Vetting a Charter boat

[2rocky]

I live 18 miles from a bay that has fishing charter boats that go out into the Pacific ocean for Tuna, Salmon, Crab, Ling Cod, Rock cod , Bigeye tuna, Halibut, etc.

How do I determine if a charter service is as good as they look on their social media page?

What is a good success rate for a California Charter boat?

How do i have the best chance at calm seas for less likelihood of motion sickness?

How do i prepare myself to be the best client on a trip like this?

What species of fish are the best Bang for your buck?

I feel like I need to invest some time with local charter boats before I go commit to a big Alaska trip.

 

[Sheltowee]

How do I determine if a charter service is as good as they look on their social media page?

Always a little bit of a crap shoot, but I check Google reviews or reviews on Fishing Booker. Word of mouth is always a good source of local information-- you might ask the folks who run your local marina which charters they trust.

 

[WapitiBob]

Ask the regulars; go to the charter docks and ask the guys who are lined up with their own tackle, waiting to board.
We've used Dockside out of depot Bay OR. Half the Surfrider is regulars.

 

[CRJR45]

First decide what species you want to target , you have a broad list . Then I suggest social media , see who is posting pictures every day and who gets the best reviews .
Down here there are those that catch fish , and those that catch fishermen , if you know what I mean .

 

[seeth07]

Ask the regulars; go to the charter docks

This. Even further, he isn't very far away so I would actually go to the local bars near the docks and over a few drinks talk to the bartenders and the locals sitting at the bar. You will get a much more honest opinion there than on social media

 

[CRJR45]

This. Even further, he isn't very far away so I would actually go to the local bars near the docks and over a few drinks talk to the bartenders and the locals sitting at the bar. You will get a much more honest opinion there than on social media

The only thing I've ever found from talking to anybody in the bars is low IQ people that like to talk shit and try to act like they belong . Plus , they always recommend their friends , most likely more drunks .
If you want to find out about fishing , ask a captain , not a bartender , sorry .

 

[brymoore]

I’ve hired a bunch of fishing guides in different locations. Some were word of mouth referrals and others were internet searches. It’s not real hard to figure out the best in an area. He’ll, try ai and see its results.

 

[seeth07]

The only thing I've ever found from talking to anybody in the bars is low IQ people that like to talk shit and try to act like they belong . Plus , they always recommend their friends , most likely more drunks .
If you want to find out about fishing , ask a captain , not a bartender , sorry .

maybe things are different down in Florida. We have Midwest nice here - I'm confident with the recommendations I get in the bars around here.