-A guide to deciding if a fishing charter is what you need. –

If fishing is on your list of activities for your next vacation, you may be considering booking a fishing charter. How do you know if booking a charter is the right option for you? There are plenty of good reasons to book a charter, and plenty reasons not to. Answer the questions below to see whether or not you think a fishing charter will be the best option for your vacation.

Have you fished a lot before?

If you’ve done that style of fishing since you could hold a fishing rod, then having someone show you the ropes is far from a good use of money. However, if you’ve been fly fishing, but never salmon fishing, then you’re in for a surprise if you think you can breeze in and do it all yourself. For different types of fishing, it might be handy to have a professional give you the introduction.

Are you bringing your own gear?

If you’re only fishing for part of your vacation, do you really want to lug all of your equipment with you? While it can be nice to work with stuff you know is great and can work with your eyes closed, sometimes bringing it all along with you can be a pain. Most charters include the gear, so you just need to show up.

Do you want to rent a boat?

Along the same lines of the gear – do you want to tow your boat to your destination? If not, you’re going to have to find a place that will rent one out to you for your fishing adventure. That can be expensive, or impossible in some places without booking a charter.

Do you like doing your research?

To try to fish somewhere new, you’ll need to read a lot about the area. Where are the best spots? What has been working to catch lately? What is the forecast like? Tides, weather, moorage… All of these little details will need to be known by you. If you like planning and doing research, this can be the fun part. If not, you might want to let someone else do that part for you.

Do you like driving boats – even in less than perfect conditions?
If you’re not used to driving your own boat while trolling in the ocean, or exploring new areas, then trying to run your own charter in unfamiliar territory can be a challenge. It might also affect how many fish you catch. Plus, if you’re heading offshore and aren’t used to an area’s conditions, the task can be even more difficult than it normally would be.

Do you like enjoying drinks on board?

If so, you probably won’t want to be in charge of driving your own boat. If you hire a charter and a guide, you’ll be able to kick back and have a cold one (if desired), while someone else drives and sets everything up.

Do you have a tight budget?

Hiring someone else with their equipment can be expensive when you already have everything you need at home. If you’re on a tight budget, it might be better just to go fishing on your own. While you might not know all the best spots, use the best lures, or be able to get to exactly where you want to be, fishing is often about the enjoyment of the sport. That’s why it isn’t called catching, right?

Do you like to do everything yourself?

If not, then book a charter. Someone will take care of all the details, planning, gear and will know where to be. All you need to do is show up. For many, that’s the whole point of a vacation – worry-free enjoyment of a new place and the adventures it has to offer.

If you answered these questions thoughtfully and honestly, all you need to do is check back on your answers and see which way they lean – fishing charter, or not? There’s no wrong answer, and you need to make the most out of your holiday. One area that is a top fishing destination is Vancouver Island on the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada. Want to check it out? Visit the website www.discovervancouverisland.com/things-to-do/fishing to check out the incredible fishing options they have. On Vancouver Island, Ucluelet and Tofino are a couple of the most desirable fishing hotspots. More can be found out about their great fishing at www.tofino-info.com/fishing-charters-tofino-bc/ and www.ucluelet-info.com/fishing-charters-ucluelet-bc.  To read more about a charter and what might be involved in booking one out that way, www.salmoneye.net is a great on in Ucluelet, on the west coast of Vancouver Island.