Common questions...
What should I wear & bring?
It's usually about 10-15 degrees cooler out on the boat. Even if it's super hot in town, please be sure to bring a bag with warm clothing (jacket/sweatshirt/pants, etc.). Maine weather can change from beautiful to angry in seconds, so be sure to also pack waterproof rain gear, waterproof shoes/sandals, just in case. We have dry storage compartments onboard for you!
Other items to bring include:
Fishing Charters: Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, food, snacks, beverages, phone/camera, required medications
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**We have all of the gear, but if you want to bring your lucky rod n' reel etc., feel free to do so!
Sightseeing: Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, snacks, weather appropriate clothing, required medications
Please let us know in advance about important medical information in the event of an emergency.
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You don 't need to bring any gear but if you do have a lucky rod and reel and can't part ways with it, feel free to bring it along.
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No bananas allowed!
Will I get sea sick?
It's tough to know unless you've been on the ocean before. If you know you'll get sea sick -- and you don't have any allergies or medical risks -- please be sure to take Dramamine or Meclizine the night before (or as the directions state). If you're not sure, please contact your physician well in advance of your scheduled trip. Capt. Jeff will do everything in his control to minimize boat rocking (we can tuck ourselves into river inlets, behind islands, etc.) but there's still a chance of getting sea sick
How does pricing & tipping work?
All prices are per boat, NOT per person. Only your group will be on the boat (these are private charters). Clients typically tip similarly to what'd they tip at a restaurant (15-20% is the norm) if you feel the crew did their best and worked hard to ensure a fun time on the trip. Trips are paid in full upon arrival at the dock at the END of the trip (we do not charge a deposit, which makes Fish Boothbay extremely unique). We accept cash (preferred) or credit cards.
Why can't we keep our catch?
We believe that the thrill of fishing comes from the act of pursuing & catching the fish, not keeping it. Additionally, conservation is a high priority for us here at Fish Boothbay. The striped bass population is under tremendous pressure from overfishing, climate change, and improper handling. We want to be a part of the movement to preserve this beautiful species so that future generations are able to experience the thrill of catching as well!
Do we need a fishing license?
No, your license is covered under ours!
What if we need to cancel?
We understand that things come up last minute. Ideally, you call, text, and/or email Capt. Jeff at least 3 days ahead of your planned departure time in the event you can no longer make the trip.
What can we expect the day of?
Capt. Jeff will call you the morning/afternoon of to review the plan for the trip.
We'll go over what to bring, where we will meet, what time we will meet, etc.
We will collect names & contact information of who we should contact in the event of an emergency, as well as any relevant medical issues that we should be aware of.
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PARKING
Parking can be tricky during the busy summer months. There is a public lot at 12 Granary Way, Boothbay Harbor ME 04538, however, that tends to fill up fast. Give that a try first.
There is also a lot at 42 Commercial St. in the heart of Boothbay Harbor, but again, this fills up fast.
11 Howard St. also offers parking.
We highly recommend arriving at least 15 mins prior to our planned departure in case it's tough to find a spot that day.
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*If you're staying locally at an inn, hotel etc., and you already have a parking spot, we can meet you at the public dock in Boothbay Harbor OR at Carousel Marina (where our boat is docked).
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Where will we meet / board the boat?
The Invictus, our vessel, is conveniently docked at Carousel Marina located at 125 Atlantic Ave., Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.
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Capt. Jeff will meet you at the top of the ramp to greet you, and we'll get everyone (and everything) boarded and ready to go for our trip (starting with a safety brief and plan for the day).
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Alternatively, if you're parked on the other side of the harbor and prefer not to walk (or are unable to) across the footbridge, Capt. Jeff can pick you up at the public dock to make it easier for you. The public dock is on Commercial St. and is between Fisherman's Wharf Inn and Pier 8.
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**If by chance you want food/beverages etc. for the charter but forgot them, Carousel Marina offers a variety of grab n' go options --snacks, beverages, beer/wine, apparel in case you need anything last minute before we depart!
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You can also stop in at Whale's Tale restaurant -- located at the marina -- before or after the trip! (try their Lobster Mac n Cheese ;)
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Is there a bathroom on board?
There is a "head" (marine toilet) in the center console of our vessel, however, the quarters are fairly tight. We recommend using the bathroom at the marina before we depart. (but, we do have an option if you really need to go)
Is alcohol allowed?
Alcoholic beverages are allowed on board in moderation, and can be purchased right at the marina. All persons consuming alcohol must be at least 21 years of age. There is a ZERO tolerance policy for drugs of any kind on board. The captain has the right to return to the dock at any point in time if he feels someone's behavior is putting themself or other passengers in danger. Cancellations due to drugs or alcohol will not result in any form of refund - period.
How do I book a trip?
The easiest way to book is to call or text Capt. Jeff at (207) 423-7540.
You can also email us at fishboothbay@gmail.com, and we will respond within 24 hours.
Fishing Trips: Striped bass trips are limited to 4 persons per trip. Kids fishing trips (mackerel, pollack) are limited to 5 persons per trip. (must be 21 years or older to consume alcoholic beverages)
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Sightseeing: 6 persons max (must be 21 years or older to consume alcoholic beverages)