Type of equipment used
As you may know the waters in our area is fairly calm throughout the summer months and the boats that you need for a charter are in most conditions adequate for the job were a well designed charter boat comes into play is great handling so that the captain has more maneuverability than an average craft might have as well as to take a sea state that may change while on the water so he can make sure you make it back in any condition that is safe to do so. The 24’ Sea Rays at our lodge in BC that we use are well suited for that situation open enough to play a big fish or a double header (2 fish on the same times as well as fast enough to get you to the fishing grounds in a timely manner. Here is where a Pick The Right BC Lodge For You is important make sure you are comfortable and safe.
Equipped with the quiet and safety of twin 4 stroke Honda outboards your day on the water should be a peaceful one. Normally we fish within 10 to 45 minutes around Campbell River and Inlets (Bute, Toba, and Knights) and on the West Coast Nootka Sound about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Lodge. Each of our Cruisers are equipped with Depth Sounder, GPS, VHS Radio, Scotty Down Riggers and all safety equipment. Tackle including rod, reel, cannon balls and bait are also included. There are holds on the boat for ice (included) and beverages so no need to bring a cooler. Here are some questions to ask.
Size and type of boat
What type of boat and size are we on. How many guests can the boat handle There are a variety of size and type of boat that different lodges provide some are small 17 ft open boats to the bigger cruisers. Make sure you ask about the size of boat does it have a marine head onboard and is it fully guided?Stability
Is the boat stable in most sea states including rough. Being able to stand and catch your fish plays a big part in your ability to catch your fish sitting down is harder and it is safer too.How are our boats powered
You want dependability and a quiet set of motors. Having two motors whether inboards or outboards are nice in case one goes down you can still keep fishing plus if you have a bunch of big guys onboard you need the type of power to get you on plane.How fare from the lodge will we be fishing
It is good to have an idea of distance from the lodge in case you need to get back and what are the option on how to do that sometimes you are a fare distance from the lodge and this might have a bearing on elderly or younger guests.Familiarity of the Boat and Equipment
Not only is it good to know how things will work such as how to use a fishing rod if you have never used on before (keep the rod tip up) but safety is another consideration your guide or Fish Master (if you are running the boat yourself) should give you a run down on how to run the boat in case your guide can’t, how to call for help on the VHF Radio (Coast Guard stands by on channel 16) or Satellite Phone. Bear in mind your cell phone may work too. Very seldom will you need this information, but it is important so pay attention on this one.Listen to you guide or Fish Master
Your guide is there to help you with catching your fish guiding you to bring it in by yourself there are different ways of doing that some will talk you through it from hitting the fish (pulling up on the rod in a fast motion to set the hook) to letting the reel spin freely so the fish can run. Sometimes a guide will set the hook for you so you can get the idea and then do it yourself but here is where there might be issues decide how much help you need and let your guide know how you feel about how much you want to handle sometimes guides get frustrated fish are being lost and they start to take over. A good guide will have patience and should never berate or chid you in this area after all you are paying his wage in around an about way.Be considerate Mixed Groups
Everyone is on the water for a fun time but getting too out of line puts a stress on everyone be mindful if you are sharing a boat with other guests you know from the lodge. If you stayed up late at night having fun and you get out on the water an your away from the lodge and now must go back in that will kind of finish off the morning bite for sure and the do not thing the other guests will be happy about that your guests in your own party.Silver King Boats
All of our boats are private only your group onboard. This is a nice way to go elevates all of the situations you find with Mixed Groups make sure you ask about this before you book your trip.How is the boat set up
Does your boat have a head (marine term for toilet) do you have a private area where you might need to lay down or change clothes.
In closing try and find out as much as you can is the equipment up to the task and what about backup. These things should not be a hinderance to enjoying a great trip but knowing about how things work may take a lot off your mind especially when you are the one putting the trip together.