Joseph:  I’m sorry you feel your time was wasted on our fishing trip. I’d like to address each one of your concerns, but first let me say that I went out of my way to re-arrange my schedule and other bookings to accommodate your trip. You booked your trip for Friday, November 16. Then called me on the 8th, thinking your trip was on the 9th. I moved another charter and a training session so you and your friends could fish on the 10th. When you called me on the 8th and told me you wanted to fish for grouper, I told you at that time that grouper were absent from the local reefs due to red tide. Grouper are confined to reefs at least 25 miles offshore and I informed you at that time that your booking of a 6-hour charter allowed very little fishing time with a 25-mile offshore trip and return. Then I explained we would be fishing for migratory species-mackerel, bonita, barracuda-due to the red tide. If you didn’t want to fish for those species, why did you continue with the trip? I’m sorry your friend lost his footing on boarding. I was standing on the rail and my mate was at the base of the steps; both of us ready to assist in boarding. I clearly explained the boarding procedure and your friend chose to ignore my instructions. As far as seating is concerned, we try to provide seating for everyone on the trip out and the trip back in. Most of our clients prefer to fish standing up. The wind and wave conditions off Clearwater during our trip made standing difficult and may have required more seating. My apologies for that. Tyler, the mate, is an experienced fisherman and mate and was right there to provide advice, hand line fish into the boat, remove fish from the line and reset rigs in the water. He even had another rod ready to go when a rig was lost. I’m sorry you found his skills lacking. From my position in the flybridge, Tyler did everything he should have done to make your trip a success. Our boat is used for charter fishing. The boat is clean and gear is safely put away unless it is being used. We have two (2) gaffs hanging on the bridge ladder where they are readily accessible when needed. The gaff points are covered by rubber tubing so no one can be injured from the points. There was one lure in the cabin and the hooks of that lure, as are all our hooks, were buried in plastic foam so as not to injure even the most curious guest. I’m sorry you felt my attitude was poor, considering I made every effort to accommodate your last-minute change in schedule and fully explained the science of the situation regarding red tide, fish species and their locations. Again, if you wanted to fish for grouper, our discussion on the 8th was your opportunity to cancel with me and make other arrangements. The wind and weather situation was one in which I felt, as captain, that conditions were becoming uncomfortable. Seas were over three (3) feet and the wind and seas were building, as the forecast we discussed prior to leaving the dock predicted. I suggested we shorten the trip for safety reasons and refund you the difference and you agreed. If you wanted to continue to fish, Tyler and I were fully prepared to continue the charter. It was your decision to accept my recommendation to head in. At the time I made the suggestion, several of your party were having a difficult time maintaining their balance when moving about the cockpit. We make every effort to provide a safe environment on board at all times. Furthermore, we had been catching Spanish mackerel on a regular basis where we were fishing that morning. We had 15 fish in the box and were releasing additional fish caught-I estimate we released another 10-15 fish. On our boat, we practice conservation and believe that 2-3 fish per person is more than enough for table fare. In addition, it seemed to me that you and your friends were having a good time reeling in all those Spanish mackerel-several of which topped 24 in. When we returned to the dock and cleaned the fish, you left behind over half your catch. In conclusion, since you voiced no displeasure regarding our trip at any other time and even left us a generous tip, I am disappointed in the comments and poor review you left. One final note:  There were four (4) of you on the boat, not five (5).

Joseph:  I’m sorry you feel your time was wasted on our fishing trip. I’d like to address each one of your concerns, but first let me say that I went out of my way to re-arrange my schedule and other bookings to accommodate your trip. You booked your trip for Friday, November 16. Then called me on the 8th, thinking your trip was on the 9th. I moved another charter and a training session so you and your friends could fish on the 10th. When you called me on the 8th and told me you wanted to... More