Freqently Asked Questions
What is your weather policy?
As a general rule i don't fish in moderate or heavy rain, lightning, winds out of the north and south greater then 15mph and east and west greater then 20mph. If weather squalls are moving in before trip i usually push start time back , pause, or reschedule if possible, if weather moves in while we are fishing we pause and resume or prorate the trip fairly for any lost time.
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How far out do you go?
That depends on the clients wishes and where i've been catching fish the days before, We fish in the bay, inlets, off the beach and out to the 2 mile reefs daily and go out to the 7-9 mile reefs when conditions are calm and the client wants to go out that far. We can go as far out as the state line but not federal waters which is 9 miles. Some days the gulf is to choppy and we fish the bay on those days.
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Where do you pick up?
Main pick up is lido key , i also pick up in downtown Sarasota and can arrasnge pick up on north Siesta Key. See maps below.
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Do you have rods and bait?
Yes i am always fully stocked with Rods and tackle and i catch live bait on my own before the trip meven begins.
Is there a bathroom on board?
No but it is never an issue because there are several public restrooms on the water always close to the fishing grounds. None of the inshore charter boats in town have a bathroom.
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Can we keep the fish?
Yes, any legal fish that you want to keep i will filet, ice and bag for you.
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Does the price include everything?
Yes. However 20% gratuity is customary for excellent service, just bring a couple drinks and a snack if desired.
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What do we need to bring?
Less is better to save space on the boat. There is room for a small bag the size of a backpack and leave your cooler in the car and transfer any drinks to my cooler. Just bring a couple drinks, snack, sunscreen lotion not spray, hat and sunglasses recommended.
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What is your cancellation policy?
5 days notice required for refund of deposit. If you need to cancel let the captain know asap.No shows or day of cancellations are charged at 100%of trip cost.
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How many people can you fit?
Coast Guard law is 6 guests max on any private charter no matter the size of boat. I recommend up to 5 adults or 6 if a couple smaller kids in the group.
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What boat will we be on?
2023 22 foot Bulls bay center console , (scroll down to see boat) rated for up to 8 people, T top canvas shade, 2023 200 hp outboard, GPS controlled trolling motor with spot lock, side scan and down scan sonar, GPS, All safety gear including life jackets, Emergency positioning satellite beacon and more.
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Do i need a fishing license?
No my Charter license covers you.
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What type of payment do you take?
Cash, credit card, debit, venmo, zelle
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How do i book , ask about availability or ask any other questions?
The best and quickest way to get ahold of me is by text 941-266-6214. Otherwise call. 941-266-6214
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The Boat
Fishing Charter Pick up locations
Preferred pick up location
Lido Key
Downtown Sarasota
Alternate pick up locations :
Siesta Key
Terms and Conditions
​Sarasota Family Fishing Charters will do everything reasonable for you to have a great time on your fishing trip, but we do have some rules. Some are general rules for safety and other rules are for the protection of our boat and equipment.
Our fishing trips all operate under our complete Terms and Conditions listed below. Scheduling a fishing trip with us is your agreement to these terms and conditions. Please do not book a trip unless you are 100 percent committed to showing up. I am up the night before getting rigged and getting the boat ready and then i am up well before the charter and out catching bait at least an hour before the charter. There is nothing more upsetting and disrespectful then for someone to book a charter and then not show up. Life happens, if for some reason you can not make the charter please call asap.
1. The fishing party is limited to 5 adult guests or 6 guests if a couple small children are involved..
2. Usage or possession of narcotics, marijuana, or the possession of any other illegal substances of any nature will result in the termination of the trip and entire trip will be billed.. Alcohol in moderation at the captains discretion is acceptable.
3. When you reserve a trip date, it is your fishing date/time as long as the boat Captain determines that the weather is appropriate for fishing. Lightening, hail, high winds and moderate to heavy rain are a few examples of severe weather that may result in the boat Captain terminating or halting the fishing trip. As a rule we do not fish through moderate to heavy rain or high winds,
4. There will be no charge for a trip terminated by the Captain due to the bad weather. If we start a trip and bad weather moves in we can pro rate the trip at $150 for the first hour then $125 each additional hour or we can pause and then resume our trip when the weather passes.
5. The boat Captain shall not be held liable for any injury or fatality that is caused by either direct or indirect action of any member of the fishing party.
6. Glass bottles or other glass items are not allowed on board the boat without prior approval by the boat Captain.
7. You are expected to be on time for your trip.
8. Children age 6 and under must wear a personal flotation device. Please assist in making sure that children comply. We will provide you with USCG approved life jackets.
9. A $150 dollar deposit may be required to book a charter. This covers the captain if you do not show up for the charter. The deposit will be refunded completely if client cancels reservation at least 7 days in advance.
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It is our desire to provide a pleasant fishing experience. We will do anything within reason to make sure that you and your party has fun on your fishing trip. If you have questions, please feel free to ask. We abide by all State and Federal Fishing regulations.