We’re gradually starting to look towards a brighter future of travel restrictions easing. As we do, we need to think about how COVID-19 will affect our future businesses. In particular, how customers will change their behavior as they choose, book, and participate in fishing charters. And what you, as a guide or captain, can do to address their new needs.
In a recent survey of 100 FishingBooker users, we learned that 90% of people are still planning to fish this summer. But while they’re still planning a trip, two thirds of them will be more cautious than before.
Fishing has always been a way to relax and unwind with a small group of family or friends. This will be the case, this year as much as any other. But people’s expectations have changed, particularly when they plan to charter a boat.
Cleanliness is the New Buzzword in Fishing Trips
Now, customers are looking to fishing captains to show that they are committed to health and safety, more than ever before.
67% of people who responded to our survey said they expect their charter captain to have hand sanitizer on board, while 64% of them want the boat to be disinfected before the trip starts. People are focusing mostly on surfaces and equipment, with less than a third of them preferring that the captain wears a mask or gloves during the trip.
Here’s what they expect from their captains this year:
Cleanliness is a top priority – both when preparing for trips, and during them.
According to the CDC:
“COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person in respiratory droplets from someone who is infected […] It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.”
This is why authorities are recommending social distancing, as well as thoroughly disinfecting surfaces that people regularly touch.
This summer, it’s going to be crucial to stay aware of how the coronavirus spreads. Even after lockdowns ease up, people won’t forget about the virus quickly – and it’s likely to still be a threat until a vaccine gets developed.
Hygiene Best Practices
With that in mind, here are some suggestions to give you and your customers peace of mind.
Focus on private charters
Shared charters carry a much higher risk of transmitting the disease as customers will be in close contact with people outside their own household. On top of that, most people more comfortable fishing with their friends and family at the moment.
Clean and disinfect your boat thoroughly between trips
Even if you regularly clean your boat between trips, there are some additional things to pay attention to in the time of COVID-19.
- Use the right cleaning products. It’s recommended to first clean with soap and water or another detergent, then to use disinfectant. Make sure your disinfectant is effective at protecting your customers – and yourself. Check EPA’s criteria for more information. According to the CDC, unexpired bleach is effective against coronavirus when it’s properly diluted.
- Wear disposable gloves when you’re cleaning. This will prevent you from unintentionally touching an infected surface and then touching your face.
- Pay particular attention to high-touch areas. This includes rods, reels, boat sides, handles, fish boxes, and any bathroom facilities you have on board.
Avoid back-to-back trips
Protect your own and your guests’ safety by leaving yourself enough time to clean properly. You may want to limit your trips to one per day.
Set expectations
If your customers have a fever or a new, continuous cough, don’t get on a boat with them. Instead, offer to postpone the trip until they’re better. You should never have to put yourself in harm’s way by exposing yourself to someone who’s infected. Find out more about how to protect yourself from coronavirus here.
Proactively inform customers about your hygiene practices
Remove any potential concerns for customers who have upcoming trips by reaching out to them and letting them know what your safety practices are. We’re about to release a feature that lets you save messages in our Instant Messaging service just for this type of use. This will help you share the same information with all your upcoming clients at the push of a button.
If you have symptoms, self-isolate
It goes without saying that you can and should cancel trips if you have, or you think you have, COVID-19. Just let us know and follow CDC’s steps.
Carry hand sanitizer on board
Washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds isn’t always possible when you’re on a boat. Bring approved hand sanitizer on board with you, and advise your customers to do the same. If you regularly sanitize your hands, you’re less likely to accidentally introduce the virus into your system.
While it may not be possible to provide this for all your guests, it’s a good idea to keep a supply of unopened sanitizer, single-use masks, and gloves on your boat. Then, you can help customers stay safe just in case they forget to bring their own.
Be aware of social distancing
We’re all getting used to keeping six feet away from the people around us. But this can be easier said than done when you’re showing your client how to reel in a fish! Check with your customers about what they feel comfortable doing and adjust to meet their needs wherever you can.
Note: Always check your state regulations for recreational fishing and boating during the coronavirus epidemic. For instance, the Florida Wildlife Commission stipulates that recreational boats should keep at least fifty feet apart and have no more than ten people on board.
Let People Know What You’re Doing
Based on our customers’ responses so far, we expect many of them will look at hygiene measures when choosing who to fish with.
It’s a good idea to add this information to your description – just get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
As well as updating your description, we suggest keeping your customers informed about the situation in your area in your fishing reports. With photos and videos at your disposal, this will help you get more visibility and showcase what you’re doing at the moment.
Some of the advice in this article is based on publicly available information from the CDC. The CDC does not endorse this content or FishingBooker. FishingBooker makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to this content provided for any purpose. Any reliance you place on the information provided here is therefore strictly at your own risk.
