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The Experience |
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» Catch and Release
If you don't eat it . . . . put it back where it belongs!
How to release a fish:
- First get the fish boat side. If you use a net, leave the fish in the net and preferably in the water.
- If the shank,
the space between the eye and the bend, of the hook is showing
at the mouth of the fish, use a grasping type hook removal tool
or long-nosed pliers to grasp the shank.
- Use the weight of the fish as leverage and quickly push the hook away from the direction of penetration.
- With small fish and no net, handle the fish as little as possible, and remove the hook by hand.
- Hard-tailed fish, like mackerel and tuna family, can be handled best by the tail.
- Allow the fish to rest and recuperate in the water either by holding the tail or leaving it in the net for a couple of minutes.
- For fish that come up from deep water with their air bladder in their throat, take along a hypodermic type needle to insert in the
bladder to relieve the pressure before releasing.
- Only bring a fish completely in the boat if you plan to keep it.
Tips:
- Use circle hooks whenever possible - they help prevent swallowed bait and gut hooks.
- If a fish is gut hooked, just cut the leader or line as close to the hook as possible and then release the fish.
Acids in the body of the fish will dissolve the hook literally within days.
- Never gaff a fish you plan to release. Open wounds from a gaff invite infection and draw predators!
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Fishing FAQ's
» I don't have a Florida Fishing License, do I need to get one?
Not
on a charter boat. You're captain has already
taken care of your fishing license as part of the charter
fee.
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» What do I need to bring with me?
"One Of A Kind" supplies the rod and real, on-board cold storage for the fish, fish cleaning (with tip), fishing license
and the opportunity of a lifetime on the open sea.
Beverages will not be provided so it is recommended to bring a cooler with drinks (no glass bottles) and sandwiches.
A cooler is also a great place to keep your catch once it has been cleaned and placed in a plastic bag.
We suggest you bring sunblock, sunglasses,
hat, camera for not only the catch,
but for catching the sights, and warm clothing
for cool weather . No matter what time of your
or temperature if the sun is out you will get sunburned!
We also suggest bring hand wipes and/or a
towel.
TIP: Make sure to wash any sunblock or lotions off your hands . . . saltwater fish have no need or desire for the taste or hint of lotions.
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» I have never been charter fishing, what do I need to know?
How
to get on the boat . . . Our crew members are there to
assist you and make your charter trip as fun as possible.
If you have a question, a problem or just a curious mind,
please don't hesitate to ask the captain or crew . . . put
their fishing experience to work for you.
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» I've heard about people getting seasick, will I?
As much as we would like to say no . . . everyone is different. If you get motion sickness, feel you may or this is your first
trip be sure to be prepared. Dramamine, Bonine, even a patch can be found at your favorite pharmacy. A Ginger Ale in your cool and soda crackers
could be a non medical option or a backup. Please remember, be prepared. We want you to fully enjoy your trip.
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» How far out and how long is a charter trip?
Trip
lengths vary from 4 to 12 hours, please visit our Rates
& Services page for more information.
In the summer, our most popular trip is 6 hours, about 18 miles from the dock and travel time is an hour to an hour and a half.
TIP: If you have booked a shorter trip and just don't want to leave, check with your fellow passengers, and if you all agree, ask your captain if you can extend your trip. Depending
on later booked charters you may get another hour or two on your favorite spots . . . and a few more fish to take home. There would be a charge for this added to your payment. For more
information please ask about extending trips when booking.
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»What do we catch?
There
are over 30 kinds of edible reef fish in the Gulf. Depending
on the season there is red snapper, vermillion snapper (mingo),
trigger, grouper, king mackerel, flounder, porgies and just
about anything that swims and has to eat. Our crew and captain
pride ourselves on being able to fish for anything and everything.
If there's something that you want to catch just let our captain
know in advance. Some seasons of the year are better then
others for certain species and we can't guarantee that you'll
get what you want.
