WHAT DOES A GUIDED FISHING TRIP COST?


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I'll put my guided trips up against anyone in terms of quality of trip vs. cost, or length of trip vs. cost. I give you more time on the water for your charter dollar. A 4-hour trip is a standard half-day for most guides, and an 8 hour trip is a standard full day. Many guides try to book multiple trips per day, especially during tarpon season. My standard 3/4 day trip is minimum 6 hours on the water, and a full day is a MINIMUM of 8 hours fishing. I generally encourage the 3/4 day 6 hour trip, and discourage the longer trips because our tides run in 6 hour cycles. I like to schedule the trip to optimize the tide movement each day. The rates are as follows and are subject to change without notice.

DISCOUNT EFFECTIVE November 20, 2008! An across the board discount of $50.00 will be applied to all trips until further notice. That means the 3/4 day trip is $400.00 instead of $450.00, and so forth. This policy reflects the reduced cost of fuel and the general state of the economy. There's more good news!

As an added incentive to get folks back on the water, and me working, each subsequent trip you take with me in 2009 will be discounted another $50.00. This policy will remain in force for all those who have taken the first trip at the discounted rate of $400.00, even if circumstances dictate the cancellation of this policy for future customers. The benefit to my customers is to allow you to lock in trips in 2009 at 2000 prices ($350.00)!! As many as you want! So, plan your first trip soon, and lock in your savings. NOTE! This discount program is not available for weekend trips.

This discount policy does not apply to trips run in customers' boats.

Backcountry Trips (Snook, Reds, Trout, etc.)

6 Hour 3/4 day -- $450.00

8 Hour Full day -- $550.00

Tarpon Trips (Beaches and Passes, late April through June)

6 Hour 3/4 day -- $550.00

8 Hour Full day -- $650.00

Weekend Trips

Saturday -- 1.5 times the weekday rate

Sunday -- 2 times the weekday rate

If the weekend trip falls on a Holiday weekend, the rate is 2 times the weekday rate.

Extra Persons -- more than 2 -- $50.00 -- Maximum 3 Anglers

North Captiva Pick-up, add $25.00

Trips run in customers' boats are $100.00 off the regular rate. Currently $350.00

DEPOSIT REQUIRED

Believe me, I would rather not have to worry about deposits, but the thoughtless, inconsiderate, selfish actions of the few who leave us guides standing at the ramp, or otherwise don't fulfill their obligation to show up after booking a trip in advance, dictates that I require a deposit from each customer, and enforce the cancellation policy below. NO EXCEPTIONS! The deposit amount is $225.00, or 50% of your total trip fare, which ever is greater. It may be paid by check or money order. If you are booking on short notice, within two weeks of your reserved date, you must prepay the trip in full. The mailing address for deposits is: Capt. Butch Rickey, 11520 E. Palm Drive, Ft. Myers, FL 33908. The balance due on the day we fish should, of course, be cash or travelors checks. I sincerely appreciate your understanding in this matter. I regret having to institute such policies, but I assure you they are necessary.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If circumstances dictate that you cancel your trip 30 or more days before your reservation date, your deposit will be cheerfully refunded in full. If you cancel your trip 15 to 29 days before your reservation date, your deposit will be cheerfully forfeited in full. If you cancel your trip within the last 14 days before your reservation date, you are also responsible to pay the balance of the full trip without question by the original reservation date. And, of course, if I am able to rebook the day you canceled, your deposit will be cheerfully refunded in full, and you will be "off the hook" for any other charges that may have applied.

A Word About Tipping

Fishing guides live and die by the tip. Judge the quality of your trip, whether with me, or another guide, by how hard your guide works for you. Most of the time, we can work our magic. Yet, sometimes no matter how hard we work, we can't get the fish to cooperate. If your guide worked hard, is courteous, took the time to teach you, and you had a good time, then by all means it is proper to leave him a gratuity of 10 to 15%. Some folks don't tip simply because they don't know it is accepted practice in the charter industry to tip the Captain, or in some cases the Mate. That's why I chose to mention tipping ettiquette here.

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