Question 1

Am I guanteed to catch fish?

Accepted Answer

Like fishing anywhere, there's no absolute guarantee you'll reel in your dream catch during a charter. That said, it's quite rare for us to come back empty-handed. Choosing the right hourly package can help if you're targeting a specific species. Keep in mind, fishing conditions are influenced by many natural factors—season, wave height, current, moon phase, and tide—all of which play a role in what's biting that day.  So, while it's very likely you'll catch something, you might not always land that perfect mahi mahi for lunch. Fishing is part patience, part adventure—every trip is unique!  If you've ever been fishing before you understand why it’s called fishing and not catching.  We might be fishing for one type of fish and catch something completely unexpected.  That is the fun in fishing with families for us.  Sometimes we have to hunt around a bit and try to find some that are biting better than others.  Fish move around they are not always in the same place.

Question 2

Why do families love Captain Bob and the Jig is Up crew?

Accepted Answer

Families love us for our amazing hospitality and top-notch service! Kids are always welcome, and Captain Bob, along with First Mate Dylan, goes above and beyond to make every trip special. Behind the scenes, Bob's wife Kim works hard to ensure your family has the best day ever. Onboard the MADALY, we prioritize safety, fun, and creating unforgettable memories for everyone!

Question 3

What is the youngest a child can be to go fishing and do you have life jackets?

Accepted Answer

This all depends on your child. If your kids are outdoorsy type kids, I would say 4 years of age is the youngest, but you know your child. Remember, any child 7 years old or younger must wear a life jacket while on board in state waters. Our child life jackets will fit those 4 yrs. and older.  I will always suggest you purchase a coast guard approved life jacket as they are required to where it at all times.  Babies /very tiny children, you will need to bring one the appropriate size.  The weather and sea conditions when traveling with a little one will also determine where Captain Bob decides to fish.  Your family safety is his top priority.

Question 4

Do you charge for babies or someone not fishing?

Accepted Answer

On a private charter 6 passengers is 6 passengers no matter what age.  The coast guard only allows 6 people on our vessel.  They say if they are breathing, they count as 1 person.

Question 5

What do I need to bring with me?

Accepted Answer

We have a cooler with ice on board for the captain and first mate.  You can use this cooler or bring your own small cooler with snacks and/or lunch and drinks.  Also don't forget personal items such as sun block, sunglasses, hat camera, plenty of water and climate appropriate clothing.  Hand wipes and/or a towel is also suggested to bring.

Question 6

How long are the trips and how far out will we go?

Accepted Answer

Trip lengths range from 3-6 hours. Where Captain Bob goes will be determined by factors including weather, sea conditions, proven spots and length of the trip.  Generally speaking, a 3-4 hour trip is not enough time to get to the deeper spots for snapper and mahi-mahi.  A 5 - 6 hour trip will go 15 - 20 miles away from the Destin pass which usually yields the quality fish.  We are a state licensed charter company and can go up to 9 miles from the shoreline for reef fishing.  We are able to troll/sport fish beyond that point for pelagic fish in federal waters. The more hours on the water allows us to venture farther from the Destin Pass to put you on the quality fish.

Question 7

What if I get seasick?

Accepted Answer

Seasickness affects everyone differently! If you get motion sickness in cars or at amusement parks, there's a chance you might feel it on the boat. Be prepared—medications like Dramamine or Bonine can help (check with your doctor first). Take them before boarding for the best results. Non-medical options like ginger ale, Sprite, or crackers can also help!

Question 8

If I get seasick will I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

We understand that seasickness can be an unfortunate part of being on the water. However, refunds are not available in this situation. When you book a charter, we reserve your spot and dedicate our time and resources to your trip. Because that time cannot be replaced or resold once the boat departs, we’re unable to issue refunds due to seasickness.

Question 9

What factors can impact the success of our trip?

Accepted Answer

The success of your trip depends on many factors—your participation, willingness to learn, the bite, fishing pressure, moon phase, tide, current, water clarity, weather, and sea conditions. A full cooler often depends on the season and how the fish are biting. But remember, any day fishing, enjoying the boat, and sharing good company beats a day at work!

Question 10

What do you provide?

