The Deep Lines of Fishing - Part II NEW ANGLERS CAN GET HOOKED ON FISHING
By Charlie Petrocci	May 2004

Click here to enlarge Head boat fishing off of Ocean City can be a wholesome family activity. Photo by Charlie Petrocci.

        A friend of mine told me recently that his son was taking his grandson on the boy’s first fishing trip. It reminded my friend of the first fishing trip he’d taken with his son many years ago. While fishing for stripers on a charter boat, his son hooked into a big fish. Since the boy was only a little guy at the time, he’d had his son brace the rod against his (the father’s) back. And with the patient father rising and stooping to support the rod, along with words of encouragement, his son was able to bring in a striped bass almost as long as he was. A photo of that boy with his fish hangs today on the wall of his father’s den.
       
        Such memories inspire the continuation of this sport of kings, and generations of anglers have cut their teeth fishing throughout the Eastern Shore. From fishing off a creekside bank to fighting a big fish from the stern of an ocean-going charter boat, it’s all a game where possibly more sportlovers are hooked than fish. With the approach of spring’s warm winds, the Eastern Shore becomes a gracious host, for both veteran anglers and those who hope to become one.
       
        THE FIRST CAST
        There are several ways to get involved in fishing for the first time. One of the simplest is to visit a local tackle shop and talk to one of the fishing specialists who work there. They will set you up with the right rod and reel, fishing rig, bait, and all the other paraphernalia that goes with enjoying a day out on the water. They can also point out which species are biting and where, what the best baits are, and when are the best times to fish. They are motivated to help new anglers have a good first experience because it may develop future business for themselves.
       
        Another way to get involved in fishing is to either hire a charter boat or go on a party or “head” boat. A charter boat is usually a boat anywhere from 20 to 50 feet in length, able to carry from 6 to 20 anglers. Its crew consists generally of a captain and a mate. Those chartering the boat are thus able to spend a day among friends, family, or business associates. And such paying passengers usually call the shots on what species they want to go for and how long they want to fish. The cost of a charter boat depends on the type of trip and what species you are targeting. For example, inshore or bay fishing trips average about $300/day, while offshore deep sea fishing trips can average $800/day, again depending on the species sought and how far the boat must travel to find them.
       
        "Most of my charter groups are families or groups of friends who want to come out on the bay and spend a few hours fishing together,” says charter boat captain Keith Ward of Crisfield. “Occasionally I get business-related groups, too. In the last few years, I’ve been getting many repeat customers, so business has been good," adds Ward.
        Smaller charter boats for hire throughout the shore specialize in smaller groups, usually 2 to 4 anglers. These boats are ideal for finesse fishing shallow back bays and for fly fishing.
       
        Fishing on a charter boat is one of the most enjoyable ways to fish. Though relatively expensive, it can offer a hassle-free fishing experience. Bait, tackle, rods, fishing license, and crew are all supplied. You bring only your lunch and drinks. You will get expert advice on how to fish, hook, and land a variety of species. If a new angler has a good trip, those new skills will likely be put to use on future trips. It’s a win-win situation for both the anglers and charter boat businesses.
       
        Party boats, locally known as “head boats,” are different from charter trips in that individuals or small groups of anglers can meet the boat at departure time and pay per person, thus the term "head boat." These boats are open to the paying public and usually fish the same areas the charter boats do. They have rods available for a small rental fee, and bait is included with the trip. The mates and captain work hard to ensure you a good day fishing. The only drawback may be that you’ll be fishing with strangers. But for many anglers, this is a great opportunity to meet new people who share your passion for fishing. Party boats range from an average of $40/day/person for bay and inshore fishing to a high of $75 for offshore, wreck-fishing trips. In some places, including Ocean City, captains offer half-day trips that fish for only four hours and are quite reasonably priced.
       
        The easiest place to find charter and head boat information is to contact the local chamber of commerce for a list of boats. Some have brochures describing trips. A number of regional sport fishing publications such as “Fisherman Magazine,” “Coastal Fisherman,” and “Chesapeake Angler,” carry advertisements for local boats. You can learn about boats, gear, and trips by attending one of the outdoor sport shows held in the region, usually during the spring months. One of the largest on the Eastern Shore is the Outdoor Expo, held each February at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury. Here you’ll find fishing tackle galore, great classes on fishing technique, and an assortment of fishing guides and boats for hire advertising their wares.
       
        FISH OR CUT BAIT
        Charter and head boats generally fish for the main species that are running during that part of the season. Fishing season along the Eastern Shore usually runs April to December. In the colder months of spring and fall, striped bass fishing is the Number One sport in this region. In late spring, the region hosts species such as weakfish, croaker, spot, seabass, bluefish, and black drum. In the summer, those same species dominate the anglers’ choice list and will include tuna, marlin, red drum, cobia, and flounder, too. Fall months offer Eastern Shore anglers nice runs of tuna, weakfish, red drum, striped bass, and seabass. Ports to choose from include Ocean City, Lewes, Crisfield, Deal Island, Wachapreague, Chincoteague and Cape Charles, among others.
       
        Charter and head boats are run by licensed captains who have passed a required Coast Guard test that enables them to carry passengers. They are also annually inspected by the Coast Guard for passenger safety requirements. All charter and head boats must have enough life jackets and/or life boats for the number of passengers they are licensed to carry. A good captain will tell passengers the safety rules of the boat before you leave the dock. The captain and mate want the anglers to have a safe and enjoyable time. If the mate does a good job handling your needs while on board, it is customary to provide a tip at the end of the day.
       
        If you have never tried fishing, this season is a good time to start. Visit a tackle shop, stop by a marina, or call a local boat captain and plan that great adventure. Once hooked, you will realize that fishing is a great excuse to spend some wonderful days out on the beautiful waters of the Eastern Shore. New anglers may heed words written by John Buchan, "The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope." And if you do become an avid angler, perhaps these words by Mark Twain will help you become a better one: "Do not tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly don’t tell them where they know the fish." See you on the water!

Related links:
Worcester County Tourism – http://visitworcester.org
Somerset County Tourism – http://visitsomerset.com
Wicomico County Tourism – http://wicomicotourism.org
Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce – http://esvachamber.org
Ocean City MD – http://ococean.com
       
        Charlie Petrocci is a maritime heritage researcher, writer, and lecturer living in Chincoteague, VA. He serves on the advisory board of the National Marine Charterboat Association.
       
        © University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 2005. All rights reserved.

 Additional Photos

Click here to enlarge Mike Belote of Petersburg, VA holds up a fat flounder taken during a spring trip on the charter boat Fish n Finn out of Onancock, VA. Photo by Charlie Petrocci.

Click here to enlarge Fishing on a charter boat is a great way for children to learn about local fish species. Photo by Charlie Petrocci.

Click here to enlarge This woman holds up her first croaker caught on a charter boat in Crisfield. Photo by Charlie Petrocci.

Click here to enlarge Pontoon boats offer anglers an inexpensive way to enjoy inshore coastal charter fishing. Photo by Charlie Petrocci.

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Katherine Harting
Room 2133 Richard A. Henson Center
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
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E-mail: kharting@umes.edu



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