Charter question for you Cape Cod guys.

[riprunner]

My father has been running his charter business for years out of Falmouth Harbor on his 32 Blackfin doing typical striped-bass & bluefish trips. Like most people we do 4-8 hour trips leaving the dock at 6:00AM most of the time, the other trips have been 12:00PM departure trips. Last year I added the 23 Seacraft inboard to the business doing trips for smaller groups and speciality trophy trips.

During the week I unfortunately have a regular job but I run my own schedule and can get out a little early if need be. For the past couple years in the spring & fall when the fish are in tight I have skipped out of work a little early 1-2 days a week and fished from maybe 5:00PM-7:30PM with a few friends. Recently when checking my log book I have noticed my success at that time of day has been very good. Most Bass have ranged 30"-37" but have released fish up to 40 pounds within 10 minutes of Falmouth Harbor.

Here's my question: Do you think there is much of a market for short 2-3 hour after work trips? The fishing will all be close so running time will be minimal and the fishing time will be maximized. I also offer a catch garauntee.

Before I do any money in advertising these type of trips I figured I would ask you guys if you think there would be much of a market for it. Any feedback or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[Bigshrimpin]

Absolutely . . . I worked at redtop on the cape one summer and there were lots of guys running evening charters, guide services, etc. If you price the trips accordingly . . . I think you'd do very well.

[ScottM]

I agree. Evening charters would probably work well, especially May/June when there is more daylight and the fish are turning on. I can see this working great with family guys on vacation that can't get away for a traditional 1/2 day charter.

[Fr. Frank]

Yeah, man. I ran 3 hour trips only Thursdays & Fridays from 5-8 pm, for Assowoman/Chincoteague bay flounder and inshore blues in Ocean City, MD back in '86. Other charter guys in the area were charging $150-200 for four hour trips, and I charged $100 for 3 hours. I think I had maybe 4 or 5 open days all season. I would only take 2 people, and was using a Wellcraft 18 Fisherman with a 115 Mercury.

One note: You MUST have at least a OUPV 6-pack Captain's License to do this. I used to have a 100 ton Master, which works.

[riprunner]

Thanks for the replies, I think I'll start advertising for it. Chartering is by no means new to me, just this time of day. I have my 100 Ton Masters w-towing & both boats are insured for taking out customers.

[John R]

RR - a few of the Boston are guys do it and its OK.. But like you said, quick, inshore, and only 10 minutes or so from the dock to nice fish with stripes is a good thing...

However, I do believe this scenario would require a certain amount of validation first. So I donate me time to go out there with you and see just how well this would work

[riprunner]

John, anytime. I'm puting the boat in tomorrow morning and will do some shake down cruises over the weekend to make sure there's no ethanol issues and all systems are go. Next week I'll do some scouting trips, but we should be good to go the week of the 14th. Let me know how your schedule is that week and we'll go. I'd be happy to take one or two more if someone's interested.

[Trayder]

Definite Market, I used to meet a certain retired guide after work all the time at the Padanaram ramp.

it is a great thing to Market

[rockdoc]

I'd be happy to tag along too; I'm considering adding an inboard 23 to the fleet, and I'd love to get out on one. I'm spending lots of time on the cape, looking at houses. I'm moving off Nantucket, probably to the Harwich Brewster area. And I imagine I'll be trailering over to Falmouth often to get the 20' Seafari out to the islands. I have alot of exploring to do over there.

rockdoc

[Kmodi9]

if you are looking for a fly rodder to tag along count me in, i work on my 23 inboard every other weekend up in carver. Shoot me a PM if you still have room!