What To Expect On A Charter Fishing Trip 

The sun’s out, your boat is ready, and the spirits are high! That’s how you’ll (hopefully) feel on your first-ever charter fishing trip. 

As many seasoned anglers will tell you, fishing isn’t just throwing some bait into the water and hoping for a bite. There are a lot more nuanced and skill involved in getting the biggest catch. 

If you’ve found this article, you’re rightly looking to do your research before embarking on your journey. So, without further ado, here’s what to expect on a charter fishing trip for the first time.

Beginners Guide On What To Expect On A Charter Fishing Trip

Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime? A charter fishing trip on the Virgin Islands is an experience you will never forget. Here we cover a couple of things you should expect on a big day so that you can be the most prepared for your next trip.

Before we dive in, make sure you pack for everything you need! First things first - layers! Things can quickly get chilly in the sea breeze. Bring a light jacket just in case. The more adjustable your layers are, the better off you will be. Grab some sunglasses and a hat to keep the sun off too. 

You’ll Be Tired At The End Of The Day!

The first point on our list of what to expect on a charter fishing trip is not to underestimate a fishing trip. Many people think it’s just like a picnic in the park, but that’s far from the truth. 

A charter fishing trip is physically taxing, even if you’re not doing it full-time. Make sure you work out a few weeks before your trip so that your body is prepared. Eat good food, take your vitamins, and stay hydrated — you should be doing those things every day anyway.

Most fishing trips start very early in the morning, so make sure you get a good night’s sleep and are firing on all cylinders in the morning. On the actual day of your fishing trip, make sure you drink lots of water and wear sunscreen - it will be hot!

Lots of Down-Time

Many beginners have the misconception that they’ll continuously be tugging and pulling on their fishing poles during the day. However, the reality is that fishing is not all action.

A lot of fish species only get caught during specific times of the day. Combine this with the time spent zooming around on the fishing boat, and you’ll realize there’s a lot of downtime involved.

This is not a bad thing by any means! It gives you an excellent opportunity to talk to the pros and your fishing crew. They’re bound to have loads of adventure stories and tips about deep-sea fishing. Take this chance to connect with them and learn more about what fishing is like and ask them questions about their adventures.

Beautiful Sights

A charter trip isn’t just about catching tasty fish. There are only a few sights on Earth quite like the deep blue expanse of the ocean. 

Plus, you’ll meet all sorts of interesting creatures on your journey. From eels to starfish or even sharks, there’s no telling what you might see out on the water! Make sure you bring your camera or phone with a waterproof case to capture the memories of the day. Plus, you don’t want to forget to take a picture of your catch!

A Great Meal!

When we’re talking about what to expect on a charter fishing trip, we can’t just discard the most significant part: the fish! 

Once you’ve your catch for the day, the fishing crew will prep and cut it to let you take it home and make the best seafood dinner you’ve ever had! There are several restaurants on the island that will even cook the fish you caught with us.

We’ll let you keep up to 25 pounds of fish that we prepare right on the boat for you.

Book Your Trip Today!

Now that you know what to expect on a charter fishing trip, it’s time to get your fisherman hat out and book your trip. We specialize in trolling for big game fish like Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi-Mahi, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, and even Wahoo. Our charter boat, Just Fish, has plenty of comfortable, dry, and shaded seating for up to six anglers.

We can accommodate various trip styles, whether it’s just you and your friend, you and your spouse, or the whole family! Read up on all of our Frequently Asked Questions.

Just Fish St. John specializes in helping both beginners and seasoned anglers catch big game fish on our new charter boat and top of the line fishing gear. 

Enjoy a day out in the soothing waters of St. John and St. Thomas by filling this form or giving us a call at 340-201-9329.