FAQs
These are some of the most common questions we hear from our customers. If you don't see your question/answer on the list below, feel free to contact us directly at (207) 423 7540 or email fishboothbay@gmail.com
Where do we park?
You can park right at Carousel Marina 125 Atlantic Ave. Boothbay Harbor, ME. (We will cover the $25 cost for you!). Our boat is conveniently docked right at the marina.
What does "private charter" mean?
This means that only you and your group will be onboard (no other guests) We can charter up to 6 guests per trip
Why can't we keep our catch?
There are strict regulations around size limits & "bag" limits for a variety of different fish species, specifically, striped bass. The striped bass spawning has been abysmal for the past three years, and there are measures in place to ensure the species has a chance to fully recover. If you catch a "keeper"(Capt. Jeff will update you on the most recent regulations/guidelines as to what qualifies as a keeper a.k.a. "slot fish") you are allowed to keep one fish per day. However, we here at Fish Boothbay encourage "catch and release" to keep the population strong. If by chance you really want to keep your fish if it indeed meets size regulations, we can take it back and filet it for you.
What can we expect the day of?
If you signed up for a fishing trip, please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your trip's departure time. Please use the restroom at Carousel Marina (or where you are staying) immediately before we leave. There is a small toilet on board but only for emergencies. Capt. Jeff will greet you at the top of the ramp near the parking lot and walk you down to the boat. From there, he will give you a safety brief at the dock -- our #1 priority is the safety of our guests and our crew. From there, you will cruise to the bait grounds and fill the live-well with bait (mackerel, pollack, pogies). Once we have enough bait, we'll cruise to "striper country" and hunt for the prized striped bass -- they tend to stick closer to shore along the sandy beaches, rocky coastline, river mouths and inlets. We will do our best to find the fish, moving from spot to spot (a lot will depend on the tide, time of day, wind direction, etc.).
Do I need a fishing license?
Nope! You're covered under ours
What should we bring?
Even if it's 90 degrees in town, it can be cold on the water. Dress in layers. Bring warm clothing (windbreaker/sweatshirt/jacket/pants). Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, food/beverages, and a charged cell phone for pictures! If you have rain gear, bring it just in case. We have a built-in cooler on board with ice, and provide at least one bottle of water per guest. We provide all fishing rods/reels/tackle etc. (if you have a lucky rod/reel, feel free to bring it). Pineapples are welcome
What NOT to bring
Massive coolers, glass bottles, black soled shoes, and bananas!
Will I get seasick?
Maybe. If you've experienced seasickness before (it sure ain't fun), please take dramamine (or something similar if no allergies and physician approved) per the directions. If you're not sure whether or not you'll get seasick, it is best to take dramamine per directions as a preemptive measure (don't try to be "tough" -- it's not a fun feeling being out on the water when everyone else is having a blast, and you're feeling super nauseous). Rule of thumb -- if you've ever been motion sick while traveling by car, train, plane, (boat), or on an amusement park ride, it's best to err on the side of caution and take some sort of medication. We will be fishing in areas where the boat will be rocking back and forth. If by chance you get seasick, you can try to stick it out, or, we can drop you back off at the dock and continue the trip with the rest of your group. Capt. Jeff will do his best to minimize boat rocking and find calmer waters if need be, however, this could limit the number of fishing spots we hit, and ultimately the number of fish that we catch.
How does pricing / tipping work?
The cost for the trip is per boat, not per person. The cost is the same whether you're a solo angler or a group of 6. We will square up at the dock AFTER the trip. The full amount of the trip is due once we are back at the dock. CASH if preferred, but we do accept Venmo and credit cards if cash isn't an option for you.
​
Tips: Typically, our guests tip the same as they would at a restaurant (18-20% is the norm) if you feel Capt. Jeff and crew worked hard and did their best to show you a good time.
Do we need to wear lifejackets?
Children 10 and under are required by law to wear a coast-guard approved PFD (personal floatation device) at all times while underway (not anchored/at the dock), NO EXCEPTIONS.
We carry the proper sized life jackets for all guests on board at all times. If you have children that have a life jacket that they like / are comfortable wearing, please feel free to bring them.
Do we need to bring a fishing pole, lures, tackle box etc?
No -- we carry top of the line rods (TFO Tactical Inshore), reels (Daiwa BG), and all necessary terminal tackle, lures, hooks, etc. If you have a lucky rod/reel that you can't part ways with though, by all means, bring it along!
Is alcohol allowed? Smoking?
Yes, both are allowed. Zero tolerance for littering in the ocean, however. Capt. Jeff also reserves the right to immediately end the charter if he feels a passenger is intoxicated to the point that it poses a safety threat to that person, the group, the crew -- and full payment for the trip will still be required. We want you to have fun on your charter, but again, safety for all is our top priority.
How do we pay?
Cash if preferred. We also accept Venmo and credit cards. Total cost of the trip is due upon arrival at the dock after your charter. No deposit needed. We respectfully ask that you notify us at least 7 days in advance if you need to cancel -- our summer calendar books up fast, and we typically have a waiting list of clients looking to book.
What if the weather is (or gets) bad?
Capt. Jeff will be keeping an eye on the marine forecast leading up to your trip. If it looks like it will be a wash, he will notify you the night before or morning of to cancel / try to reschedule your trip. We will go out in almost all weather, with the exception of thunderstorms and super rough seas. If by chance the weather turns on us during the trip, and we are forced back to the dock, we will negotiate a fair price for the actual time that we were able to fish / be on the water (i.e. for a 4 hour trip that gets cut to 2 hours, the cost would drop from $599 to $299)
How do I book a charter?
Best way to book and/or learn more is to text Capt. Jeff at (207) 423-7540. You can also email us at fishboothbay@gmail.com