*Why should I choose you?
Captain Scott Horton has many years of fishing experience.
Fishing is our passion. We will go above & beyond to put you on fish.
You want to give yourself the best possible opportunity at filling the box with meat or catching a trophy fish!
Our 38 ft Albemarle Express Sportfisher is one of the best built & reliable fishing vessels on the planet.
*How many fisherman are allowed to come for the posted price?
SIX MAXIMUM ALLOWED PER CHARTER. You are not required to bring six but the price does not change for smaller groups.
*Do I need a fishing license?
No. Boat is licensed for all fisherman aboard.
*What are the fishing charter rates?
Please see our Trip Price List page.
*What does the charter fee include?
All fishing tackle, bait, ice, all licenses, Captain Scott Horton & his mate has many years of fishing expertise, great memories to last a lifetime!
*Can I choose which fish species I want to target?
ABSOLUTELY! But keep in mind, the time of year, location, water conditions, water temperature, barometric pressure, underwater currents, the stars and the moon dictate what bites and what doesn't. We'll let you know what's biting the best the day of your charter because we want you to catch fish! But the bottom line is, we'll make every effort to fulfill your request.
* What you'll need to bring?
Bring your own food and drinks.
Sunblock, polarized sunglasses.
Camera and/or video camera! Make sure to post any cool shots to our Facebook Page!
Motion sickness medicine is an inexpensive way to insure you have a good fishing trip! Here are some products we heard worked for others: Bonine or Meclazine.
Bring lots of water! It's the most important beverage to bring!
An offshore fishing trip is a long day (nearly 12 hours) so remember to bring anything that will make you comfortable.
Proper clothes for the season. Remember that the weather can change quickly, so dress in layers or bring layers with you. Rain gear if needed.
* Do you have a "NO FISH-NO PAY" policy?
No. It's a simple fact of life that all fishing places, no matter how good or how many stories have been written about them, sometimes just don't produce fish on a given day. Some people feel there should be a guarantee when chartering a boat. However, what you're paying for is to be on a boat with the opportunity to catch a large fish and the story of a lifetime. While we have a long history of successful fishing, there are NO GUARANTEES when it comes to catching fish.
* Safety
Captain Scott Horton & Mates are United States Coast Guard licensed and insured Virginia charter boat Captains with First Aid & C.P.R certifications. All for-hire vessels that carry six passengers MUST have every inch of the boat inspected and certified by the Coast Guard top and bottom. This is similar to a doctor being "board certified."
* What is the difference between trolling and bottom fishing?
Trolling is done in deep waters, using outriggers, down riggers and trolling rods, while the boat is moving at a certain slow speed. We can have up to 10 poles in the water to maximize your chances of catching fish. Bottom fishing is done by drifting offshore and dropping lines straight down, either with electric reels or hand cranked reels. Bottom fishing is more affected by the ocean conditions and can not be offered on a day with big waves and/or strong currents.
* What do we fish for?
Inshore - Cobia, Red drum, Black drum, Striper, Tautog, Flounder, Blue fish, Spanish Mackerel, Sharks. *** Offshore - White Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Blue fin tuna, Big eye tuna, Yellow fin tuna, Long fin tuna, Wahoo, Sharks, Dolphin"Mahi-Mahi", Sword fish, King Mackerel, Amberjack, Grouper, Tile fish, Barrel fish, Sea bass & More!
* Is there a bathroom on the boat?
Yes. We have a very comfortable and clean bathroom with sink & shower on the boat.
* Is there a mate to help us?
Yes, The mate will help as much OR as little as you want. He'll show you how to use the tackle, bait the hooks and bring the fish into the boat.
* What's the standard and customary tip for the mate?
The mate works hard for your fishing pleasure. Please keep in mind that the mate works for tips only. They are at the boat hours before your trip begins preparing all rods & reels, rigging baits, cleaning the boat, doing engine safety checks etc...they are also there for hours after the trip cleaning up as well. 15-20% of the charter fee is customary & is highly appreciated.
* What is the estimated duration of trips?
It depends on which trip you have booked for the day. Please see our trips prices page for trip times & duration.
* What happens if rain/bad weather is forecasted for my fishing day?
Safety is our primary concern. During inclement weather. Fishing trips may be rescheduled or even canceled if the captain deems it necessary. Inclement weather would be; High Winds, Rough Seas, or Heavy Rain for the entire day. **FULL REFUND OF DEPOSIT WILL BE GIVEN - ONLY IF CAPTAIN DECIDES IT'S UNSAFE TO FISH**
* What NOT to bring on the boat!
NO BANANAS! Just don't do it! There is an ancient superstition that Bananas on boats are BAD LUCK! Google it!
NO TANNING OIL!
Tanning oil on a boat is very dangerous and should be saved for the beach. Nobody wants to try to hold onto something and find themselves in the ocean because there was oil left on that part of the boat from another passenger. Sunblock is fine.
NO GLASS BOTTLES!
Please bring cans, as broken glass on a boat can be very dangerous.
NO NEGATIVITY!
Having positive energy and thinking positively on board the boat does directly have a positive effect on the success of fishing and the fun factor! Be careful not to allow negative thinking to creep into the day during times of a slow or nonexistent bite. You’ll begin to focus on the bad in all events, people, places, and things, making it very hard for the captain and crew to work effectively at putting fish on the hook and pleasing you. Like the saying goes "A bad day fishing is still better than any day of work!" So leave any “negativity” at the dock! It will be there when you get back, for sure!
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