Private boat guide

[capt hoop]

I will no longer going on private boats offshore to get the owner (captain of his vessel) familiar with the waters in the Venice area and some of our deep water fishing methods.

Recently a charter captain was on a private boat and there was a problem with a permit. I have this federal permit which I paid several thousand dollars for. This permit is issued to my boat. It is not for me as a captain. I spent today trying to get answers from NMFS and LDWF. Neither one gave me any definite answers leaving a grey area that puts me an illegal situation depending on the officer and other mitigating conditions that could put me on the wrong side of the law.

I can still go out for tuna, wahoo, and mahi, on private boast as a guide but if we have a tough day there is no way we can stop for cobia, snapper, grouper, amberjack or any other reef fish that are on season which would be taking away from the owner of the boat and the people onboard with him. At that point it would be my fault for them not enjoying the many other types of fishing and fish this area affords them.

It is for this reason I have decided to post this. I will be more than happy to assist you with charts and safe passages to get out and in but that is about all I can do from here on out.

[redaddiction]

That's understandable. You have to protect your self and your business. Too bad trying to get answers is so difficult. If you ask 5 people with LDWF you will get 5 different answers.

[capt hoop]

I got Less help with NMFS. LDWF came up with some ideas but they would only complicate things more.

[Chip Landry]

Man that Sucks, I was going to PM you in the near future to see how much you charge for day trips on a private boat. My buddy's dad has a 27' Americat and we're trying to talk him into making a trip to Venice. Would you recommend anyone?

Like redaddiction said, you have to protect yourself!

[meaux fishing]

He said on THT he would do a pelagics only trip if you were interested.

[Chip Landry]

Originally Posted by meaux fishing

He said on THT he would do a pelagics only trip if you were interested.

That's what we're looking for.. Wahoo and tuna. I'll still shoot him a pm when the time comes.

[capt hoop]

That is the only way I can do it. Tuna, Wahoo, and Mahi only. If nothing much caught that day we can not stop on the way in to put meat in the box. Sorry but my hands are tied. Rather it that way than having my hands cuffed.

[Whyme]

Captain Hoop....you did the right thing by doing what you are doing, until you get the correct answer from the right person. Better safe then sorry.
Whyme
Mako My Dayo