What Does “Fishing Gear Included” Mean and What Should I Do When I’m on a Fishing Charter?
Introduction
Anyone going on a fishing trip, whether it be for a day, 10 days, or 15 days, it doesn’t matter. The secret to the success and enjoyment of that trip is to get along with those people responsible for making it happen. There are many strong personality types in this world, and often, on a fishing trip, the good, bad, and ugly of these are put together even when they’re all best friends. The secret is just to be kind and understanding. I have absolutely no doubt at all that a guide, skipper, or anyone in this life will go the extra mile if you value them. Most of the HORROR stories I’ve heard over the years could have been easily avoided by simple conversations. Talk to those responsible for your experience. Don’t talk at them. Nobody loves that.
Most Locations Provide Fishing Gear
Having good quality fishing gear is absolutely important. Is having the absolute best needed to catch more fish? We all know that the answer to this is NO. Simple no! We buy what we can afford. When you’re on a fishing charter, you have to balance several things to get it right. The best of the best does photograph well for social media, and there is certainly no way you couldn’t say that it’s not fantastic. It always feels a bit lighter, a bit stronger, and a bit more fun to cast.
Fishing locations need to get products that will do the job, and that job is to catch your fish. A rusted drag will not make anyone happy; five-year-old fishing braid will not make anyone happy.
Recommendations for Handling Provided Gear
We can’t tell the locations what to buy, and honestly, if anyone knows what’s needed in a particular area, it’s going to be them. What I recommend you do when you are at a location that provides fishing gear is to speak with them about what their rules on the ground are, and by that, I mean, do they enforce any of the following:
1. Broken Fishing Rods
- If I break a fishing rod, do I have to pay for it?
- If I have to pay for it, do I pay the retail price or the replacement price, considering that most locations have deals with different businesses?
2. Fishing Line
- Some locations will charge you for fishing line.
- You need to speak to them and ensure you understand if this is a thing.
- If I’m getting charged for fishing line, I’m definitely checking to ensure the braid is in good condition and of the right strength for the fishing we’re doing.
3. Lost Gear
- A number of locations will make you pay for lost lures, jigs, hooks, sinkers, etc.
- There are a couple of locations that will charge you for leader material.
- It’s not a big deal if you know what the rules are.
Potential Costs
These things aren’t important only because they can potentially leave a bad taste in your mouth. No one wants to feel as if they’re being taken advantage of, and I can safely say that 99.9% of operators in Australia don’t do that. Sometimes it feels like a higher percentage, but most are fair and reasonable. For example, if your guide keeps telling you to tighten your drag when fishing for GTS, but you like the sound of the fish tearing line off your reel, and it spills you and takes with it $100 worth of fishing line, then I feel that $100 is going on your bar tab. If you cast and the line snaps, that’s not your problem. When I’m guided, I have a process that I follow, which is called ^*#&@& TAX . If you do something completely ridiculous and completely stupid, then you’re paying for whatever you broke. The number of people that miss the fish of a lifetime and, in that moment of frustration, slam their fishing rod against the gunwale, guess what you’re paying for? If your guide has to tell you to stop high sticking constantly, there’s a good chance if the rod breaks, you’re paying for it.
Final Thoughts
Fishing lures are another matter. If I’m paying for any lost lures or jigs, I’m making sure they are in perfect condition. They don’t needs just for marketing. I want clean, sharp trebles and to be new—that’ good quality everything.
The thing is that if you go to a restaurant and want extra gravy, or you want extra chips, or you want the 2008 champagne and not the 2018, you have to pay for it. Fishing charter business is a business, and as much as they want you to feel like you are fishing with friends and family, they still need to pay the bills. The best way to stop any upset is to make sure you are aware of their rules.
By following these guidelines and understanding what to expect, you can ensure a memorable and hassle-free fishing adventure.