First charter tomorrow morning. Tips/advise welcome.

Hi all,

I'm going out tomorrow morning on the Salty Lady out of SF for Salmon with a buddy who set the trip up. This will be my first time fishing off of a boat that isn't my kayak, so any advice would be welcome. I've fished for salmon before but I have no clue about boat etiquette, or how self sufficient I'm expected to be. Like how much of my own gear should I bring?

Any help in not making an too much of an ass of myself would be welcome.

Thanks!
-Bryan

Get there super early and grab a spot in the back of the boat (closer to center the better, most fish are landed in the corners).

The boats generally have all the gear that you'll need.  They like to have everybody using the same weight/release/leader combo to minimize tangles. In the morning they're usually not thrilled if you try to run your own gear.  Have some apex's or crocs just in case you're trolling bait all day with zero results.  Sometimes the odd bait in the spinning chovy school will draw a strike. Don't run a flasher.   



 

If you catch fish, I would let the deckhand walk the rod to the back of the boat.  Follow whatever he said.  If he tells you to pray, then start praying   Good luck!


Get there super early, put your rod where you want to fish.  Back of the boat is typically full and a lot of people think they are the best spot.  One advantage being in the back, you usually can put deeper than instructed, especially if you are in the corner.  However, if the deckhand says it's not cool, don't do it.

Dont forget to tip the deckhand, fish or not.