Bad charter experience

MattPark · 08-13-2006, 12:03 PM

Last week I was down by Coos Bay for a little dune riding action. A couple of buddies and I decided to go out for a little bottom fishing to mix up the week.

We went into Charleston and booked a trip with Bob's Deep Sea Fishing. Everyone there was very nice, we expected to have a great time.

Not the case.

The deckhand was very friendly and helpful, on the trip out he was telling us about landmarks, and answering everyone's questions. Textbook work from a great guy IMO. Everyone should have a deckand like him.

Once we were fishing, the captain came out to help in the netting of fish (which in with all honestly wasn't needed with the 40 lb danielson line on each tiny spinning reel.) Many had fish on in seconds, which was great. I was on the front of the boat where the captain was working. This is where the trip turns not so hot.

Every time someone had a fish on, the captain more or less chewed the person out for doing something wrong. They either had too much line out, too little, they let the line go slack (with a fish every cast it's not a big deal, trust me), they grabbed the wrong part of the cheesy rod (he was afraid someone was going to break them, which no one came CLOSE to doing, everyone on board was a farily experienced fisherman), or any number of other things that [whoopsydaisies!] the captain off. I almost thought he was going to hit my buddy at one point (not really but you get my drift, no pun intended), he really layed into him for pointing the rod in the wrong direction after the captain netted the fish. I suppose the sporty conditions and very limited space between the rail and the pilot house are no excuse for less than perfection

I really felt bad for some of the younger people on board that were to the point that they didn't even want to hook a fish because of the fear of getting reamed for doing something wrong. My buddies and I were catching and releasing when the captain wasn't watching, but the others weren't so "brave". It got to the point where we were so amazed by his attitude that we had to let him know that this wasn't ok. The heck if I'm going to have some cranky old man treating me like a 5 year old.

That kind of behavior is the exact opposite of what I expect from chartered trip. It was a nice day with lots of fish that should have been a great time for everyone. That wasn't the case.

I am Matt Park and I approve this message.

Pirate · 08-13-2006, 12:16 PM

Mutiny.....make him walk the plank!!!

wthr4d · 08-13-2006, 12:28 PM

thats too bad, I have had better experience with the charters up in Depoe Bay. Thanks for the warning...I have taken to filling open Ifish seats, more fun than any charter Ive ever been on.

paul

joemomma · 08-13-2006, 01:53 PM

Bummer, thanks for the warning!

Something Good · 08-13-2006, 02:05 PM

Sorry to hear that. Doesn't seem that uncommon anymore for any business to have poor customer service. I was at a store the other day and was treated so poorly I told the cashier if they didn't want the customers to come in and bother them they should keep the doors locked. Better luck on your next fishing adventure.

Phil Layer · 08-13-2006, 04:15 PM

Sounds like his wife moved out the day before or his real estate in Nocal just dropped 40%.

Most charter operators are a pleasure to fish with. You hit the wrong guy on the wrong day (although he did get you into fish.) Don't give up! Give it another whirl. It sounds like you were having a great time until the captain went south on ya.

You and your buddy out in the ocean catching fish.

Way to go!

WildHawg · 08-13-2006, 06:53 PM

Fishing is a tough business. Conditions that are "sporty" make it even worse. Still, when you are a charter, your goal is to entice people back so they can again experience the good feelings of landing a fish in a supportive, if not ideal environment. Some customers are truly frustrating--but you learn you work through that if you are worth your salt.
My motto was always to create "a trip you'll always remember--not one you'll never forget" Seems as though your Crusty Captain forgot the first lesson of fishing-treat your customers like you'd want to be treated and they'll come back.
Did you tip your deckhand??
Sorry about your experience,
Charlie Prince
Former 50 Gross Ton Masters License Captain

Lepper · 08-13-2006, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Sounds like his wife moved out the day before or his real estate in Nocal just dropped 40%.

Hasn't dropped 40%.. Yet..... I'm still hoping!!

MattPark · 08-13-2006, 11:24 PM

My deckhand I guess was more or less the captain, and I certainly didn't leave him a tip. I guess I could have dropped the real deckhand something. I can guarantee you no one on that boat will return.

The ocean conditions were certainly not dangerous or creating a bad situation on the boat. This guy was just cranky, regardless of what was going on. He was just looking for the next person to pick on.

As far as finding fish, I don't think finding black rockfish is any kind of challenge around here.

