Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below is a list of questions we get asked the most often, and the answers to those questions. We hope you find this information useful in the planning of your fishing adventure with us. Please feel free to contact us at any time with additional questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you on board with the
Sportsmans Fishing Charters!

1. What's included in the price of a charter?

Your fare includes bait, ice, tackle, rod/reel, bottled water, fish cleaning, fishing instruction, email digital photos of your trip. professional guide and professional mate.

2. Do I need a fishing license to fish on your boat?

No. All passengers are covered under our recreational charter boat license.

3. What do I need to bring for my trip?

1. Sun block, hat, sunglasses and light colored clothes are suggested for the summer months. Warmer clothes in the winter months.

2. Any food and soft drinks you would like for duration of the trip. Bottled water is provided complimentary.

3. Sea sick prevention pills or patch. If you feel you are susceptible to motion sickness, we suggest you take Dramamine or any other brand the night before your trip, then just before you get on board. All local pharmacies carry them, as well as patches for more advanced cases.

4. What should I leave behind?

Please do not bring the following aboard. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Illegal Drugs or Contraband Any glass bottles including beer,-- cans only please this includes iced tea --broken glass on the deck is extremely dangerous GPS or Loran type navigational devices

5. Can I bring alcoholic beverages aboard?

You are welcome to bring canned beer and consume in moderation.

6. Can I bring my own rods/reels and tackle?

You can if you wish however, it is not necessary as we provide the finest tackle available with all the right types of fishing line.

7. Can I bring a cooler on board?

Our on-board coolers are available for your personal use. We ask that you plan on using them to prevent clutter on deck. We do suggest you bring a cooler in your vehicle to carry your fillets home in. We will gladly ice your cooler for you.

8. What time do we leave?

Departure times are flexible based on the type of trip you are booking. Your captain or mate will assist you in deciding your departure time and location while you are planning your trip.

9. How do I book a trip with you?

Once you have decided on a date(s) and type of trip you'd like, you can call us toll free 1-800-(EMILY--# is ordered), locally at (727) 364-3265, or fill out our request information form on our web site, for availability. We are always available to help you with your decision. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, to hold your date/trip.

10. What type of payments do you accept?

We accept cash, money order, personal or company checks. If you wish to pay by credit card, you are welcomed to do so by visiting www.paypal.com. Creating an account is quick and easy. Once you have done so, simply choose the "send money" option. Our verified paypal account name is paycaptain@tarponboat.com. Paypal is the most secure and reputable online credit card payment source there is. Please note that trip must be paid in full prior to departure unless other arrangements have been previously made. If balance is due on the day of your trip, please pay your captain in cash or check when you arrive at the dock. Gratuity is always appreciated and well earned.

11. What is your cancellation policy?

To receive a full refund of your deposit, we ask that you give us no less than 72 hours notice prior to scheduled departure time. Cancellations with less than 72 hours notice will forfeit deposit, in the event you would like to reschedule for an alternative date, we will apply deposit toward a rescheduled trip, in this case 10% of amount of deposit will be withheld for the standard rescheduling fee. Trips cancelled by us anytime prior to departure, due to weather, mechanical, or other unforeseen circumstances will be refunded within 7 days of cancellation.

12. Can we keep what we catch?

Yes you can, however, you must stay within legal size and bag limits on all species of which such limits apply. Here's a link to Florida's Saltwater Fishing Regulations, or take a look at our Florida Fish Identification page.

13. What can I do with my fish if I am visiting from out of town or just don't feel like cooking them?

We have teamed up with several local restaurants that offer our customers a "Hook em and Cook em" special. They will cook your fresh fillets a variety of ways with all the fixing's all at very reasonable prices. or let us know before hand and we will obtain a dry ice packing to send your fresh catch home prepared to your liking.

14. How do I get a fish I caught mounted?

We use one of the finest taxidermists in the area, and would be glad to assist you in having your trophy catch mounted and shipped to your location.