To see pix of some of this week’s catches visit our Instagram site https://instagram.com/doubledfishingchartersnwfl
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Bring With Me?
Sunscreen, a hat, shoes with non-marking soles, a snack and a drink. You should also bring a rain jacket to keep the spray off of you when we travel to and from the dock!
How Long Are the Trips?
Trip durations are based on the charter you book. On an offshore trip, we depart the dock, spend 15-20mins catching live bait and then run about 9 miles offshore to fish. Inshore trips skip the live bait catching step and go right on to the docks, rivers, creeks and flats.
Do I Have to Bait My Own Hook?
The captain or crew bait the hooks, prepare the tackle; replace hooks; lines and leaders when necessary. We also remove the hooks from fish that have been landed and do everything to get the fish either returned to the water or into the icebox.
What If I Haven’t Fished Before?
No experience is no problem. We’re happy to pass on the gift of fishing to first time anglers and will tell you everything we know about what to do and how to do it.
Do I Need a Fishing License?
No! The state of Florida does not require charter customers to posses a fishing license. All customers fish under the license that the captain obtains from the state.
What Time Do We Need to Arrive?
Please arrive 20 minutes before your charter is scheduled. We’ll use this time to do your safety briefing, settle up on any unpaid fees, sign our paperwork and try on our PFDs. Often times, we are under constraint to return at a specific time to start our next charter with our next customers and we want you to get all your time in.
Can I Bring My Own Tackle?
If you have special tackle that you wish to use, you are welcome to bring it along. We’ll rig it up for you and get you all set if necessary. We do however supply all the tackle needed for your trip.
How Far Offshore Do We Go?
We’ll go as far as 9 miles offshore.
Will My Cell Phone Work Offshore?
Cellular service is spotty 9 miles offshore. If we are fishing closer, it may work but you should not count on being able to use your phone.
Will We See Dolphin/Turtles?
You will almost assuredly see dolphin on your offshore trip. They are majestic creatures and the water is clear enough that you can see them as they pass by the boat looking for a meal (waiting for you to throw your fish back in). On occasion, they will grab on to what you are reeling in or , if your bait looks appetizing to them, they’ll grab on to that too!
What Happens If I Need to Cancel?
If you cancel 5 or fewer days before your trip, you will forfeit your deposit. If you cancel 6 days or more before your trip, your deposit will be promptly refunded in full.
Do You Ever Have to Cancel Trips?
We do have to cancel trips when the weather or the waves are not conducive to fishing. If we have to cancel a trip, we promptly refund your deposit in full.
What Safety Gear Do You Have?
The boat is equipped with Type I PFDs for all persons on board, a VHF radio with an MMSI registration, an EPIRD satellite locator beacon when going offshore, fire extinguisher(s), day and nighttime emergency signaling devices, navigational electronics and a first aid kit.
Is There a Bathroom on the Boat?
It depends on the boat we use but as a minimum, we have a portable toilet with us on every charter.
What Can I Do to Practice Fishing?
If you are booking an inshore charter, try to work with a spinning rod and reel to learn how to cast. For offshore experiences, no practice is necessary. If you are booking a fly fishing charter, it is best to know how to cast before booking the charter.
What Happens If It Rains?
We will not stop a charter for rain. The best thing to do in the event of a downpour is to have rain gear, rubber boots and a baseball cap for the trip.
What Happens If There Is Lightning?
We will stop a charter for lightning. We may contact you to delay or move up your charter time if it looks like thunder storms are predicted.
Can We Drink Alcohol on the Boat?
Yes. Keep it in moderation. If you think getting drunk is part of fishing, we are not the charter for you. If you get drunk, the trip is over and there will not be a refund. The captain is the only person on the boat who gets to decide if you are too drunk to safely continue the charter. Fishing can be a fast paced sport with lots of sharp hooks and gaffs flying around, so you need to be clear headed and paying attention.
Will You Have Medication Onboard?
We will have a well stocked first ad kit on board but we cannot dispense any type of medicine, even over-the-counter medications. Please bring your own aspirin, sunscreen, motion sickness pills and anything else you need or think you will need.
How Can I Avoid Getting Sea Sick?
Do not drink alcohol the night before. Hangovers and boats do not mix. You will have a miserable time and probably get seasick if you drink too much the night before. Don’t eat a big meal before your charter. When you’re on the boat, keep the horizon in view rather than focusing at things on or in the boat.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Cooler?
Yes if you intend to keep fish but it will stay in your car and your catch will be transferred from the boat to your cooler.
Do I Have to Keep the Fish Catch?
You certainly do not. If you prefer catch and release, please let us know. If you wish to keep what you catch up to the legal limit, there is no shame in that. You decide.
Do I Have to Wear a Life Jacket?
You will be required to wear a life jacket when the boat is traveling on plane (going fast). Life jackets save lives.
When Is the Best Time to Fish?
When to charter is a pretty good questions to ask. We can start with “You fish every and any time you can.” And that’s how we approach the subject for ourselves. But the answer can be a little bit nuanced for customers. The best seasons to fish offshore are spring, summer and fall. The fish are still there in the winter but there are few places to hide out there in the Gulf when the winds are blowing and the temps are low. Inshore is good any season but becomes a bit less reliable as winter transitions to spring and the fish move from winter holes to nearshore flats. Nighttime inshore fishing is best from spring to the end of fall. Our favorite times to fish are winter for inshore species, especially 2+ days after a cold front; spring/summer/fall for nighttime fishing and spring/summer/fall for offshore fishing. If you can get out on a week day, the fish are less pressured and you’ll have more spots available to fish with your party. If the weekend is the only option, we’ll go with that. Morning is best almost anytime of year.
Can I Fish with Artificial Baits?
Yes you can. It is hard to out fish live bait but every red, trout, mackerel, bluefish and many of the amberjack shown on this web page were caught with artificial bait.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Go?
Inshore charters, we allow anyone 5 years old and older. For offshore, we like the kids to be 8 years and older. We offer inshore charters for kids with an emphasis on catching for fun, not catching for trophies.
Will I Get Wet?
Most likely, yes.
What If I Have More Questions?
There are a few options: Go to the Contact page and shoot us a message with the query submittal; shoot us an email; or give us a call. If you want to know where the fish are biting though, it’s best if we show you. Also look at the Reports page to see how we’re doing and the Photo Gallery to see what we’ve put in the boat.
Book Your Fishing Adventure Today
Explore the stunning waters of the Emerald Coast with our experienced guides and top-notch equipment. Elevate your fishing experience with Double D Fishing Charters of NW Florida! To book a trip, use this web page or call us direct at 850-525-FISH
