Hiring a charter boat for deep sea fishing is a very exciting way to spend your time. To make sure you get the most out of the experience there are some basic elements you want to cover before you hire the charter boat. First you need to decide what type of fish you are after. This will help you identify the best fishing locations offering that particular type of fish.

Consider how long you want to hire the deep sea fishing charter boat for. The majority to them charge by the hour, ½ day, or full day. You also need to look at the amenities they offer. For example if you are going to rent their fishing gear and want lunch provided it is going to cost you more than if you provide these items yourself. Ask for a complete breakdown of the costs so you can work out a deal to eliminate those you won’t need.

The size of the charter boat is going to affect the cost. Carefully consider how many people you will bring along with you so you can get the best price and still get your needs met. There is no reason to rent the largest charter boat when you will be the only one on it. If you will be bringing two or three others along with you though it is a good choice.

You need to carefully interview the person you are renting the charter boat from. Make sure they have a good reputation as well as plenty of knowledge for operating the boat. It is a good idea to make sure the Captain has been licensed through the United States Coast Guard.

Make sure you schedule your deep sea fishing charter boat well in advance, especially during peak season. You don’t want to be disappointed by getting there and finding out there are no charter boats available for your adventure. You also want to find out about refunds should you not be able to attend due to unexpected circumstances.

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The Atlantic Salmon suffered greatly from the effects of pollution and towards the end of the Twentieth Century the rivers that flow into the North Atlantic began to see the return of this valuable fish. Due to the rigorous enforcement of environmental legislation the rivers of Western Europe began to clear of the oxygen eating pollutants and they could, once again, sustain life. Conservation groups, environmentalists and anglers have all contributed to further measure to ensure the conservation of the Atlantic Salmon.

In 1983 NASCO (North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization), based in Edinburgh, Scotland, was set up with the sole purpose of protecting the Atlantic salmon and it’s environment. Although there have been massive improvements and many projects this incredible fish is still under threat. Diseases such as viral haemorrhagic septicaemia and the effects of fish farming continue to threaten stocks.

Catch & Release

Salmon fishing is extremely popular, the sport, and subsequent tourism, is a vital to countries such as Ireland and Scotland. Anglers have always had a deep respect for the fish they catch and they are acutely aware of the need for the conservation of fish stocks. With the stocks of spring salmon across the North Atlantic range being at an all time low it is vital that all possible measures are taken to ensure that sufficient salmon survive to spawn to maintain the species.

Many rivers are now protected by measures such as mandatory catch and release for both salmon and sea trout but many anglers understand that it necessary to practice catch and release on a much greater scale than previous years. However the practice of catch and release of returning spring fish and grilse, although on the increase, is not sufficient to ensure an increase in the survival rate to the stage if spawning. To ensure that a fish, once released, is able to survive to spawning it will be necessary for all anglers to adapt their styles of fishing.

A close examination of fishing tackle and equipment is required. Those anglers fly fishing for Atlantic salmon should ensure that they are only using barbless hooks and all barbed hooks, lures or flies, should be destroyed. Removing a barbed hook is far more difficult, and more harmful to the fish, than removing a barbless hook.

All hooks must be removed from from the fish with extreme care and consideration. Although fish can survive with the hook attached it benefits greatly from it’s removal. Rather than removing the fish from the water immediately attempt to remove the hook first. If you really must remove it from the water make sure your hands are wet and handle with care to ensure minimal scale loss and stress. Supporting the fish from beneath gently remove the hook by hand, if this isn’t possible use long nosed pliers or forceps, if it still refuses to budge cut the leader as close to the hook as you can. At all times take care to avoid the area around the gills and do not hold it so tightly as to cause damage.

Next you must return your prized Atlantic salmon to the water, place it gently into the water so that it is facing the current and support it until it recovers and is able to swim away. If you have a fish that has been heavily damaged you should not return it to the water but you should check that there are no local rules or statutory regulations which restrict you from retaining Atlantic salmon or Sea trout.

Further Considerations

There are a few other things that can be done, by the angler, to increase the chances of salmon surviving and spawning. Atlantic salmon are notoriously good fun to catch but take care not to play the fish for too long, if exhausted it will be less able to fully recover. You can also try to move it from fast flowing water as early as possible.

Try to keep the salmon in water at all times as any exposure to air is harmful and make sure you use a large landing net of good quality that uses knotless mesh.

Following the above recommendations will help in the fight against the decrease of Atlantic salmon stocks.

Andrew Kelly has lived in the Hebrides of Scotland for 16 years. Initially concentrating on accommodation in the Hebrides he began writing for the Internet he began writing about vacations in Scotland in general and has now published tens of thousands of pages and articles across many popular sites.

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