***Addendum***
After leaving my initial review, the captain, RJ, reached out to address the situation, and I want to acknowledge his professionalism and willingness to take full accountability. He did not make any excuses for the mateโs behavior, admitting it was unacceptable, and assured me he is taking steps to ensure this doesnโt happen again. This includes having a serious discussion with the mate and finding a replacement if necessary.
I appreciate RJโs honesty and his efforts to make things right, including offering a full refund. Itโs clear he cares about his customersโ experiences and is committed to improving his operation. While our trip fell short due to the mateโs unprofessionalism, RJโs actions demonstrate a dedication to providing better charters in the future.
I hope others have a much better experience, as I believe this charter has great potential with the right team in place.
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This was, unfortunately, the worst fishing charter experience weโve ever had. Between my parents and I, weโve been on over 20 charters across the U.S., and this one just didnโt measure up.
We booked last minute the night before, fully aware of the weather forecast, but it was our last opportunity to go as I was flying out the next day, and earlier in the week, my dad had been too ill to participate. We were hopeful the crew would still make the most of it for us, but that didnโt happen.
We started kite fishing for sailfish, but when the rain became heavy, the captain had to pull the kite in as it was falling into the water. The mate, Nick, refused to help reel in the two lines, leaving the captain, RJ, to manage everything on his own, which resulted in the lines getting tangled. It was frustrating to see the captain struggling while the mate stayed under the canopy and offered no assistance.
Nickโs behavior throughout the trip was incredibly unprofessional. He refused to help with basic tasks because he was cold and didnโt want to get wet, spent more time worrying about getting back early to tak e his own boat out bait fishing, and even misled us when we asked for a third pole so all three of us could fish for Spanish Mackerel. He claimed there werenโt any extras, but then brought one out minutes laterโfor himself. Watching him fish while one of us sat there was incredibly disappointing.
At times, Nick disappeared into the cabin to lay on the bed and sleep. He offered no assistance to my older parents, who occasionally struggle with reeling. I had to help them myself while Nick stayed sheltered under the canopy. When we docked, he refused to help them get off the boat, instead directing them from the safety of the cabin to sit on the hull and pivot themselves off, which was not easy for them. To top it off, Nick refused to clean the fish we caught, leaving the captain to do it.
This charter has potential, as the captain clearly knew his stuff, but the lack of effort and professionalism from the mate ruined the experience. For what we paid, it was far below expectations.
***Addendum***
After leaving my initial review, the captain, RJ, reached out to address the situation, and I want to...