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» What if it rains while we're fishing?
Fish tend to be wet already so a little rain won't stop the fishing. That is if you can stand the rain. It can also be a
wonderful thing in the heat of the day. Double check the forecast, if there's a chance - no matter how small - you may want to add rain gear to your list
of things to bring. Also remember, just because it's raining at your hotel, condo or at the beach that doesn't mean it's raining in the Gulf where you're fishing and vise versa.
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» I fish and already have my own stuff, can I bring my own fishing gear?
Most
captains would say ..."if that's what you want to do"
but all equipment brought on board must be approved by the
captain and crew and must be clearly marked
as your own. Some lines, hooks and rots will not
be accepted. Our captain has years of experience fishing in
the deep waters of the Gulf and knows what catches the most
fish and what won't. Our advice is to listen to the captain.
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» Can I bring my baby or small children?
We've seen many a men cry like a baby when they miss that "biggest insert fish name"
ever, but when it comes to young children our greatest advice is no. While we encourage family trips some members of your family might not be suited for the rough waters or the long
hours of fishing. If you have young children that enjoy fishing, please consult with the captain when booking and remember, the plan is to have fun!
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» Do I need reservations?
The answer is yes. Please consult our Booking page
for all the information you'll need when arranging your trip and the Rates and Services page for payment information.
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» What's the difference between a party boat and a charter boat?
The answer to this is a quote from The Complete Book of Saltwater Fishing written by Milt Rosko.
"Many saltwater fishermen develop their skills
over a period of time. A fine way to develop those skills,
especially if boating is your forte, is to begin aboard
a charter or guide boat. There you and your party of from
one to six anglers has the complete use of the boat and
services of the captain or guide for the duration of the
charter. This is especially suited to newcomers, for the
captain and crew take care of your every need. Aboard the
party packets anglers board on a first come, first served
basis, where no reservation is usually required. There's
a great deal of camaraderie aboard these boats, where perhaps
12 to 100 or more anglers enjoy a day of fishing. it's a
learning experience where you may rent an appropriate outfit
for the fish being sought. You'll receive assistance from
mates and deckhands, but you do the actual fishing from
rigging up, baiting your hook and bringing the fish to boat
side."
We hope that helps.
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» How many passengers can this ship hold?
The One of A Kind charter boat can hold up to 26 guests. All group sizes are welcome from small groups of 6 or
less up to the 26 limit. For information about group rates, please visit our Rates and Services page.
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»
Is there a tip for the crew and what's appropriate?
Our captain and crew work hard to make sure that you have bait, bring aboard your catch quickly and put on ice as well as
making sure that you're baited and back in the water as quickly as possible. Our charter also includes the cleaning and bagging of your catch in the tip. A standard is 15-20% of the total
charter cost. If you decided to give a little more, you'll be sure to have a hardy crew waiting for your next visit.
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» What is "Offshore Fishing"?
Offshore
fishing in a sense begins at the edge of the 30-fathom line
across our coats were many pelagic species congregate. That
distance varies in areas and Destin is known for the fact
it so close to the shelf to this deep water. Many Gulf anglers
not fishing in the Destin area travel greater distances to
leave the green-colored inshore waters and find the distinct
demarcation where the water takes on the cobalt blue colorations.
Accompanying the change of color is the warm temperatures
so favored by pelagic species.
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» What is "Inshore Fishing"?
Inshore
waters are popular because, as their name implies, they are
close to shore. There is limited travel time to reach the
fishing grounds and the trip home is rather short should any
stormy weather appear. Of course our captain will take you
where you want to go and/or to where he feels you have the
best opportunity to catch fish.
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» I'm not sure if charter fishing is for me, what should I do?
Our
best suggestion, go to the Destin Harbor Area and take a walk
amongst the ships as captains and crews bring in their guests
and the day's catch. Ask questions and enjoy the excitement,
that should tell you if you should give it a try. Just be
careful, or you might get hooked!
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