I've fished all my life and been on many chartered trips before, fished with local guides and fished next to hundreds of people in my own boat. That kind of attitude belongs somewhere else.

tailchaser · 08-14-2006, 07:02 AM

He is kinda that way in general. Not sure why he got so worked up over a bottomfishing trip. Too bad for you on the experience, try Betty Kay next time around. They're a pretty good outfit in general.

tc

cheeseburger · 08-14-2006, 08:13 AM

Very interesting post. I have been on about 5-7 charter boats. Most have not been great experiences. At least two of them had the same type of captians. Very pushy. Went out on one from Newport, dont remember the exact name of the boat, but i will never go on it again. (Will check out the captian first) We were salmon fishing, and every time someone would hook a fish, he would use his body to shove people aside to net a fish, while yelling very loudly. We were using heavy trout gear so it took a while to get a fish in. At one point i hooked a large chinook in the top of the head, it took me around the 50 ft boat twice while he was following me with the net yelling the whole time. He even said he didnt like me,,,and i told him i felt the same way about him.
The other thing that i always see in a charter boat is, when salmon fishing, there are always a few rods that catch the most, and a few that dont. Went last year out of Illwaco with my wife. There was a woman that caught alot of fish from the side of the boat. My wife and i caught only a few that we had to release. The people that had the hot rods were allowed to catch the limits for other people on the boat that had not caught any. On the way in, we drew cards to see who got the extra fish. I think that is totally wrong. If a person catches their limit, they should give way and not continue to catch fish, while others are not. Seems like most boats i have fished on work this way, which make it a bad experience to those who are not hooking fish on their rods.
I guess it all boils down to asking alot of questions before you go. I have before, but usually get the answer,,"thats up to the captian of the boat"
Very intersting topic.

cheeseburger · 08-14-2006, 08:17 AM

One more thing. Seems like some captians get the attitude that when they get you out on their boat on the ocean, they are god, and you will do every thing they tell you. Thats a good thing, you should do what they say, but some take the "power" thing too far.

Lip Rip'r · 08-14-2006, 09:56 AM

Quote:

The other thing that i always see in a charter boat is, when salmon fishing, there are always a few rods that catch the most, and a few that dont. Went last year out of Illwaco with my wife. There was a woman that caught alot of fish from the side of the boat. My wife and i caught only a few that we had to release. The people that had the hot rods were allowed to catch the limits for other people on the boat that had not caught any. On the way in, we drew cards to see who got the extra fish.

I find this interesting that they practice an activity, from what I can tell, is against the rules.

Although for some reason, Washington changed the rules a couple years back so that when fishing where a saltwater license required, you can keep fishing after you have got you daily limit.

Quote:

You May Not: Continue to fish for SALMON after the adult portion of the daily limit (freshwater) has been retained, or after the daily limit has been retained for marine waters, except that where a saltwater license is valid each angler aboard a vessel may continue to deploy angling gear or SHELLFISH gear until the daily limit of food fish and shellfish for all licensed and juvenile anglers aboard has been achieved.

I'm really not sure what this rule change was for unless it is to allow the "other" people on the charter boat to occupy thier time with something other than waiting. Some have tried to tell me that you can now keep fishing for and help others fill thier limit. However, this is from the same rules (immediately before the last one):

Quote:

You May Not: Harvest any part of another person�s daily limit, except for persons who possess a designated
harvester card.

So, from what I can tell, the activity of dividing the fish on a boat (salmon anyway) between the fisherman that didn't catch any (in Washington, it is the person "hooking" the fish that must either tag or release it, If I remember right, Oregon, it is the person that "lands" the fish) always has been and still is an illegal option.

Am I missing something here? Makes me wonder what would happen if 3 out of 7 people caught 14 keepers and the other 4 people refused to tag the other fish so as to not break any laws? If they got checked, who would get the fine?? Seems to me it would be the 3 people that kept more than thier limit, even though they were instructed to do so by the captain??

Anyway, always wondered about this one,

LR_

CAPT KUJO · 08-14-2006, 01:59 PM

I hope that Captain reads this thread! He has no idea of the 'word of mouth' power of IFISH

CAPT KUJO

6wapiti6 · 08-14-2006, 02:08 PM

I think I would have "accidently" had the rod yanked out of my hands! Oh, so sorry, guess I won't fish the rest of the day. Then my buddy would have had it happen, then my other buddy.....maybe then he'd get the point.As far as I know you as a client are not responsible for any gear lost by an accident.

(P.S., if I were on a good trip and did really lose or break a rod on accident I would have not problem paying the captain for his lost/broken gear.)

