FAQ

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.

It’s because of the great hospitality and customer service that families receive. Kids are always welcome! The extra effort that Captain Bob and his first mate Kevin give you on every trip is phenomenal. Not to mention the other Crew members Kim and Lindy who are behind the scenes to ensure you and your family/friends have the best day ever. While on board our vessel the MADALY they ensure a safe and fun experience. The crew enjoys fishing with families and children and work hard to help create awesome memories for the entire family.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Everyone is different. If you tend to get motion sickness riding in a car or at amusement parks there is a good possibility you might on a charter boat. The best advice is to be prepared. Dramamine, Bonie, Motion Eaze or a patch can be found at your favorite pharmacy. Please consult your physician before taking any of these meds. If using any of these medications, they need to be in your system before you get on board our vessel. Non-medical options include Sprite or Ginger Ale and crackers.

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.

Your success on the water depends on many factors: your participation, willingness to learn, the bite, fishing pressure, moon phase, tide, current, water clarity, weather, sea conditions, and salinity. A full cooler is determined by the season, your involvement, and how the fish are biting. Remember—any day spent fishing, enjoying the boat, and sharing good company is better than a day at work!

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.

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. ​ 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.

Well, that all depends on the fish you are catching being in season and the people in your group being able to learn how to catch them. Most of the fish we catch off Destin (like red snapper, triggerfish, amberjack) are highly regulated by federal and state fisheries laws. This means they have strict quotas, small bag limits and often short seasons. Since we don’t focus on meat hunting or filling the cooler/freezer, it’s hard to say what or how many you can keep. That is why we go fishing; we catch whatever is biting. If it is of legal size and in season, you may keep them. We are not hard-core anglers who focus on only catching a limit or trying to fill the cooler. If you want to catch a lot of fish to take home, you need to book your trip when those species are in season.

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. ​ 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.

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.

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