Making the most of your Charter Boat Experience Chartering a boat can be the best and most economical way to enjoy Virginia Beach’s incredible fishing opportunities.
Making your reservation Make your reservations as early as possible to ensure the desired date will be open. Usually, reservations can be taken up to a year in advance - and yes people do book a year in advance! Charter boats go out all year long. Call to see what the boats are catching right now! We require a small deposit to hold your date. We provide the bait, tackle, and licenses, and we can hold up to SIX people in your charter party (not including the Captain or the mate) per USCG regulations.
Tipping
The mate is working for you. If he or she has been courteous and helpful during your trip, a 15-to 20-percent tip is customary - just as any service industry. Mates often depend on a tip for their wages. It is good to tip the captain too, especially if the boat is not his, $50-$100 is typical for the captain.
What to bring on Charter
Taking a charter is often a very exciting experience. Many factors, such as weather conditions and the appetite of the fish, are beyond our control. There are many things, however, that you can do to make the most out of any fishing trip. Lightweight rain gear is handy for afternoon showers or when a cool breeze arises. Footwear is also important on a boat. Do not go barefoot! Though it feels great, going barefoot is very dangerous in a situation filled with hooks, gaffs and sharp teeth. The sun is a major factor during a day of fishing. Many people do not realize the dangers of the sun until it is too late. The reflection of sunlight off the water and deck of most boats tends to double the sun¹s intensity compared to a day on land. Sunscreen is very important as well as some type of hat. Sunglasses are essential and polarized lenses help to reduce glare from the water¹s surface, enabling better sight-fishing. If you book an offshore charter and you have concerns about seasickness, there are many preventive medicines available such as Dramamine. Most of these medicines do not work unless taken some time before the charter. If you plan on documenting your trip, don’t forget your camera. Food and drinks are your responsibility, and you can bring anything you like (with the exception of glass because it can be dangerous if you drop it). Lots of water is important to prevent dehydration.
PLEASE ENJOY THIS VIDEO FROM ROCKFISHING IN WINTER 2008!
I would like to thank everyone at the fishing center. Last weekend was our second trip and the last two years with the Frog Pile and Capt. Josh Anderson. My father and I have been on many chartered fishing trips everyone from Alaska to the Gulf and you guys are by far the best. The ladies at the marina were always very polite and always greeted everyone with a smile. So thank you for a great experience and we will see you next year.