Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Will we catch fish?

A. 100 percent Guaranteed

Q. Do we supply live bait?

A. Only if needed. Depending on the trip, time of the year and what we are fishing for, we will stop on the ride out and catch fresh live bait for your trip to be successful. We supply you with frozen bait for all of our trips.

Q. What’s included in the price of a charter?

A. Your fare includes rods and reels, bait, tackle, ice, fish cleaning and fish packaging.

Q. Do I need a fishing license to fish on your boat?

A. No. All passengers are covered under our recreational charter boat license.

Q. What do I need to bring for my trip?

A.1. Sun block, hat, sunglasses and light colored clothes are suggested for the summer months -
warmer clothes in the winter months.
2. Any food and soft drinks you would like for the duration of the trip.
3. White-soled sneakers or deck shoes. No black-soled shoes please.
4. Seasickness prevention pills or patch. If you feel you are susceptible to motion sickness, we
suggest you take Dramamine or any other brand the night before your trip, then just before you
get on board. All local pharmacies carry them, as well as patches for more advanced cases.

Q. What should I leave behind?

A. Please do not bring the following aboard. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

• Illegal drugs or contraband
• Hard liquor
• Dark-soled or hard-soled shoes (boat shoes, or sneakers are suggested)
• GPS or navigational devices
• Cell phones

Q. Can I bring alcoholic beverages aboard?

A. You are welcome to bring beer and consume in moderation. No hard liquor of any type is permitted.

Q. Can I bring my own rods/reels and tackle?

A. You can if you wish (2 per person max.), however, it is not necessary as we provide them for you on board.

Q. Can I bring a cooler on board?

A. Our on-board coolers are available for your personal use. We ask that you plan on using them to prevent clutter on deck. We do suggest you bring a cooler in your vehicle to carry your fillets home in. We will gladly ice your cooler for you.

Q. What time do we leave?

A. Departure times are flexible based on the type of trip you are booking. Your captain or mate will assist you in deciding your departure time and location while you are planning your trip. We normally leave the dock at 7:00 am for most trips unless you are scheduled for an afternoon trip.

Q. How do I book a trip with you?

A. Once you have decided on a date(s) and type of trip you'd like, call us at: 727-647-3783 or 813-841-8749; or fill out our Charter Request Form on the rates/booking page on our web site. We are always available to help you with your decision.

A $100.00 deposit is required at the time of booking, to hold your date/trip.

Q. What type of payments do you accept?

A. We prefer cash or money order. We are unable to accept personal checks. If you wish to pay by credit card, you are welcomed to do so by visiting www.paypal.com. Creating an account is quick and easy. Once you have done so, simply choose the “send money” option. Our verified PayPal account name is captainpete@offshorehustler.com. PayPal is the most secure and reputable online credit card payment source there is.

Please note that trip must be paid in full prior to departure. If balance is due on the day of your trip, please pay your captain in cash when you arrive at the dock. NO credit cards at the dock.

Q. What is your cancellation policy?

A. To receive a full refund of your deposit, we ask that you give us no less than 7 days notice prior to your scheduled departure time. If you choose to reschedule the date of your trip within the 7 day period, your existing deposit will be kept as a rescheduling fee, and you must make a new deposit for the rescheduled date. If choose to cancel your trip within the 7 day period, 50% of your trips cost will be due.

Trips cancelled by us at any time prior to departure, due to weather, mechanical, or other unforeseen circumstances will be refunded within 3 days of cancellation.

At Offshore Hustler, your safety is our primary concern. The captain alone decides if the weather and sea conditions are suitable and safe for fishing. Any cancellation due to weather conditions is at the sole discretion of the captain.

Q. Can we keep what we catch?

A. Yes you can, however, you must stay within legal size and bag limits on all species of which such limits apply.

Q. What can I do with my fish if I am visiting from out of town or just don’t feel like cooking them?

A. We have teamed up with several local restaurants that offer Offshore Hustler customers a “Hook em and Cook em” special. They will cook your fresh fillets a variety of ways with all the fixings all at very reasonable prices. Here are the names of a few really close restaurants to us:

Sea Critters Café
www.seacritterscafe.com
2007 Pass-a-Grille Way
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
727-360-3706

The Wharf Seafood Restaurant
www.wharfrestaurant.org
2001 Pass-a-Grille Way
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
727-367-9469

The Hurricane Restaurant
www.thehurricane.com
809 Gulf Way
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
727-360-9558

Q. How do I get a fish I caught mounted?

A. We use one of the finest taxidermists in the area, and would be glad to assist you in having your trophy catch mounted and shipped to your location.