Frequently Asked Questions

What's in a name?

or

Why the heck did I name the boat 'Carcharodon'?

Go here for explanation on what the name means

More important questions? Here you go!

What should I wear?

Wear sneakers or non-slip shoes (no black soles/heels will be allowed on board, sorry). Know those 'white boots' you see charter Captains/Mates wearing? You really need them for 'Canyon trips; we can send you to a local store to purchase them. Trust me on this: cold, wet feet will ruin your trip, especially those overnighters.

Bring a jacket, hat, and use layered clothing in cooler weather; insulated undies in the fall are a good idea...we wear 'em! During the summer months bring a pair or two of shorts & t-shirts (you just possibly could get 'fishy'); suntan lotion/block for the face is a good idea. Always bring lightweight raingear and sunglasses. you  can always leave the  raingear in your car. I'll let you know.

What kind of food should I bring?

Sandwiches, fried chicken , "roll-ups" or "wraps" are best. Canned or plastic soda/soft drinks will be stored in the cockpit in coolers; NO GLASS containers will be allowed.

The 'fridge will be available for your sandwiches if they are wrapped well.

While the microwave is yours to use, the Captain or Mate may rule against it's use on rough days/nights...it just gets too messy.  So when confirming your trip, ask the Captain before you spend a  lot of time ordering your gourmet meal!!

What about coolers?

One cooler per three fisherman is all we allow; we must keep the cockpit clear and fishable.

In general, on most but especially 'Canyon trips,  the mates will off-load your drinks into our coolers, which fit in perfect spots around the cockpit; sandwiches/dry goods will be stored in the 'fridge & galley.

But if you're heading out to the 'Canyons with us, please bring extra coolers  & leave them in your vehicle. This way  you will be able to transport a good catch of Tuna or Mahi back home!

Can I bring my own rod/reel and/or lures?

Absolutely.  You must get them approved by the Captain or Mate, and take all responsibility for their use, breakage or loss. Worse yet, especially if they cause you to lose the fish!  You may obtain this approval on the phone or via e-mail ahead of time. Please identify the type of rod, reel & line used.

What happens if the weather is bad?

First & foremost, you must confirm your trip 48 hours in advance of departure day; it just makes good sense. Because I may be out fishing, leave a message if you get my voice-mail. I'll check it when I get in & call between trips.

Second, it makes good sense to call me before you get in your car, no matter how early it is in the morning, to confirm that the weather has not radically changed. I NEVER cancel at the dock & do not wish to do so...but I may not have all your contact data with me at all times. So...be proactive so you do not waste fuel, vacation days or worse yet your 'day off' from your spouse!

In the event a trip must be canceled due to sea conditions, every effort will be made to reschedule. If we are unable to do so, your deposit will be refunded in full. We will generally NOT sail if the seas are larger than 3-5'. We watch the weather through 3 different sources (not to mention speaking to Captains on the SSB) and will not sail if the weather will be worsening "just to get the trip in".  If the ride out might be a bit 'sporty' but we expect improving conditions (wind, waves, etc) then we would go. We want you to enjoy it as much as we do. We very, very seldom cancel 'at the dock', unless you want to wait 'till the last minute because you are on vacation in the immediate area.

• In case you're wondering how I make decisions on when to cancel 'Canyon trips...click on this link http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/zone/wrdoffmz.htm#atlantic & save it as a 'Favorite' on your pc. You would need to click on the orange area (Great South Channel to Hudson Canyon) & the green area (Hudson to Baltimore Canyons) & take an educated guess as to what's happening between the two reports

Special  Canyon Trip Note:

• We will NOT book 'back-to-back' (i.e.: arrive home & leave on same day) Canyon trips, as they allow no leeway for i.e.: delayed departure instead of cancellation. This way we'll be fresher & it will allow for less of a 'domino effect' of weather/sea cancellation(s).

What can we do about seasickness?

If you are prone to motion sickness, ask your physician to prescribe medication (the 'Patch' (scopolamine) or purchase some BONINE.  It is available over-the-counter at most drug stores, and we've found it to be the best preventative. The trick is to take the BONINE the night before . . . you'll sleep well and the BONINE will be in your system ready to go; then take another when you hit the dock. That way you can always supplement during our trip instead of starting from scratch when you're already sick! And NO coffee, coke or caffeinated beverages, just take it bland and easy! You'll have plenty of energy if we get into the fish, don't worry!

What happens to the 'catch'?

The catch belongs to you. But click here for regulations.

Our mates will clean & bag your cleaned catch.   Please remember they perform this service as part of their tip; you'll see how much work it is!

We'll provide as much ice as  we have left over from the trip; otherwise it's advisable to purchase rock-hard ice from the marina, so your catch will arrive home in peak freshness!

The rules are that NO WHOLE FISH leave the dock. Only quartered fish will be allowed into your cooler.

Please bring extra coolers to transport your catch & leave them in your car. You may make a call from my Satellite Phone to your friends, relatives, etc. in order to have them meet the boat to accept your extra catch!

Should you wish to sell any fish, please speak with the Captain; the boat gets 50% of the sale price.

How much do we tip the Mates?

Please see the new pricing for 2007. With the cost of fuel added to a 'base price' instead of a 'fuel surcharge', it has lowered our pricing drastically.

30% of the 'base' is a fair gratuity...however, you should consider an extra 5-10% if there is a large fish cleaning job and/or the mates worked extra hard to insure your catch even made it on the boat!

Can I bring a seventh person?

NO. The Carcharodon is rated for Six Passengers Only, as are most of the private charter boats in the U.S. Since the life raft is rated for 8 people, the math is easy to do!

Where can I stay overnight before/after my trip?

Go to "Links" page & checkout some local spots