Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joseph Rogers on January 4, 2010 at 3:41pm

Steven, im pretty sure that the captains are the same down in clear water as they are up here in panama city beach. When it comes to getting on with one, you need to have the experience and skills to do so, and alot of times that wont even get you on to start. Have you ever charter fished where you went out and basically deck handed for a group of people, or anything like that? and also do you know anyone who charter fishes? alot of times if you know someone you can offer to train or pretty much work for free helping them out when its slower to get you more time and experience on the water, which is a good thing. Plus with you working for free like that you can show them your willing to learn and work hard. If they arent looking for a new guy then word of mouth to their friends might find you someone who will..let me know if you have anymore questions, ive grown up around charter boats and fishing, im glad to help you where i can.

Permalink Reply by Steven Cockerill on January 4, 2010 at 5:25pm

thank you alot man, but really no i dont know anyone who does charter fishing im kind of new in florida. but ill do as you said and try to find a place were i could work for free to get my skills and knowldge were they need to be! thank you

Permalink Reply by Capt Becky Campbell on January 12, 2010 at 9:54pm

Hey ther Steve....I grew up in clearwater and I think if you go down to the beach marina and talked to some of the captains, they might be able to give you some ideas. Also you might try to get on with a party boat, this might be easier than a charter boat.

Also, On Gulf to Bay there is a West Marine go there and talk to Richard Howard....he is a friend of mine and he might be able to give you some advice. He got on a party boat when he was about your age and has fished all his life until he retired. Tell him I sent you Capt Becky Campbell www.evergladesfishingcharters.com

Permalink Reply by Steven Cockerill on January 12, 2010 at 10:26pm

thank you so much!

Permalink Reply by Capt.Joey Portera on February 10, 2010 at 11:08pm

Steven, I started real young as well and let me tell you, it is a difficult challenge to get on a boat w/o experience. The best advice I can give you is to First jump on a head boat( Party Boat )for awhile and soak up everything your told. Always remember to do everything your captain demands of you and ask questions later. Never bitch about a thing and enjoy it when you can. If you make that man happy evry trip he will want you back. If you like what your doing other avenues will open up for ya, by the way working head boats stinks and is really tough depending on the vessel. Good luck man. Its a tough industry to bust into. However, it can be done. Take it easy man.
Capt. Joey Portera
www.fishingonaroll.com

Permalink Reply by Steven Cockerill on February 11, 2010 at 10:20am

hey thanks alot man ive been getting great advice from all sorts of people, an from what ive been told i need to do what you said! im in dunedin about a few miles from the causeway, do you know of any partyboats that are around me? and that need "NEW" people?

Permalink Reply by Michael Wilkes on February 15, 2010 at 7:17am

Right now fishing charters are down so the job market is down as well. I would not give up though and I would be at the docks everyday asking each boat captain if they need help. Tarpon Springs is another area to try, they have a lot of deep sea fishing boats there as well.

Permalink Reply by Steven Cockerill on February 15, 2010 at 7:58pm

yea thanks man ive been getting so much great advice, im going to start making my trips to the docks maybe the middle of this week or the start of the next! i hope and pray something comes out of it thank you all.