Accepted Answer

We give you the best tools and take you to proven fishing spots, giving you a greater-than-average chance to catch some nice fish. Our 32 ft Worldcat boat and tackle are carefully maintained, and we’re equipped with GPS and a trolling motor to hold position when conditions allow.
If the waves are high or the Gulf is too rough, we adapt by trolling over wrecks or drift fishing. This flexibility is important because it ensures you still have a chance to hook one of those big ones and bring it to the boat—without worrying about malfunctions or preventable issues.

Question 11

What if the season is closed on the fish we catch?

Accepted Answer

When Red Snapper, Amberjack, triggerfish and grouper season closes, and you have a fishing trip planned, we can still catch them, photograph them and release them.  
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We usually find Vermillion Snappers (Mingo's or bedliners) which don’t have a season only a size and limit. There’s a great chance you will find other keepers too such as King or Spanish Mackerel, Tunny or even a mahi.

Question 12

What fish can we keep, and will we catch a limit?

Accepted Answer

It all depends on the season and your group's fishing skills! Many fish we catch off Destin, like red snapper, triggerfish, and amberjack, are regulated by strict federal and state laws with quotas and short seasons. We focus on the joy of fishing—catching whatever's biting! If it's in season and of legal size, you can keep it. For those looking to fill the cooler, plan your trip during the right season!

Question 13

Why Does Your Fishing Trips Cost What It Does?

Accepted Answer

Charter fishing is a service industry, and we know what kind of service we provide for our customers.   We charge a fair competitive price.  We are not the most expensive and we aren’t the lease expensive.  Please read our reviews and you will see why families pick The Jig is Up as the best value in the Destin, Okaloosa Island, and Fort Walton Beach area
We are a seasonal business.  Our tourist season begins in March with Spring Break.  Our summer season being Memorial Day and continues through the third week of August, or when the kids go back to school. Our less touristy fall season starts in the first week in September (Labor Day) and runs through November (Thanksgiving).
With such a seasonal window to work, we have to charge enough money to make a living and then pay bills for the months that we are not running a lot.  The weather and sea conditions can shut us down too.   I assure you this industry is tough and fierce competition for your business.  One thing for sure, we are competitive on our pricing and want to keep your cost as low as we can.  But we also have to make a living.
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We charge what we do for our trips because we know what gross revenue it takes to stay in business.  Fuel is the single largest expense for our company and that is ever fluctuating.   Currently prices are $6 a gallon and our fast dual 350 Suzuki engines get 1 mpg.  Our prices reflect monthly slip rental, insurance, long and short-term maintenance, keeping well maintained fishing tackle, licenses, bait, parking pass location and the list continues.   We don’t mess around when it comes to taking care of our boat.  In addition, we have top of the line GPS, all sonars (fish finders) and radar and Rhodan 96” trolling motor, hover mode with Optimus 360 joystick for spot lock etc.
We maintain our boat and fishing gear at the highest of standards and we still have a few mechanical failures from time to time.  But one thing for sure, a well-maintained charter boat doesn’t break down nearly as much as one who doesn’t know what their service is worth.

Question 14

Why Tip Your Deckhand or First Mate for their services?

Accepted Answer

A deckhand only has about 5 months to make their living for the entire year.  It seems like they make a lot of money, but that money made in five months must be rationed out and last 12 months.  They work hard for their tip. Those winters are long and dark when you have no income coming in until the second week of March each year.  Since your deckhand works seasonally it is hard for them to get a job the other months because most people want employees to work year-round.  We are unique in what we do for people.
Remember – Your deckhand can’t control how the fish bites or if there is a mechanical issue that is out of his scope.  When it comes to fishing, they keep the boat clean (but you must do your part and pick up after yourself if you make a mess) and teach you and your family how to use the tackle and learn how to catch a fish.  Your deckhand is a guide who cares if you have excellent fishing experience.  This is why on our boat tips are appreciated.  This amount is to be paid in cash only.  Free or complimentary fish cleaning for any fish you harvest is also included by the deckhand.

Question 15

Are there other Family Activities you suggest?

Accepted Answer

We suggest a Luxury Picnic on the Beach with By the Sea Events.  You can find their website at By the Sea Beach Wedding and Luxury Picnic Setup Services Okaloosa Island Beach Setups and Event Planning

FAQ

What kind of fish will you catch?

Frequently asked questions