Booking a charter should be the easy, exciting part of a saltwater trip — but every Insider knows someone who’s been burned by a no-show, a beat-up boat, or a “Captain” running people offshore with no license and no insurance. A little homework up front protects your money, your day, and frankly your safety. Here’s how to separate the real operators from the rest.
Start with the license. In the United States, anyone taking paying passengers out for hire must hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard credential — the OUPV (the “six-pack,” for up to six passengers) or a higher Master’s license depending on the boat and passenger count. A legitimate Captain will have no problem telling you their license level. You can be polite about it: “What’s your license and how many can you take?” If they get cagey, walk away.
Check insurance and the vessel. A professional operation carries liability insurance and keeps the boat and its safety gear in good shape. Reputable Captains expect these questions from sharp clients and answer them straight.
Read the reviews — the real ones. Look across multiple sources, not just the testimonials on their own website. Watch for patterns rather than any single glowing or angry review. Lots of recent, specific reviews mentioning the Captain by name and describing actual trips is a great sign. A handful of vague five-stars with no detail is not.
Ask the right questions before you put money down: What exactly is included (bait, tackle, licenses, fish cleaning, ice, drinks)? What’s the cancellation and weather policy? What happens to your deposit if the Captain cancels for weather versus if you cancel? How long is the trip really, dock to dock? What should you bring? Clear answers signal a pro who’s done this a thousand times.
Handle the deposit smart. A deposit to hold a date is normal and reasonable. Be cautious about anyone demanding full payment in cash up front with no written confirmation. Get the booking, the date, the price, and the terms in writing — even a simple email or text thread counts.
Training & safety note: Never book a “charter” that can’t or won’t confirm a USCG license — an unlicensed for-hire operator is also likely uninsured and operating illegally, and you’re the one out on the water with them. Confirm the boat carries Coast Guard–required safety equipment, check the weather window yourself, and tell someone ashore your plans. A real Captain welcomes a client who asks these questions; it tells them you’re an Insider, not a tourist.
Do the homework once and you’ll book great trips for the rest of your life.
By The Saltwater Insider Crew
See you on the water.