The charter operator canceled 4 days prior to the trip date. This is an automated posting.
We booked Captain Daniel based on the positive reviews, but our experience didnโt match them. In hindsight, we should have cancelled when things started to seem off. The listing was inaccurate: the meeting location was wrong, the boat was different from what was advertised, and there was no first mate. We expected a cabin cruiser with a comfortable area and a proper bathroom, but the โbathroomโ was just a 5-gallon bucket with a toilet seat lid. We donโt expect luxury on a fishing boat, but we do expect honesty and accurate descriptions.
The boat and gear were disorganized and messy throughout the trip. Ironically, the highlight was catching bait fish for about 45 minutes. After that, we caught only one mackerel and one grunt, and lost our hooks a few times to something big. We understand the captain canโt control the weather or the bite, but he can control what he advertises. Given that his rates are higher than others, we expected a better-maintained boat, proper equipment, and a more professional operation.
We booked Captain Daniel based on the positive reviews, but our experience didnโt match them. In hindsight, we should have cancelled when things started to seem off. The listing was inaccurate: the meeting location was wrong, the boat was different from what was advertised, and there was no first mate. We expected a cabin cruiser with a comfortable area and a proper bathroom, but the โbathroomโ was just a 5-gallon bucket with a toilet seat lid. We donโt expect luxury on a fishing boat,... More
so as per our message you knew there was not going to be a seperate first mate.ย the toilet seat lidded 5 gallon bucket and privacy with toilet paper was exactly as advertised.ย there is a head further forward but like i said it is the worst place to go to use the restroom.ย No where in the listing did it say sportfish. It said Pilothouse boat with twin 250hp yamahas which i had to change because they were actualky new suzuki 300hp motors.ย My equipment is 2 speed reels and your kids were talking about how smooth the spinning reels were (Shimano saragosas btw).ย i graceously accepted your payment without gratuity (even though ut states customary is 20% for mate OR crew for good performance as stated in the first mate clause. as i agree we tried hard but didnt get much fish.ย but like they say, thats fishing.ย iโd also like to point out that we tried multiple different techniques in six hours from catching live bait to trolling live bait with wire to trolling lures, including planers to bottom Fishing multiple spots to trying to hand line the goliath grouper that broke us off a few times we attempted multiple different ways of Fishing all in a six hour charter that was also windy and pretty rough at times.
I find it very sad that you wait until after the trip to try and give me all one star reviews on here rather than man-to-man speak with me to see if thereโs something that we could do about it. You would prefer to try to hurt my reputation on a site. I donโt have very many reviews on, but thatโs OK because the majority of my reviews on Google and Facebook and everywhere else show the Captain that I am and Iโm pretty sure most people can read through and see that your expectations were a bit ridiculous i.e. not being happy with privacy and a toilet seat, lidded bucket with toilet paper on a fishing boat that stated thats what we had that was available to use.ย Goof lick snd god bless you snd your sweet family. i hipe you give offshore fishing another shot and splurge for the 70 foot hatteras.ย On the right day with more eating fish i brlirve you would be able to appreciate all the hard work and dedication that goes into keeping a boat and cgarter budiness running
so as per our message you knew there was not going to be a seperate first mate.ย the toilet seat lidded 5 gallon bucket and privacy with toilet paper was exactly as advertised.ย there is a head further forward but like i said it is the worst place to go to use the restroom.ย No where in the listing did it say sportfish. It said Pilothouse boat with twin 250hp yamahas which i had to change because they were actualky new suzuki 300hp motors.ย My equipment is 2 speed reels and your kids were... More
After staying at Myakka River State Park all week with no fishing luck, decided to book last minute before our drive home to South Carolina. Took my three boys 14, 11, and 9 and had a blast. Captain Dan definitely new his stuff as well as first mate who stayed busy the whole time. Very welcoming and laid back captain and crew who went to work when it was time to catch the fish. Brought in lots of Lane Snapper, 3 nice Grouper, and a real fun Barracuda for my 14 year old to haul in. If I am ever in the Sarasota area again I will definitely look up Beat Catch charters. This was a wonderful experience and well worth every bit of it!!!
After staying at Myakka River State Park all week with no fishing luck, decided to book last minute before our drive home to South Carolina. Took my three boys 14, 11, and 9 and had a blast. Captain Dan definitely new his stuff as well as first mate who stayed busy the whole time. Very welcoming and laid back captain and crew who went to work when it was time to catch the fish. Brought in lots of Lane Snapper, 3 nice Grouper, and a real fun Barracuda for my 14 year old to haul in. If I am ever... More
Thank you Michael!ย Your family was great with instructions, and ready to fish at every spot!ย Was an honor to fish with you and your boys! Seeing that barracuda jump 10 feet was pretty cool too!
Had a great time on this charter.ย Captain Dan and Jack really went out of their way to make sure our family had a great trip and caught some awesome fish. Highly recommend, boat was clean, safe and they even took COVID precautions. You should have no concerns about booking with them!ย Canโt wait to go again.
Thank you very much John!ย It was our pleasure!
Half day trip with the family, would have done the longer trip but wasnโt sure the kids could handle it and we were concerned about being in the sun that long.ย Near shore fishing was not real productive that day.ย Caught enough small fish, grunts and snapper, for one meal.ย Capt. and crew were helpful and tried hard to put us on some good fishing but it just wasnโt in the cards that day.ย Next time we will go for an offshore trip with a better chance for bigger fish in deeper water.
Thank you for the review.ย Would love the chance to get your family out into bigger fish in deeper water or and on the right day!ย Really appreviate you taking the tine to review!