Question 1

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Bring a cooler with whatever you want to eat or drink. Recommended: camera, hat, sunscreen, a long sleeved shirt, shoes that you do not mind getting wet (flip flops are fine), snacks, and water. Please, no bananas.

Question 2

What time should I arrive?

Accepted Answer

Please arrive at the marina no later than 15 minutes prior to your departure time. If your departure needs to be adjusted, we will notify you.

Question 3

Where do I park?

Accepted Answer

You can park behind or near your boat at St. Andrews Marina. Signs read 'marina tenants only', but it is okay to park there for your trip.

Question 4

Will I get seasick?

Accepted Answer

If you are prone to motion sickness, take your medication the night before and the morning of a morning trip, or the morning of and right before an afternoon trip. Bonine, Dramamine (non drowsy), sea bands, ginger, and green apples all help. Stay in fresh air and look at the horizon.

Question 5

Do I need a fishing license?

Accepted Answer

No. Your charter price includes rods, reels, tackle, certain bait, and the fishing license for every angler on board.

Question 6

Is there a bathroom on the boat?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both boats have a private head (bathroom) inside a clean, air conditioned cabin.

Question 7

How big is the boat?

Accepted Answer

DeepWater is a 35 foot Bertram. ShortFuse is a 41 foot Egg Harbor. Both are USCG 6 pack vessels and carry up to 6 passengers.

Question 8

Can I bring alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol is allowed, but please drink responsibly. On a shared (semi-private) trip, please be considerate of others. Absolutely no illegal drugs.

Question 9

Can I smoke?

Accepted Answer

You may smoke outside the cabin. Please be considerate of non smokers on board. Cigarette and cigar smoke can be unpleasant for others in a small space.

Question 10

How big of a cooler can I bring?

Accepted Answer

Bring whatever size cooler you like for your food and drinks. We use a separate onboard cooler for the fish until you are ready to take your catch home.

Question 11

Are kids welcome?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We are a family friendly charter and our crews love teaching kids how to fish. We provide youth life jackets and keep the day fun and safe.

Question 12

Can I keep the catch?

Accepted Answer

Yes, within state and federal regulations. Every species has its own size and bag limits. Your captain and deckhand know the rules and will guide you on what stays and what gets released.

Question 13

Will you clean my fish?

Accepted Answer

Fish cleaning is offered at the marina by The Fish Monkeys. Pricing is around $1.00 per pound for regular bag, $1.25 for vacuum pack, and $1.50 for scale and gut. Your deckhand will help carry your catch to them.

Question 14

What is the difference between state and federal waters?

Accepted Answer

State waters extend to about 9 miles from shore. Federal waters are everything beyond that, with different species, seasons, and regulations. DeepWater fishes state waters. ShortFuse is licensed for both state and federal waters.

Question 15

What is trolling?

Accepted Answer

Trolling pulls baited lines behind the boat while it is moving. Your deckhand sets up to four lines and calls you up when a fish is on. Common targets include Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, bonita, and sometimes mahi or wahoo.

Question 16

What is bottom fishing?

Accepted Answer

Bottom fishing drops a baited rig to structure on the sea floor. We use circle hooks, so do not jerk to set the hook. Just keep your rod tip up and reel steady. Targets include snapper, grouper, and other reef fish.

Question 17

What about live bait?

Accepted Answer

We include frozen and cut bait. Live bait is optional and strongly recommended for Red Snapper. If you want live bait, please bring an extra $10 or so per person for a six hour trip.

Question 18

Can you take more than 6 passengers?

Accepted Answer

No. Our USCG 6 pack license caps each trip at 6 total passengers, fishing or not. Everyone counts, including kids.

Question 19

What is a split (semi-private) trip?

Accepted Answer

We pair smaller groups together to share a 6 passenger trip and split the cost. It is a great option for solo anglers, couples, and small families. Split trips depend on availability and we cannot guarantee they will fill.

Question 20

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancel 24 or more hours before your departure for a full refund. Inside 24 hours, the deposit is non refundable. If the captain calls the trip for weather, you can reschedule or take a full refund. Rain alone does not cancel a trip.

Question 21

What if it rains?

Accepted Answer

Rain by itself will not cancel your trip. High winds, big seas, or lightning will. If the captain deems it safe and everyone agrees, the trip goes.

Question 22

How do I pay the balance?

Accepted Answer

Credit card, cash, or a combination. We also accept PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and CashApp. If you booked through FishingBooker or FishAnywhere, your deposit went to them and the balance is paid to us.

Question 23

Is the tip included in the price?

Accepted Answer

No. Customary tip for the deckhand is 15 to 20% of the total trip price (not the balance after a third party deposit). Tips for the captain are appreciated but not expected.

Question 24

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

St. Andrews Marina, 3151 W 10th St, Panama City, FL 32401. Not Panama City Beach. Look for DeepWater (blue 35 foot Bertram) or ShortFuse (light blue 41 foot Egg Harbor).

Question 25

Who do I call if I need help?

Accepted Answer

Call or text Sam at (850) 624-1615 for any day of questions, late arrivals, or directions.

FAQ

Before You Go

On The Boat

Fishing

Booking & Cancellation