What can you expect, what should you bring, how to enjoy your day on the water?
The Day Before: You will receive a call from Captain Brett the afternoon before your charter to discuss specific departure/return times, answer any questions you may have, and direct you to the boat located in slip G-8 at the Indian River Marina. You are welcome to come by the marina for a cocktail at Hammerhead's Dockside and check out the boat/talk to the captain.
The Morning of: There is plenty of free parking and restroom facilities at Indian River Marina. The slip is on the far south side of the marina next to the fuel dock (see red arrow on map for where to park and access boat). The captain will meet you at the boat. Please try to arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled departure to load up, board, and get underway on time.
The Ride Out: Depending on the type of charter you have scheduled and current conditions/fishing activity, you will begin your day with a ride out to the fishing grounds that can range anywhere from 5 (inshore fishing) - 65 (offshore) nautical miles. This can take 15 minutes to upwards of 3 hours. You will be provided with bean bags to stay comfortable and enjoy the cruise. Often times we see porpoise, flying fish, birds, whales, and amazing sunrises.
During the Day: Once we have arrived at the fishing grounds the fun really begins. You will have every opportunity to participate in baiting and putting out the lines if you would like to do so. Keeping watch for signs of life such as birds, porpoise, whales, turtles, flying fish and floating debris is an important part of locating offshore fish that everyone can participate in. Fishing for flounder and sea bass involves holding the rod and feeling the fish bite in order to be successful. There is plenty to do on the boat and your day will fly by.
Back at the Docks: At the end of the day when we return to the marina you can choose to have your catch cleaned by the professionals at Hook'em & Cook'em for a small fee or you can take it along with you and clean it yourself. Many people like to enjoy food, drinks, and live entertainment at Hammerhead's Dockside while their catch is being cleaned.
What to wear: Hat, sunglasses, sweatshirt (the mornings can be chilly), plenty of sunscreen, sneakers or deck shoes (no black soles). Keep in mind that fishing can get a little messy and a little wet at times.
What to bring: Small cooler with sandwiches, snacks, drinks (beer, water, soda, etc.), camera. It's a good idea to bring a larger, empty cooler and leave it in your car to transport your catch home. Ice can be purchased at the tackle shop.
Sea Sickness: We strongly encourage you to take Bonine the night before and in the morning when you wake up so it has time to get into your system. If you didn't need it, you will never know the difference, but once you get out there and you're sick - it's too late. Dramamine, wrist bands, and even prescription medication are good options as well. There is nothing "unmanly" about taking a little medicine to make sure you and everyone around you can enjoy the day. We can come back early if someone gets sick and the crew agrees, but full-price for the charter still applies. A sure way to get sick is to drink a lot of alcohol the night before and show up to the boat with a hangover.
Payment: $200 deposits are due at the time of booking. Please make checks payable to Just Got Reel Sportfishing and send to 36348 Ridgeshore Lane, Millville, DE 19967. The balance is due in cash upon our return to the docks (no payment upfront, this puts undo pressure on the Captain and is considered bad luck). In the event of inclement weather, we will attempt to reschedule. If that's not possible your deposit will be refunded in full.
Flounder/Sea Bass Fishing is primarily done 5-25 miles from the inlet at artificial reefs, wrecks, and over other bottom structure. This type of fishing is great for people of all ages. It is very "hands-on" in the sense that you have a fishing rod in your hand most of the day so you can feel the fish bite. At times, we are also able to catch bluefish, spanish mackerel, false ablacore (aka bonito), and mahi mahi inshore by trolling or casting lures.
Shark fishing is typically 10-40 miles offshore. We anchor or drift while attracting sharks to our baits with a chum slick. The primary targets are makos and threshers. You may keep one mako or thresher shark per day and they are excellent table fare. These sharks fight hard, often breaching (launching into the air) when they take the bait and realize they are hooked, and they can weigh anywhere from 100 pounds all the way up to 500+ pounds. While targeting makos and threshers it is not unusual to catch other species that we release such as blue sharks and dusky sharks.
Offshore Fishing on the Just Got Reel is best when limited to 4 persons for everyone's comfort and enjoyment but we can accomodate up to 6. This usually involves running 40-65 miles where we find lumps, and canyons created by the drop-off at the edge of the continental shelf. The change in depth combined with warm, clean water from the Gulf Stream Current attracts bait which in turn brings the larger pelagics like tuna, dolphin (mahi-mahi), marlin, and wahoo. This type of fishing relies on trolling a spread of baits and teasers to attract game fish and entice them to bite. Chunking (throwing chunks of cutup bait fish) and jigging are also effective techniques depending on the time of the year and conditions.
NO BANANAS! We have a strict "no bananas policy" on the Just Got Reel. These little, yellow, devil fruits are considered to be very bad luck. Please don't bring any with you.