You live in or around Alabama. You want to go fishing in Alabama. The only problem is that you don’t have an Alabama fishing license.
You don’t plan on fishing much this year, and so you don’t really want to pay for one. You’d rather just have one big and extravagant fishing adventure. Might we suggest hiring a charter?
Booking a fishing charter enables you to get out on the ocean without a license. It offers a number of other benefits as well. Read on to find out what they are.
The Benefits of Booking a Fishing Charter
The benefits of booking a fishing charter are many and varied. The most prominent of these benefits include the following.
You Don’t Need a Fishing License
As we’ve made clear, when fishing on a fishing charter in the state of Alabama, you don’t need a fishing license. Charters in the state have licenses that cover everyone on board.
Your only responsibility is to book the boat and show up on time. The charter company will handle the rest!
You Don’t Need to Buy Any Gear
Fishing successfully (especially in the ocean) requires a great deal of gear. Not only do you need a pole and line but a large selection of tackle and bait as well. Added up, this equipment can cost you hundreds of dollars.
That’s obviously a lot of money and money that you might not have on hand. Fortunately, when you book a fishing charter, you don’t have to pay for your own gear. The charter provides it all to you.
The second you step on the boat, everything will be waiting for you. All you’ll have to do is sit down and cast out. This also saves you the trouble of having to pack up substantial amounts of equipment in your automobile.
You’ll Receive Instruction
Never fished before? Have no experience in deep-sea fishing? A fishing charter is perfect for you.
Fisher charters are patrolled by expert fishermen and they can show you everything you need to know in order to have a successful trip. They’ll show you how to cast out your line, they’ll tell you when to pull in your reel, they’ll show you what to do when you have a bite, and more.
Don’t need instruction? No worries! The crew will have no problem leaving you to your own devices.
You’ll Receive Guidance
The ocean is a big, mysterious place. If you’re not careful, you can get lost out on it. This is why, if you’ve never been out on the ocean before, you’re advised to take a guide.
How do you find a guide? It’s as simple as booking a fishing charter. Fishing charters are navigated by experienced crews. They know their areas like the backs of their respective hands and know exactly how to get the boat to where it’s supposed to go.
Going out on a boat alone in the ocean is a dangerous endeavor. You shouldn’t do it until you have plenty of experience under your belt.
You’ll Get to Go Out on the Ocean
Unless you yourself have a boat, your fishing trips are going to be relegated to the pier or the shoreline. That is unless you book a fishing charter. Fishing charters will take you out upon the ocean, allowing you to catch those gigantic fish at the bottom of the sea.
Not to mention, you’ll get to take in some awe-inspiring views. Imagine looking in at the beach from miles out. It doesn’t get much cooler than that.
How Much is a Fishing Charter?
Now, you might be wondering: how much does a fishing charter cost? In truth, it can depend on a few factors, including the size of the boat, the number of passengers, and the area in which the charter is located.
A good average to consider is between $500 and $800 per trip. This would cover around 5 or 6 passengers and would last for a few hours.
Note, though, that there are some boats that can carry over 30 passengers, and which would cost several thousands of dollars for a single trip. If you have a big group, these can actually end up being the better deal. Their per-person costs are typically lower than those for small boats.
Charter Fishing Destinations in Alabama
There are a variety of places to go charter fishing in Alabama. Some of the most popular spots include the following.
Orange Beach
Orange Beach is the most popular beach in Alabama. Though it’s geared toward tourist activity, it’s a great place for charter fishing as well. There are plenty of charters located in Orange Beach and the surrounding areas, all of which can help get you out on the ocean.
Gulf Shores
Bordering Orange Beach is Gulf Shores. Quieter than Orange Beach, Gulf Shores is an ideal spot for a relaxing and tranquil fishing experience. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a fishing charter in the Gulf Shores area.
Dauphin Island
Located off the coast of Alabama, Dauphin Island is surrounded by water on all its sides. Home to a bevy of fishing charters, it’s a great place to snag some speckled trout or snappers.