Dry Tortugas Fishing Charter Etiquette and Best Practices

You’ve booked your Dry Tortugas fishing charter – great! Now, how do you make sure you and everyone else on the boat have the best possible time? Being a good guest on a fishing charter is important. It helps the trip run smoothly and makes it more enjoyable for you, the captain, the crew, and anyone else on board (if it’s a shared trip).

Think about visiting someone’s house. You follow their rules, treat their things with respect, and are polite to your hosts. A fishing charter is like being a guest on the captain’s boat and relying on their hard work and knowledge. Following some basic etiquette makes a big difference.

Here are some guidelines for being a good guest on a Dry Tortugas fishing charter:

Safety First

The captain is in charge of everyone’s safety on the boat. Listen carefully to their instructions and the crew’s instructions.

• Pay Attention During Safety Briefings: They will show you where life jackets are, how to use equipment, and what to do in an emergency. This information is important.
• Know Where to Walk: Be aware of where lines and gear are on the deck so you don’t trip. Always hold onto handrails in rougher conditions.
• Stay Where the Crew Tells You: They might tell you to stay in certain areas while the boat is moving or when they are handling fish.
• Ask Before Bringing Anything Aboard: If you want to bring bulky gear or coolers, ask the captain where to put them so they are out of the way and safe.

Respect the Crew and Captain

These are the experts who are working hard to give you a good fishing trip.

• Listen to Their Advice: They know the area and how to catch fish there. Pay attention to their tips on baiting your hook, reeling in a fish, or using the gear.
• Be Patient: Fishing isn’t always 100% action. There might be travel time or periods where the bite is slow. Be patient and enjoy being on the water.
• Ask for Help When Needed: Don’t try to figure everything out yourself, especially if you’re new to fishing or to this type of fishing. It’s why the crew is there!
• Thank Them: Show your appreciation for their hard work throughout the day. As we mentioned in the Understanding Trip Costs guide, a tip is a common way to show thankfulness for good service.

Handle Gear and Fish Properly

The fishing gear is expensive, and it belongs to the charter.

• Handle Rods and Reels Carefully: Don’t step on them, bend them in ways they shouldn’t go, or mess with the settings unless instructed by the crew.
• Let the Crew Help with Fish: Especially for larger or toothy fish, let the crew handle getting the fish into the boat, removing the hook, and handling it safely. This protects you and the fish if it’s being released.
• Follow Rules for Fish You Keep: The crew will help you understand the size and bag limits for fish in the Dry Tortugas National Park area. Don’t ask to keep fish that are too small or if you’ve already caught your limit.
• Be Mindful When Releasing Fish: If you’re releasing fish, try to do it quickly and gently to give the fish the best chance of survival. The crew can show you the best way to do this.

Be Considerate of Others (Especially on Shared Charters)

• Respect Fishing Space: On a shared charter, everyone has their space along the railing. Be mindful of your casting and how your line might affect others.
• Keep Your Area Clean: Don’t leave trash, discarded bait, or fishing line on the deck. Use the trash cans on board.
• Be Polite: You’re sharing the experience with others. Be friendly and respectful.

Respect the Environment

The Dry Tortugas is a beautiful and important protected area.

• Don’t Litter: Ever. Bring all trash back to shore. This includes fishing line and plastic. Marine life can be seriously harmed by trash.
• Follow Regulations: These rules are in place to protect the park’s ecosystem and make sure there are fish for the future. Learn about Dry Tortugas National Park fishing regulations and follow them strictly.
• Handle Marine Life Carefully: If you catch something you don’t recognize or don’t plan to keep, handle it gently and release it back into the water as quickly as possible.

By being a good guest and following these best practices, you contribute to a positive experience for everyone on your Dry Tortugas fishing charter. You show respect for the crew, the boat, the other anglers, and the amazing environment you’re fishing in.

Want to learn more about the rules you need to follow for fishing in the park? Check out our guide on Dry Tortugas National Park fishing regulations. And for overall planning, our main Dry Tortugas Fishing Charter Guide is your hub!