 6 people (per U.S.C.G. regulation). These boats will only include your party and the Captain and the mate. These boats have air-conditioned/heated salons, fighting chairs (for the BIG fish!), televisions, VCR's, radios, etc. These trips are paid by boat ranging from $650-$4000 cash discounted prices.

**We also have make-up charters**
CLICK HERE FOR INFO ON MAKE-UP CHARTERS!

What is a make-up charter?

A make-up charter is when you are interested in going out on a private boat but you don't have enough people to take a whole boat out. You would put your information (name, phone #, dates available and deposit or credit card number) on a list so that we can put you with other people and you can all split the cost evenly. We can't guarantee that we can put you on a trip but we will sure try our hardest!

Do all boats have bathrooms?

Yes, every boat that charters out of this marina has restroom facilities, including cruise boats, charter boats, speed boats, & head boats.

Do all boats sell food, or can we bring our own?

With the charter boats since it is a specialized trip you need to bring your own food and drinks, you can bring anything you like (with the exception of glass).

The head boats have a full galley, containing hot dogs, chips, and soda for sale. The head boats also sell beer & wine on the boats. On the head boats for fishing or cruising you cannot bring your own beer, but they do sell it on board. On any trips you can bring your own food, but no glass or hard liquor is allowed! 

Do the boats go out all year?

Yes. Head boats and Charter boats go out all year long. Call to see what we are catching right now or visit our fishing reports page.! 757-491-8000 for the Charter Boats, or 757-422-5700 for the Head Boats.

Do I need to tip the crew on my fishing trip?

It is not required, however it is a nice gesture. The mate is the person on the boat who will take care of your lines, help you with anything you need, and can assist the Captain in case of emergency. They will definitely be working hard for you, and if you do well fishing, or you see they really tried to give you a great trip, you could also tip the Captain. An average tip for the mate is between 15%-25% of the total cost of the trip.

How long ahead of time should I make reservations?

Reservations for the charter boats should be made as soon as possible. We can take them up to a year in advance (and yes people do book a year in advance!). Head boats do not require them for most trips, however, some of their trips (including long deep dropping trips) definitely require reservations. Please call for information or reservations:
 

Charter Boats 757-491-8000
Head Boats: 757-422-5700

What is the cancellation policy?

For charter boats there is a two week cancellation period. Meaning, that you have until two weeks prior to your trip to cancel with no repercussions, after you are within that two week time period then your trip is considered confirmed and you will lose your deposit. If you just do not show up you will lose your deposit. If the Captain decides the weather is too bad to go out you will not be charged anything, however it IS AT THE CAPTAINS DISCRETION, 757-491-8000.

Please call the Head Boats for information on their cancellation policy 757-422-5700.

Do you have a mailing list that I could be a part of?

Yes, we do! Just email us your full name, and address and we will include you in our mailing list. We send roughly 4-6 letters a year! Don't miss out on the good inside info!!

What are your store hours?

The hours do change seasonally, so call for current hours. 757-491-8000, but generally summer hours are 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. and winter hours are 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

What does the marina store sell?

The store sells everything you would need for your fishing trips including tackle, ice, Styrofoam coolers, bait (including ballyhoo, bloodworms, squid, etc.). We also sell souvenir items including t-shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, and hats. Check out the link to our Marina Store and see what we are selling online.

Can I bring beer/alcohol?

Yes, all charter boats allow beer, liquor & wine, however no glass is allowed on any boats. (It can be dangerous if you drop it!).

However, you cannot bring any beer, wine or hard liquor onto the head boats. Each fishing & cruise boat in their fleet has either a beer bar, or a full bar. Therefore, bringing alcohol onto the boat would be equivalent to bringing your own beer into a bar. However, other food and drinks (water, soda, etc.) are definitely allowed to be brought onto the boat.

Are the boats handicap accessible?

Yes, but please call if you are going to be needing assistance that way we can inform you if it is going to be very rough, and to make sure we have people there to assist. In addition, electric wheelchairs are not allowed on the head boats because of the sea spray could short out the electronics in the wheelchair and thus could cause faulty breaking or electronics.

Are there any age limits?

There are no age limits for any fishing or cruising trip. However, if you are considering bring very young children it is a good idea to call first to check on the condition of the seas and winds.

Are animals allowed on any of the boats?

Unfortunately we cannot allow any animals on the vessels due to the danger to the animal. If the deck gets wet they could easily slip, fall, or injure themselves.