starting a fishing guide service?

[bouymarker]

this past 4yrs i have spent at least 3days a week inshore fishing in every type of weather condition and season. looking for any and everything that represents what fish want and when to fish...im single and have 4days off a week so i got to spend alot of time out there. ive had people come with me that are impressed(not that it was anything grand) but some folks have offered to pay me to take them out for a day...i wanna pick the days and times in order to make the best of it..what would the steps i need to take in order to get my captians license and start a part time charter service?

[tarpon4me]

The first thing I would do is go to "Sea School." It's a tough school, no crap, but when you walk away you'll have your 6 pack license. Plan on spending about 1500 bucks on the school. Don't think you can get out of it either, Sea School is it, and the price is unavoidable. It's a Coast Guard thing.......

Next, you've got to get a DNR charter licesne. (atleast you do here in S.C.) After that, you've got to get insurance to cover your charters. Lastly, you've got to get a TWIC card. Once you've got all that done, you can take out paying customers with out going to jail. It's not as easy as it seems to get set up as a charter captain, even just getting a 6 pack license.

[bouymarker]

thanks, thats exactly the kind of info. i am looking for...
Insurance? what am i looking at there?

[bouymarker]

could you please explain a little bit about the other things you mentioned?

[tarpon4me]

OK, the first thing you need to do is contact you local Department of Natural Resources. Florida may call is something else, so what ever agency manages your local wildlife and fisheries.

Next, google T.W.I.C. You'll be able to learn all you need to know about getting one of the cards. Your local Wildlife Department is probably your best resource. They won't steer you wrong.

Each state probably has a minimal amount of liability insurance you'll have to carry. That's something that the wildlife department can answer locally as well.

[billyfisher]

Hi,
I ask a charter boat Capt. about cost of general liability insurance a few weeks back and he said $7000 for five million coverage per year.

In Texas you are required to have a Coast Guard Capt. ticket and a state issued guide permit which cost around $1500 per year.

The guide business is a huge amount of work. Most people who do it love it and are willing to put up with the down side.

Being a guide is a little like the dream of sailing around the world, many dream of it an only a few do it.

I also have had in mind to guide. I enjoy helping other people catch fish. One is truly in the entertainment business as a guide.

I wish you the best of luck in the ventue.

Billy

[bouymarker]

:) thats what ive been wanting to hear, thanks guys..baby steps but maybe at least get the license first of all...