Lucky one · 08-14-2006, 04:29 PM

Charter fishing is like any other business. You have your good captains, and you have your bad ones. There are a lot of guys that yell and scream. Its wrong. There are a lot of guys out there that give guys a good experience.

I admit, I get a little PO'd when guys start losing alot of fish. I try very hard not to show it, and I try to give some friendly advice on how to do a better job the next time. And I always tell them that sometimes fish just come unhooked.

As far as catching more than your limit, it doesn't happen on my boat. We make everyone reel in their own fish. You would be surprised at how many clients get upset when I tell them that its someone elses turn to fight a fish. A lot of guys just want to catch them for the whole boat.

Maverick Maxcat · 08-14-2006, 09:59 PM

My job is to help people have a good fishing experience. If they loose fish, it's them, not me. I will offer advice if they want it, but they are entitled to do things their way if they wish and it is safe. I once had a man fish his gear, his way for 3 days, only hooking one fish, which he lost. The rest of the boat was catching 6-8 large kings a day, each, doing what I suggested. He simply wanted to do it himself. As paying customers people have the option to do it their way, period. As far as catching other peoples' fish, no way. You keep what you catch, and do not exceed limits.

MattPark · 08-15-2006, 02:16 AM

Quote:

He is kinda that way in general.

Apparently he must rely on first timers. Fine.

Quote:

I hope that Captain reads this thread! He has no idea of the 'word of mouth' power of IFISH

CAPT KUJO

That was my goal.

Quote:

Charter fishing is like any other business.

Absolutely.

Quote:

I admit, I get a little PO'd when guys start losing alot of fish

There were ZERO fish lost, and it was bottom fish. Give me a break, it was fish on every cast. We weren't fishing (or losing) salmon or TUNA!

Quote:

As far as catching more than your limit, it doesn't happen on my boat

I didn't expect to catch more than my 6 fish limit, but after that I can catch and release until I get my two theoretical lings, correct?

Quote:

My job is to help people have a good fishing experience. If they loose fish, it's them, not me.... You keep what you catch, and do not exceed limits.

When I take someone out, whether it be a friend of a friend or my own mother, my goal is to make the experience as fun as possible. So what if their line went slack and a 35 pound chinook went on it's way. I go out there to have fun, and I assume everyone else does as well.

I know where my money is going when I don't feel like I need to take a ski boat out on big blue, kujo or maxcat.

cheeseburger · 08-15-2006, 08:22 AM

Hey Lucky one and Maverick. Where are your charter boats out of? And what size boat do you guys fish? From time to time i like to leave the boat at home and take a charter trip. Your boats sound like the type i would love to fish on. Thanks!
if this in not allowed...to post your business name...just pm me...thanks!
Maverick...ill look do a search of your charter name online and see what i can come up with.

Something Good · 08-15-2006, 08:51 AM

Cheeseburger I've been on Maverick Charters a few times and would highly recommend his services. It's a 32' Maxcat that can take up to six passengers. He is an ifish sponsor so we can post his info. Boat is in Newport and the # is 541-408-7826/541-576-2956.

nookerdude · 08-15-2006, 09:13 AM

I've been a deckhand for two charter captains and been on a couple of other boats as a paying passenger. The thing I've observed with some captains is that they get so wound up in getting the fish in the boat (especially if salmon fishing), that they don't even realize how obnoxious & rude they are being to their customers. It's as if getting the fish is the only important thing in the trip. Some captains seem to live & breath their catch numbers and being a highliner in the bay is more important to them than people "liking them".

After one trip where the captain was overly "enthusiastic" toward the customers & deckhand- I talked to him about it and he honestly seemed surprised to hear that he was less than cordial.

tunahelper · 08-15-2006, 01:41 PM

Having been in sales all my life, one thing has always stuck in the back of my head that an "old time" sales guy told me-

Do something right and one person out of ten may tell someone else about it.
Do something wrong, and 9 out of 10 will tell everyone they know about it.

Final thought- maybe he is into fish conservation. If he ruins the experience of his customers, maybe they will take up hunting.

Nalu · 08-15-2006, 03:07 PM

Unfortunatley having a skippers license and running a boat doesn't always go hand in hand with good people skills. There are some good outfits that run large group charters such as Joe Okenfel, owner of the Siggi-G in Garibaldi. There are also some good guys that run large boats in Depoe Bay. Not all big boats are bad, but your experience is often quite different than a small charter such as with Maverick or other small boat charters.

