4 Hrs Short Trip – Morning

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of Boat will I be fishing on?

Sarasota Offshore Fishing Charters is proud our newest acquisition, FISH TALES. FISH TALES is a 2001 Luhrs 40’ Sportfishing boat. With a length overall of 40 foot and a beam of just under 15 feet, FISH TALES is built for a safe, dry and comfortable ride. In our opinion, FISH TALES is one of the nicest and most comfortable boats available for offshore fishing out of (Siesta Key) Sarasota, Florida. (If you don’t believe us, just look online at the rest of the offshore fishing fleet!) Trust us…your family and friends will absolutely love sitting in the air-conditioned salon on their way to and from the fishing grounds.

Where and when to meet?

The boat is located on the docks of Charter Boat Row, at Marina Jacks, across from downtown Sarasota.  The address is 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236.  When you pull in, make the first right hand turn. The boat and parking spots are located halfway down on the left hand side and are parallel to US HWY 41. Please bring no more than 2 vehicles, as we only have two parking passes available.

Morning trips depart the dock at 7AM.  We ask that you be to the boat 10-15 minutes prior to departure.  Afternoon trips depart at 12:00PM or 1:30PM, depending on a prior scheduled morning trip.  Again, we ask you to be at the boat 10-15 minutes prior to departure.

What is included in the price?

The Captain, boat, fuel, fishing equipment, complimentary water and soda, ice and suntan lotion are included. The fish caught will be cleaned by the mate upon returned to the dock. The charter fee DOES NOT INCLUDE THE GRATUITY for the mate, which customarily is 20% for a job well done. We expect our mates to take care of you and we hope you take care of them!

****Due to the rapid increase and unforeseen changes in fuel prices, there is no way for us to properly plan for these volatile and variable costs.  As such, we reserve the right to charge a fuel surcharge on all charters booked after 4/1/2022, if the fuel price is greater than $6.50 per gallon at Marina Jacks fuel dock, where we are a required to fuel.  For every fifty cent ($.50) increase over $6.50, we will charge as follows:  4hr charter-$35, 6hr charter-$45, 8hr charter-$55, 10hr charter-$75 and 12hr charter-$100.  If you would like to contact Marina Jacks fuel dock to check on their pricing, their phone number is 941-955-9488.

How many people can go on the charter? Does the price change per the amount of people going on the charter? Do we need a license?

Due to Coast Guard regulations, we are ONLY allowed a maximum of 6 passengers, regardless if the passengers fish or not and regardless of age. Whether you show up with 2, 5 or 6 passengers, the price is based on the trip and time, not the amount of passengers. No license is needed as the boat has the fishing license for its passengers. The charter you are paying for is private and no one else, outside of your party, will be on the boat, other than the Captain and the Mate.

Does the boat have air conditioning?

YES, the boat has air conditioning inside the vessel, in the salon, galley and bathroom for you to take a break from those hot and humid days.

Does the boat have a toilet?

The boat has a small bathroom (head) where you can shut the door.  There is a flush toilet and sink for you to wash your hands.

What type of equipment will I be fishing with?

Most of the equipment has been recently purchased and is constantly maintained to the highest standards. We are currently bottom fishing with Shimano rods and reels and for trolling, in addition to the Shimano equipment, we often use some Penn / Crowder Brother set ups as well.  The boat maintains the belief that “if you break or lose it, you buy it”.  This does not include normal wear and tear on the equipment, as determined by the Captain.  Please simply follow the mate’s instructions, hold on to the rod and all will be just fine!

Is the boat kid friendly?

We love taking your little one’s fishing.  As parents, we understand that the kids need a place to relax, cool off and often take a nap.  The inside of the boat is air conditioned and has bench seating where the little one’s will often dose off on the way our or the way in, and yes, there is a flush toilet in the bathroom!

What do we need to bring?

Waiting for you on the boat will be a free case of water, soda and suntan lotion (SPF 30 and 50). We recommend you bring sunglasses, hat, food and any other beverage you may like for the trip.  Flip flops, sandals and/or shoes with non-marking soles are best.

What NOT to bring?

Please…! If you enjoy a banana in the morning, please eat it before you arrive at the boat!  (Captain Tyler believes in this old superstition.)  Aside from no bananas, please NO SPRAY ON SUNTAN LOTION, as it will rub up or rest against the boat interior and cushions and the aerosol spray will damage our upholstery.  The boat will have plenty of rub on suntan lotion for your use; however, if you must apply the aerosol to your head or other body part, please do so on the dock and not on the boat.  ABSOLUTELY NO GPS DEVICES will be allowed on the boat.  If the Captain or Mate sees a GPS device in your possession, the charter will terminate immediately, the boat will head back to dock and there will be no refund given.  Please respect these requests.

Is beer and other alcohol allowed on the boat?

YES, for those guests 21 and over… beer, wine coolers, seltzers and white wine is allowed on the boat. Please refrain from bringing any hard liquor or red wine. Although we want everyone to enjoy themselves, the Captain reserves the right to discontinue individuals from further alcohol if he feels their safety is in jeopardy or they are overserved and acting inappropriately.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that sometimes plans change. As such, we allow cancellation of a booked charter at least 48 hours prior to the time of your charter.  If the trip is cancelled, we will refund your deposit.

Unless we contact you, the boat will be departing the dock on time.  Rain, overcast skies, moderately choppy seas will not cancel your trip.  Once the boat leaves the dock, there will be no refunds.  You will not be charged for any cancellations made on the part of Sarasota Offshore Fishing Charters due to extreme weather, as determined by the Captain…or due to mechanical failure and any other unforeseen circumstance.

Can I reschedule my trip?

You may reschedule your trip without forfeiting your deposit, if it is done 48 hours prior to the time of your charter. If rescheduled prior to 48 hours, the deposit will be transferred to the newly scheduled charter.

What if there is bad weather the day we go out?

Unless we contact you, the boat will be departing the dock on time. Rain, overcast skies, moderately choppy seas are all normal for Sarasota and will not cancel your trip.  Once the boat leaves the dock, there will be no refunds.  You will not be charged for any cancellations made on the part of Sarasota Offshore Fishing Charters due to extreme weather, as determined by the Captain…or due to mechanical failure Unless we contact you, the boat will be departing the dock on time.  Rain, overcast skies, moderately choppy seas will not cancel your trip.  Once the boat leaves the dock, there will be no refunds.  You will not be charged for any cancellations made on the part of Sarasota Offshore Fishing Charters due to extreme weather, as determined by the Captain…or due to mechanical failure and any other unforeseen circumstance.

How do you differ from other charters?

What you see advertised is what you get.  Our boat, crew, equipment and catches are all accurate depictions of what you should expect.  Our fees are posted and are not hidden, our boat photos are recent and up to date, not old photos or limited photos of the boat.

Where do we fish?

The boat will leave Marina Jacks and will travel out of Big Pass (Between Siesta Key and Lido Key) and will head offshore, usually between 10-30 miles, depending on the length of the Charter.