While we truly regret that your experience with us didn’t meet your expectations, it seems that nothing short of the ability to materialize live bait from thin air would have done so. 

As it was explained repeatedly, live bait was not denied to you, it was simply unavailable— the live bait boat from where we receive our live bait was not active because the live bait fish that they catch was just not present. Thus, in an effort to be a good steward of the charter time you paid for, we proceeded onward to the fishing spots with the bait we did have in order to make the most prudent and productive use of your time on the boat. The alternative was to expend your time by posting-up outside the pass and fishing for live bait, which as we said, was simply not there. Additionally, after having been informed onboard that the live bait boat was not active and that the live bait fish were not present, you and your party made no indication that you would like to change your decision on proceeding with the trip.

As for the lack of trolling, it was explained to your entire group before departure that Florida State waters are closed for Red Snapper fishing, and it is very unwise for a Federally permitted vessel to be seen fishing in these state waters. At the time it was explained (before the trip began) no questions were asked and no concerns were voiced.  Furthermore, your request upon booking your reservation was as follows: “We are a family group wanting to catch some fish to take fresh to a restaurant and eat lunch.” As the primary target fish in Destin during Red Snapper season overwhelmingly is the Red Snapper, we did our best to maximize your time and efforts in catching Red Snapper, which you did. With that in mind and with FL State waters being closed for Red Snapper, we proceeded as quickly and safely as possible to the bottom fishing spots, where you did indeed catch said snapper.

Like we said, we’re as unhappy as you are with your experience, and we’re sorry that you feel yourself slighted. Regrettably, after having had this conversation with you several times over a single phone call, it seems we have arrived at an impasse. During this phone call, we asked several times how we could make you feel better about the circumstances, and you repeatedly said that you weren’t looking to get money back; however you seemingly took great pride in explaining how you tipped our deckhand poorly as recompense for your perceived slights, which he could not have lessened or prevented in the slightest.

All that said, we wish you the best of luck fishing in the future— with any other charter— where live bait is in constant excess.

While we truly regret that your experience with us didn’t meet your expectations, it seems that nothing short of the ability to materialize live bait from thin air would have done so.  As it was explained repeatedly, live bait was not denied to you, it was simply unavailable— the live bait boat from where we receive our live bait was not active because the live bait fish that they catch was just not present. Thus, in an effort to be a good steward of the charter time you paid for,... More