What size boat would you need to run a Fishing charter for marlin, ahi, and the like?

Question

I admit, I've only been fishing for those kind of fish a couple of times, all of my experience comes workin/fishing in AK, but I'm moving to a tropical area in about a year, and I'd like to set up shop there. Besides lures and poles and the basics, what kind of stuff will I need, and how big a boat (I know "people have chaught 700lb marlin from a rowboat!...and all of that crap, but I mean, to have 4 guests (my ideal #) a deckhan and myself, with room to hold the catch for a full day charter). When I Deck handed for a friend in Hawaii, he had a 42 foot hatteras that was awesome, but I could see getting by with less, at least to get started, but maybe that's how big you need...?

Answer 1

I would say you need at least a 28 foot boat and here is why. I know 2 people that both run charter businesses one off Long Island and one in the Wrightsville Beach area of N.C. They both are running 28 footers. On both of those boats I have fished and caught some big game from, ranging from a 450 pound Mako to a 600 pound Marlin. Both boats have live wells and ample storage. On both sizes we have had the captain, a deckhand and 6 passengers. Although 5 would have made things a little more comfortable.

Most importantly you need to look at what size boats other charters have in the area and compare what you are looking to charge to their rates. My friend in Long Island has a smaller boat than the other charters, and charges less, but he makes more profit due to the fact that it costs him less to run his boat for the day. Also you have to look at the fuel capacity in order to get to the fishing grounds. So you don't want to go too small if you have a ways to go for prime fishing.

Also I do business consulting work and if you need help analyzing anything feel free to contact me and I'll help free of charge. Just give me a good rate if I ever get out your way to fish.

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Answer 2

Down here in St Thomas, Double Header and Marlin Prince do very well and both are 32 footers......a friend has a Bertram 25 rigged for sportsfishing and does very well too....so you can definitely get by in the 30 foot range; as you said, enough room so you and the mate and the 4 anglers aren't tripping over each other, on a good sea kindly hull; your Captains license and a "T" boat inspection and you're in business

Answer 3

at least a 30 footer

Answer 4

probably not a raft