Instigator Sport Fishing Questons

Will we need to buy any special fishing licenses?
While you are fishing on our boat your fishing license will be provided by the boat.
What methods do you accept for payment of my charter?
We gladly accept cash, check, Visa, and MasterCard. Deposits can be paid securely through the website.
Can we keep the fish we catch?
Yes, all fish become the property of the charter. However, we do release all billfish (blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish) and we do reserve the right to discontinue keeping fish if it becomes an over abundance of harvest. We will keep the charter party advised of current regulations concerning the legally allowable creel limits.
What do we do with our fish when we get back to the dock?

If you intend to take fish home, please bring along a large cooler that you can leave in your vehicle while on your charter. When we return you will have the option of taking your fish home to process yourself or you can use the professional fish cleaning facilities available at the docks.

Will I need any special clothing for my charter?
We suggest that charter customers wear layered clothing that will protect them for both extremes. Charter trips that start out cold at the docks can sometimes get very warm in the offshore waters. We also suggest long sleeve t-shirts and caps for days when we are expecting very sunny conditions. Please don’t forget the sunscreen.
Do I need to wear special shoes?
For you safety, please wear either non-slip boating shoes, sneakers or athletic shoes. Please do not wear black soled boots or black soled sneakers because the marks are extremely hard to remove from our decking.
What should I bring along to eat and drink?
Customers should bring along a small cooler with previously prepared food like for example sandwiches, fruit, crackers, cookies, chips, etc.  Fancy spreads are normally extremely difficult to manage at sea. Quick and simple is the better choice.
Am I allowed to bring along alcoholic beverages?
Federal and Maritime Laws require that we can allow only a reasonable amount of canned beer (no glass bottles, hard liquor, or wine). Important; if a party member becomes intoxicated, as determined by the captain, for the safety of everyone on our boat,  we are required to return to the dock without any refunds. We take your safety very seriously.
Are there any other Federal and Maritime Regulations that I should know?
Charter customers are not allowed to brings aboard firearms of any kind. No drugs or contraband are allowed on board. Smoking is allowed only in the open cockpit area.
Are we expected to tip the captain and mate?
The crew works as a team and therefor works for a tip together. Most people tip a minimum of 20% for a great day on the water with a hard working crew.
Can we have a fish mounted that would normally be released?
Mounting the actual fish is pretty much a thing of the past. Most people nowadays will allow us to take the measurements of the fish and then release it. Beautiful lifelike fiberglass mounts can be ordered to the exact specifications of your fish and you will also have the satisfaction of releasing the fish so that another lucky angler might have the same thrill that you had  by catching it again someday.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my charter reservation?
We always want to go fishing but your safety is going to be our main concern. Unless you have heard from the captain ahead of time, please plan on being at the dock at the appointed time no matter what the weather looks like. If the situation is questionable, your captain can discuss your options. If it is necessary to cancel your trip, the normal options are to reschedule the reservation date or return your deposit in full. “No shows” will not get a return of their deposit.