FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a Fishing License?

    No, the boat has a license that covers everyone on board.

  • How do you handle riders?

    You may ride along for half of your walk-on trip price. Walk-on trips are varied in price and length. We have grandparents who go to watch grandchildren, wives wanting to accompany husbands, etc.

  • How do you handle children?

    We are fully equipped and ready for children. All Children under ten should wear a life vest at all times. If you have a small vest, we recommend you bring it along. The deckhand will tie off the rod to the railing if requested to prevent it from going overboard.

  • How to Book?

    Reservations are required. You may book online and someone will call you back. You may also call 888-558-3889 and reserve with a credit card number. Or, if you have booked in advance, you may mail a check for half of the trip price.

  • Customized Trips?

    We absolutely do it all. Walk-ons/Shared Expense trips are for anglers that want to "share expenses" with others. Private trips are the premium experience with your group only. You let us know what you want to do and we customize to your needs and budget.

  • Safety?

    All for-hire vessels that carry more than six passengers MUST have every inch of the boat inspected and certified by the Coast Guard; top and bottom. This is similar to a doctor being "board certified."

  • What do I need to bring?

    Your desire to catch fish! We supply everything you need to fish including bait. According to your tastes, you should bring what you want to eat and drink during the trip, including plenty of fresh water, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat if you like. Many anglers bring cameras or phone cameras. Anyone caught using any G.P.S. may cause the trip to be cancelled.

  • What should I wear?

    Comfortable clothing for the weather taking into account our weather can change 30 degrees in a few hours. A light colored soft soled shoe is preferred like deck shoes or Crocs.

  • What about Sea Sickness?

    Some of our customers prefer a new medicine called Bonine and claim it is extremely effective. This is found in most drug and supermarket stores. Put a little something on your stomach before your trip but nothing heavy and greasy; should be fine!

  • Tipping

    Yes, the deckhand(s) work for tips and fish cleaning. Tipping is customary and is usually 15-20% of your trip price. This is NOT included in the price of your trip. Our deckhands are great with children, professional, experienced and are there to help you catch fish!

  • Fish Cleaning

    This is .30 per whole weight pound of fish. For example if you catch 10 pounds of fish, it is $3.00 and the deckhands will fillet your fish and put them in a Ziploc for you to take home. YOU CAN’T GET ANY FRESHER AND IT’S DELICIOUS! You do not have to take your fish. Someone else will be glad to pay for the cleaning to get the fish.

Other Common Questions

What kind of trips do you have?
  • Private – This is the most expensive where you book the entire boat for your group. These are 4 to 48 hour trips. It can be from 1-70 people on the Emerald Spirit, a 65’ Bonner.
  • Semi-Private or Shared Expense – This is where several people get on a boat that can hold more than six people, usually somewhere between 7 people and 14 people to help share the expenses. These are anywhere from 6 to 12 hour trips.
  • Head Boat, Party Boat, or Walk-on – This is the most affordable trip where you get on the boat usually with more than 14 people. These are usually 4 or 6 hour trips.
How much does it cost?
The trip depends on the length of trip and how many people are in your group and can range from $85 for the 4 hour walk-on party boat trip to the $10,000 36 hour tuna trip and everything in between. Call to discuss or check our “Prices” tab for more pricing information.

How many people go on a boat?
As stated above, you determine what type of trip meets your needs and we customize the trip you want with as little or many as you want.

What kind of fish will we catch?
We target different fish at different times of the year as some have seasons. There are about 12-14 species in our area including Red Snapper, Vermillion Snapper, Trigger Fish, Grouper, Wahoo, Dauphin (Mahi Mahi), Amberjack, Tuna, Swordfish, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Cobia, and Pompano.

How many fish will we catch?
We can’t “guarantee” fish since it’s fishing, not catching but I can’t remember ever coming to the dock without any fish. It’s our job to make sure you catch fish, have a great time and want to come back and/or tell your friends what a great time and how many fish you caught. We have lots of people that have been coming every year for the past 25-30 years so we have a pretty good track record.



Additional information about your trip


No Personal Electronics Allowed. This includes hand-held G.P.S., Loran, or Cell phones with G.P.S. Possession of any such devices by any person on the boat will result in termination of the trip with No Refund.

The Emerald Spirit adheres to U.S.C.G. Zero-Tolerance on drugs. Any violation will result in termination of trip with no refund. Alcohol may be used in moderation. Any person having too much may cause the trip to be terminated.

Lost Tackle (rods and reels). Must be paid for at a cost of $200.00 each if destroyed, damaged, or lost.

We supply you with everything you need. Licenses, bait, tackle, fish - all you need to bring is suntan lotion and a small cooler with what you want to eat and drink.

Deposits and Cancellations


A Deposit is required to confirm your trip. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover to cover your Deposit. Balance of trip is due before the boat leaves the dock. Deposit constitutes acceptance of agreement and a hold up to the full amount will be placed up to 21 days prior to your trip. Holds may be placed up to 7 days at a time and may recur until your trip takes place. If booking 21 days prior to your trip, we require a 50% hold. If booking 7 days prior to your trip, we require a 100% hold. Checks must be "For Deposit Check Only" to be accepted. All other checks will be declined. All credit card transactions will include a 5% convenience fee added to the price of the trip.

Cancellation Policy. We accept cancellations up to 21 days for private trips and 21 days for walk-on trips in advance with full refund. Cancellations less than 21 days for private trips and 7 days for walk-on trips before the trip may be re-booked to avoid forfeit of deposit. "No shows" will forfeit their deposit.

Weather Conditions. No one can accurately predict the weather or sea conditions for the day of your trip. Cancellations due to conditions will be made only on the day of the trip and is the decision of the captain. If cancellations are made and the trip cannot be rescheduled, a full refund will be made.

Let's go fishing!

Book your next fishing trip online now!