What to Expect
First and foremost I want you to have the most fun and successful trip imaginable! So I just wanted to take a few moments to outline what to expect on a trip with us:Outlook: We practice catch and release! This is very important to us to preserve the quality of these fisheries for future generations. An angler is allowed to keep a trophy fish for mounting purposes, but are encouraged to seek a replica mount or to release her. We carry a digital camera and can document your trip in as much detail as you would like!
Boat: As discussed on the Boat and Equipment page I am currently operating a 2008 20' Sea Ark Super Jon with a 90 HP Mercury Optimax. The boat is nearly 8' wide with high sides and is very roomy, stable, and has all required USCG safety equipment.
Equipment: Also discussed on the Boat and Equipment page, we use Abu-Garcia and Shimano bait-casting reels on 7-8 ft. trigger-style rods. We need this sort of tackle to land these large fish around the structure that exists here. If you are not familiar with this tackle no worries, your guide will place the baits in the best spot for you if necessary and also coach you thru familiarizing yourself with the tackle.
What To Bring: We supply nearly everything you could possibly need on a trip with the exception of a few items. We provide all drinks for the fishing trips and the drinks are generally bottled waters and also some form of Gatorade product. Some of the trips we are out there for a good while and you may want to bring a snack or lunch for yourself. We generally suggest that you bring a comfortable hat and sunglasses and protect yourself using sunblock. Here in central Florida it can be 27 degrees in the morning and 85 in the afternoon! We advise clients to dress in layers. We carry some basic rain gear but advise clients to bring their own if they feel the need.
Start Time: We generally like to start our trips at day break. We can however alter the start times to meet our client's needs.
No-Fish-No-Pay-Guarantee: While many factors beyond a guides control can affect the outcome of a days fishing, I feel confident in my ability to adapt to any given situation and give you the best opportunity at a great days fishing. So confident in fact that I back it up with the guarantee that if clients don't catch a single bass while on a trip with me then you pay no expenses besides the cost of the live bait if any was purchased. Its that simple. No gimmicks. Just to let you know this hasn't happened yet in over 20 years! If it were to happen then it would fall under these guidelines and it would be entirely up to you if you wanted to compensate the guide or not.
What To Expect From Me As Your Guide: You can expect a courteous, respectful guide. You will never pull an anchor or bait a hook while fishing with me. This is your day to sit back and enjoy and you will be catered to. Listen guys, I've heard some crazy stories about trips clients have had with other guides. Everything from being charged for backlashes and broken rods, guys charging for “coaching lessons” for phone time with them, etc. You can certainly expect none of that with me. First I buy line in bulk spools so backlashes just aren't a big thing. If we somehow break a rod it gives me an excuse to buy the latest and greatest so no problem there. Probably the silliest of all to me would be to charge for fishing info/advice/techniques. I simply love to share info and talk fishing too much and will always be glad to do so free of charge! I can also assist you to arrange for some great lodging so please feel free to inquire with me about this also. Thanks! -Sean
