Thanks for choosing Afishionado Guide Services.

Thanks for choosing Afishionado Guide Services.

Thanks again for choosing Afishionado Guide Services.

Thanks again for choosing Afishionado Guide Services.

I really enjoyed putting you and your son Chris, on your first snook. I might add, by the end of the charter, Chris was casting like a pro. Thanks for the accolades, and for choosing Afishionado.

I really enjoyed putting you and your son Chris, on your first snook. I might add, by the end of the charter, Chris was casting like a pro. Thanks for the accolades, and for choosing Afishionado.

A Tale of Two Charters

Joshua was my second charter of the day involving children. Earlier, I hosted Jacob Howard, his group of three adults and three kids. Their trip was originally scheduled for three hours, but everyone was enjoying themselves so much that they extended for another hour. At our first stop, I asked that no photos be taken, and the adults immediately put away their phones. As I do with all young guests, I started with a demonstration on casting and the proper way to play a fish back to the boat. The kids quickly picked it up, and soon everyone was catching fish.

Protecting my fishing spots is crucial to my livelihood, so I request that guests avoid taking photos that might reveal recognizable landmarks. Instead, I take high-quality photos throughout each charter and share them with my clients afterwards so they can remember their experience. Jacob’s group had no issue with this approach, and some of the pictures from their trip are included here for reference, along with a five-star review Jacob left me later that day. He also posted a few of his own photos.

Joshua, however, didn’t share the same sentiment about the no-photo policy. He felt I was more focused on preventing pictures than on helping his children catch fish. This isn’t accurate. I mentioned the photo guideline only once and spent the whole trip assisting William (7) and Arthur (5), with Arthur needing the most help. I cast bait for him about 95% of the time. Both children caught fish, and each landed keeper fish at every stop.

Joshua caught fewer fish than the kids, and he mentioned that a recent shoulder surgery, related to his work with the police department, limited his casting ability. Perhaps that was a factor. He described the trip as tense and unwelcoming, but it’s hard to understand why. Maybe he faces additional stress or challenges. From my perspective, the children were clearly having a blast.

When we returned to the dock, I let Joshua know that after I put my boat on the trailer, I’d meet him on the other side of the parking lot to fillet his fish. Joshua and his kids went to their vehicle, while I loaded my boat and drove across the lot. As I got out of my truck, another FishingBooker captain approached and aggressively confronted me. Something he is known to do with other captains as well. This confrontation didn’t occur at the dock or in front of Joshua’s children, contrary to what Joshua claims.

During the exchange, I saw Joshua park on the opposite side and get out, while the kids stayed in the vehicle. Before I could calm things down, Joshua retreated and left without his fillets. I apologize for that outcome, but the situation was out of my control.

Except for the brief incident in the parking lot, Joshua’s charter was conducted just as professionally as Jacob’s earlier that morning. The only real difference was Joshua’s reaction to my photo policy, which unfortunately seemed to affect his experience.

A Tale of Two Charters Joshua was my second charter of the day involving children. Earlier, I hosted Jacob Howard, his group of three adults and three kids. Their trip was originally scheduled for three hours, but everyone was enjoying themselves so much that they extended for another hour. At our first stop, I asked that no photos be taken, and the adults immediately put away their phones. As I do with all young guests, I started with a demonstration on casting and the proper way to play... More

Thanks for choosing Afishionado Guide Services.

Thanks for choosing Afishionado Guide Services.