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When booking a walleye charter there are
a few things you need to know before booking.
1. Reputation of the Captain and the
service are the most important aspect. Referrals from other satisfied customers
should be acquired.
2. Check with your local charter Boat
Captain Association and make sure the captain is a member and has a valid
licence. Make sure the Captain knows CPR, has life jackets, Ship to Shore
radio, cell phone etc.
3. Dependent on your area there are
typically two types of charters, the headboat variety where 20 or more people
fill a larger slower boat which is cheaper or the six pack type of boat which
is smaller but only holds six passengers plus crew and generally is more
expensive. The 6 pack generally will catch more fish, especially since they
have more flexibility to saty on the water longer and they will be equipped to
troll and fish in more ways than a headboat. Headboats are popular on Lake Erie
towards the Port Clinton, Ohio area on the portage river.
4. A walleye charter should be booked 6
months to a year in advance and you should expect to go during prime walleye
season, which typically runs from April through July. Most walleye tend to be
caught in the spring during the spawn and this is also your best chance for a
larger walleye 5-12LBS (Especially on Lake Erie).
5. What to bring: on a headboat, you
generally have to bring your own gear and food, on a 6 pack boat the equipment
is usually provided as well as beverages and sometimes a boxed lunch- Be sure
to check before booking.
6. Be sure to have the right equipment,
you should always visit the local tackle store to find out what they are biting
on. Most 6 pack boats will set you up 100%, but you need to know your stuff
when going on a headboat.
7. When booking a headboat, generally you
will be drift fishing, if you are drift fishing it is critical to get a spot at
the front or the back of the boat as you will have more time in the strike
zone. The front and back of the headboat will catch more fish 90% of the time
while drift fishing. You have to get there extra early to grab a spot, they are
usually first come first serve.
8. Other tips to know. Make sure you
dress for all temperatures, bring sun block, polarized sunglasses and listen to
your captain. Also don't forget to tip the Captain and the first mate. It is
customary to tip 15% and maybe more if you had an exceptional experience.
Captains will work harder for those that are repeat customers and good
tippers.
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