Nookerdude is absolutely right. Sometimes the forest can get lost for the trees. It's not an excuse, but fishing day in and day out with lots of people can become a blur, and you end up repeating the same things over and over. It's not difficult to lose sight of the fact that every day is a brand new experience for the entire group. Small boat charters and skippers tend to associate directly and intimitely with their customers, and as such they hopefully form more of a guide/angler relationship than a customer/caught fish one.

There is definitely a lot of truth in the idea that how much and WHEN you get your limit can create a pecking order that determines success within the group of skippers in a port.

crabbait · 08-15-2006, 04:56 PM

I know in the old days it was a race to see who could be back at the dock with a limited boat first. I always wondered why people would want to sign up for the shortest possible experience. It never made sense to me.

Miss B Haven · 08-15-2006, 07:58 PM

There are a lot of Charter Skippers out there that don't own the boat or have a vested interest in the business. They are "for hire" to the business skippers that have Masters Licenses and are off season running tankers/cargo or transporting boats from a to b. Just because they can run a boat/ship does not mean they know how to either fish or create a good trip for their customers. Odds are you won't see those guys back next season...at least not with the same charter outift. Even charters with good records/reputations can make a mistake in a skipper. Unless this guy owns the boat and the business, I wouldn't put the curse on the outfit. Ask before you sign up. Not saying you can't get an a-h who owns the boat/business but that is much more uncommon than a guy who is an a-h who is filling in between jobs.

This is Miss B Haven and I approve this message. Don't ask me how I know this!

fyshndad · 08-16-2006, 09:07 AM

For many years I worked on charters as a deckhand and I only experienced 2 captains that had the attitude that they had to get fish 1st and fun came second :whazzup:

Needless to say I did not work for them for long

MOST captains are in it for the enjoyment of thier passengers

but some think that thier reputation of catching the most and getting back to the dock 1st is more important than giving the person a happy and memorible fishing trip

If you go with an ifisher I can tell you that you will ENJOY the trip and make a GREAT new friend in the end

BigB72 · 09-29-2007, 10:46 AM

sorry to hear about your bad trip. I have had only good times out on a charter, even when the fishing was slow. Thanks for the heads up on Grumpy Bob, I'll remember to never going fishing with him. The people on the Betty Kay are pretty cool, give them a shot next time.

skiffman · 09-29-2007, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigB72

sorry to hear about your bad trip. I have had only good times out on a charter, even when the fishing was slow. Thanks for the heads up on Grumpy Bob, I'll remember to never going fishing with him. The people on the Betty Kay are pretty cool, give them a shot next time.

My family used to go out on the BettyKay every year (now we live up North) - nice people, good experience, and, of course fish.

Toledofish · 09-29-2007, 02:17 PM

Didn't see it in any of the posts, but did you go to the main office and complain about the trip? I've been a deck hand and some skippers are nicer than others and for some the reps do matter, but most of the time it's the deck hand that's working it for you. Sorry to hear about a bad trip.

Masty · 09-29-2007, 04:21 PM

FYI, Bob's closed up shop the day after your trip! I have heard him yelling at his crew from across the bay! He was a nut case!

Might be able to buy some of his highly prized gear on the cheap! DOH!

IMHO Betty Kay is the best big (over 50ft) charter out of Coos Bay, they bought the Shamrock this summer and re-powered the Betty Kay. Both are nice rides! They even have a deck hand named BamBam!

Masty

MattPark · 09-29-2007, 05:24 PM

My trip was over a year ago, did he close up then or this year?

Masty · 09-29-2007, 06:59 PM

Aug. 2007 And It made me smile! 8^) My bad, didn't see the date of your trip.

Masty

Hamachi · 09-30-2007, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigB72

sorry to hear about your bad trip. I have had only good times out on a charter, even when the fishing was slow. Thanks for the heads up on Grumpy Bob, I'll remember to never going fishing with him. The people on the Betty Kay are pretty cool, give them a shot next time.

WOW! You must have ALOT of time on your hands to dredge up a post from over a year ago!

retiredgal · 09-30-2007, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tailchaser

He is kinda that way in general. Not sure why he got so worked up over a bottomfishing trip. Too bad for you on the experience, try Betty Kay next time around. They're a pretty good outfit in general.

tc

I agree! Nice boat and good crew! Skilled captain.
Linda Reed

Boats · 09-30-2007, 03:47 PM

Always good to support our iFish family sponsors. Several really good charters on here.