Waited a few weeks so as think long and hard about this fishing trip, so as to be as fair as I could but every time I think about it, I am disappointed.
The cost was not cheap but I appreciate the cost of fuel has doubled and its not the cost that bothers me as much as the lack of fishing.
Facts: Trip was scheduled 7-3 (8 HRS), was told not to arrive until 8am as Captain had to fuel up? OK so.. 8-4pm (8 hrs). We took off 8.30am and was then told we would stop to fish for live bait (croaker) ?? OK so we fished and caught 12 very small croaker (why were we catching the bait on our dime/time?). Head was not flushing properly!!  Once caught we took off and were told we were going to fish for Spade fish?? This would be an hour run to the lighthouse!  We had previously discussed fishing (Captains words and statement prior to the trip) fishing for Mahi Mahi, maybe Cobia , black drum or makerel and rock bass Not sure why his agenda changed.  His Fish mate who told us he was helping Captain out just happen to tell us he had his snorkel gear and spear Gun (of course we had not as we do not snorkel and regardless had no idea we were going to?) Got to Lighthouse , of course most we divers or snorkelers in the water spearing at the Spade Fish and no fishing for us!!  So a few hours (it seemed like) we left and planned it (seemed like 30 knots) in rough water toward home base. Captain stopped at the bridge tunnel did the trawl with spoons or whatever , catching nothing (which I figured) and then went home base. So for the full day, we caught 12 tiny bait fish and was given 6 spade fish that had been speared. Not what I call a fishing experience at all. I did not complain to the Captain since I had my wife and step daughter with me and remained calm.  I even gave the Mate (that was busy spearfishing ) a sizeable tip (felt obligated too) ......afterwards I spoke with my wife and daughter in law and we all agreed it was very disappointing and felt we were taken advantage of.  Never again and it has really put us off charter fishing , based on our experience. I am saying disappointing but I really thinking something else which i wish not to repeat!  But never again !!
Hopefully the captain takes this constructively and not offensively in any way.