I used to go on the charter boats quite often when living down south where we would fish at anchor either uptiding or more often just fishing downtide, so when I moved up here I decided to check out the charter boats in my local area (Amble and Blyth). I also checked out this site and asked for advice from the members on here. I soon realised that the fishing was done on the drift, something which I had never done before. Anyway I phoned one of the local charter skippers (Dave Builth, skipper of Upholder out of Amble) to book a day out with him. I also explained that I was a novice at drift fishing so he suggested that I book a midweek trip when the boat wouldn`t be so full. When the day arrived I quickly introduced myself to Dave and he couldn`t have been more helpful, offering advice and helping with any problems. I ended up having a great day out and still book with Dave whenever possible.
I fully understand how daunting it can be as a novice on a charter boat but I`m sure if you explain your situation to the skipper when booking your trip he, or his crewman, will be more than willing to help you out on the day, after all it`s his living and he won`t want any bad reports coming back after the trip and he will do his best to get a repeat booking by giving you the best day out possible.
If your still not sure about the charter boats by all means go out with a private boat owner, but don`t be too quick to write off the charters, they`re not all messy crowded boats.
I agree with you KB, some great skippers about who would go out of their way to help and guide people, I know quite a few.
that works 2 ways, future custom and the kindness and patience in their personality, however I do know a couple of skippers who don,t give a hoot and just want the coin and don,t care about the new lad or the other customers.
If you head out on a wrecking trip, at times the skipper and crew don,t have a lot of time to spend with others, when they are gaffing fish and steering the boat for other customers, when the fish are on and the drifts are fast
I have also been on boats when other anglers get heated with being pulled in etc when the new lads just don,t know, and need that initial guidance, but the anglers have been bustin to get out for weeks and get a good day in, then to be interrupted repeatedly. That interruption can be as simple as too light a weight or even using mono and not braid.
So to get that education on a charter full of hardened anglers or on a private boat is up to the lad who is wanting to learn.
Charter skippers have not got the right to knock people weather they would prefer a private boat and offer to donate to fuel or to cups of coffee on a private boat.
Then the debate of private owners taking donations for fuel sharing or cups of coffee takes the headlines....... That's a different thread.
My earlier comment to sapphire was disagreeing that lads like the OP are the cause of charters being half empty vessels...... Eh !
My advice to the op would be go out private on ground and again on a wreck trip, which are very different tackle and techniques, see what he likes, gear up for it and get on the charters, but that's just my opinion.
Paul
