Earlier this summer, some friends of mine were invited to go on a fishing trip in the gulf on my buddy's twenty-three foot sport fishing boat. The trip turned out to be a great adventure. As a result of that trip, I think it is important that I remind all of my readers that when you accept a trip on someone's boat you also accept some responsibilities.
After being invited to fish onboard a boat and of course after accepting, you should immediately ask - What shall I bring? Where are we to meet? What time shall I be there? These are the same questions we have been taught to ask since our childhood.
If you bring along food and drink for yourself bring extra for the others who will be on the boat. This is a shared experience so there will be a lot of sharing.
There is always one sensitive subject but I will bring it up anyway so you will know exactly what to do. It is the subject of money - CASH. You are responsible for helping with expenses for fuel, bait, ice, etc. Most boat owners have enough tackle, however they do expect that you will handle their equipment with care. They will be glad to show you the proper use of the rods and reels. On the other hand, there is nothing more irritating than watching a two hundred dollar rod get stepped on or watching one fall overboard because of carelessness.
Unless you are an experienced fisherman, the captain will give the instructions, you are the guest and the student. Above all, don't cancel the trip at he last moment. Once onboard don't whine; the captain cannot control the sun, wind, rain, cold or any of nature's elements. If you are subject to seasickness, take a motion sickness tablet at least an hour before departure. Once you leave the dock you will be gone for several hours.
Upon your return from a great day of fishing, you are expected to assist in cleaning the boat and fishing gear. You are also expected to help in cleaning all fish that were caught. The captain will divide the catch among all the fishermen.
Lastly don't be a GEEK. A GEEK is a person who doesn't show up or shows up late, cancels the morning of the trip, gives to much advice, whines about the elements, tells you at noon they have to go in because they have a doctors appointment, and doesn't stay to help clean up the boat.
I hope these tidbits will help make your fishing experience a moment to remember.
