Today I passed my Coast Guard Examinations.
I did it for the simple reason I want to be as safe as I can be, and be as knowledgeable as I can
on and about the water. I would like, next year, to begin chartering. I know about costumer service and being fiendly to people, thats a given. My question is... Based on all the knowledge there is on this website, What are the biggest DO'S and DONT'S you have found in your expierence donig this. I just want to start off on the right foot. Thank You.
Juls_WI
07-06-2000, 04:23 PM
I just want to congratulate you on passing your course. I hear it is not so easy to do Captain!
Well done, and good luck to you!
Juls
Sunshine
07-06-2000, 06:49 PM
Mike,
I'm not a charter captain but I'll tell you what I look for when hiring one. I want someone with a good sense of humor, someone who knows the body of water that they are fishing, someone who can explain to me why the fish are here and why they are biting on our presentation. Don't just tell me that this is what always worked or works, explain why. When I go out with a group it is always made up of diverse fishing expertise. Either identify those who need extra help or ask the leader of the group about who will need extra guidance. Please no hidden surprises like, "this is my cousin Jake and he'll be fishing with us today, okay?" Please do your homework, don't tell me that you haven't been out in a week but you have heard that the fish are biting at Can A. I want to have confidence in you and your abilities, present yourself in a professional manner. Don't just follow the other boats around; I could of done that on my own. Tell me your honest expectations for the day and explain to everyone what we will be doing before we take off. Assume nothing, unless you fished with me before. Probably the most important thing that I do is having an honest dialogue with charter captains when booking the trip and then again about a week before my arrival, I would promote this type of communication. And oh yea, did I mention that you need a good sense of humor?