Charter Fishing Captain
A charter fishing captain has the responsibility of both caring for the clients that charter his or her boat and services as well as upkeep and maintaining the boat. Not only does the charter fishing captain have to keep the boat well maintained and the clients safe and comfortable but he or she also has to be able to provide fishing opportunities and do their best to provide the clients with fish and excellent fishing experiences.
A charter fishing captain must have a good knowledge of the waters that he or she provides charter services on. Understanding the habits of the various species of fish as well as local, state and national fishing regulations and license requirements is also an important part of the fishing captains job. Being able to advise clients and guests on the correct type of tackle and fishing techniques for the various sports fish helps to ensure the clients will have a wonderful experience and will come back again to charter the boat.
The charter boat captain should also be an excellent communicator and should be comfortable interacting and working with people. He or she should have a good understanding of business management as well as promotions, advertisements and networking to continually expand the business. In areas where year round fishing is possible a charter fishing captain is busy all year, whereas in some areas the captain uses the winter months repairing the boat and preparing for the next season.
Common work activities include:
- Maintaining and repairing the fishing boat and the equipment needed for hosting fishing charters. This may include tackle, cabins, or even net fishing equipment.
- Ensuring that the charter boat meets all safety regulations and ensuring that all emergency equipment is in good working order.
- Training and overseeing staff on both procedures and protocols for working with clients on the boat.
- Completing business plans, managing budgets and determining best cost practices for the fishing boat.
- Marketing, networking and advertising to continually expand the customer base of the charter business.
- Working with other businesses in the community to advertise services and provide charter services for specific hotels or businesses within the community.
- Taking charter passengers and clients to the appropriate areas on the water to fish for the specific type of fish they want. Being able to predict, with a reasonable return, where the fish will be biting at any time during the day.
- Knowing and being able to teach others the various fishing methods used in the area that is being fished.