How To Choose From Texas Saltwater Fishing Charters

When choosing a saltwater fishing charter in the state of Texas, or any other location, you should do the required research to make the experience most enjoyable. Let's face it charter boats are not cheap, especially in these days of inflated gasoline prices.

The average eight hour charter trip can cost anywhere from $600-$900 depending on how far out in the ocean you will travel and the size of boat used. This is more than the cost of a television, camera and many other items one purchases only after researching all of the different brands and models.

It is even more important that you research prospective charter boats because unlike tangible items there will be no opportunity to take them back to the store.

The first thing you need to determine if what kind of charter boat trip you wish to take. There are many different possible charter boat trips in the state of Texas. You can fish shallow waters for species like Redfish and others that dwell in these areas.

You can also go on a charter trip that fishes exclusively for the various species of shark that inhabit Texas waters. There are many deep sea charters that anchor the boat over a wreck or other form of underwater structure and fish for a variety of species that inhabit these areas.

If you want to go big game hunting perhaps choose a charter that specializes in high speed trolling of the wide open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

When choosing a charter think of the number of people who will be going on the trip, their skill level as fishermen and the comfort level required by the members.

For instance if I were going on a four person charter with my father and two of my friends who were long time fishermen I would not need a boat that was as large and comfortable as I would if fishing with my wife and two young children. Most wives and younger children need more of the comforts that hardened fishermen can do without.

Think of the equipment you will be using, little details are important. On the first charter I took we used open face spinning reels that I was very familiar with. The problem is I modify all my reels so the handle is turned with the right hand with the reel underneath the rod.

This charter captain had his reels set in the opposite direction. I felt like a brand new fisherman trying to turn the handle with a hand I was unfamiliar with using for that process.

Understand the rules as well. For instance in the State of Florida it is against the law to fish with live bait in the Gulf of Mexico unless you use circle hooks. In the Atlantic Ocean it is legal however.