Charter boat buisness? (Mid-Atlantic, Inshore Waters)?

Question

Does this pay well as a side job.... I was thinking I could by something around 26-31 feet. What training and classes do you have to do for this? Also do you receive a lot of business?

Answer 1

Charter fishing is not a side job, if you intend to own your own boat. The maintenance, cleaning, scheduling, bookkeeping, etc is extremely time-consuming. It would be an ok side-job if you're already wealthy and just want another hobby. But it will drain you financially and physically if you think it will help pay your bills.

You need a OUPV-6 ("6-pack") license. This will permit you to take up to six paying passengers at a time. You'll need 365 days of documentable boating experience, and be able to pass the CG certification tests.

If you do not already live and breathe fishing, have a bunch of charter-boat captain friends that you share fishing reports with, etc etc etc, no, you will not receive a lot of business.

Answer 2

In a busy port like Montauk, Long Island, some charter captains have been there for over 50 years. Others only several years. It's all about having a good reputation and keeping customers, making sure they return and take your boat for fishing. In Montauk there are over 50 charter captains, so attracting and holding on to customers is a challenge. Also the long time charter captains share information about where the fish are, so the customers are always put on fish. New charter captains don't have that type of connection and information. If you start a charter business it's best to do it in your mid 20s, so by the time you reach 40 you'll have the contacts and knowledge.

Answer 3

My friend is a bait boy for a charter boat for the pacific ocean (california), and every half day trip, he makes $200. But the boat can hold 50-60 people, so Its a lot larger than a 30 footer meaning more business.