FAQs
What should I bring on my charter?
I will provide most of what you need to catch fish, including your fishing licenses. You may want to bring something to drink, some snacks, and food. I have plenty of cooler space onboard. I also recommend that you bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, camera, and perhaps a cooler in your vehicle to take home the fish you catch, which I will clean and bag for you! Bring weather-appropriate clothing—rain gear if it’s raining, a jacket if it’s chilly, etc. It is important that you are dressed for the weather. We want you to be comfortable and enjoy your trip.
What is included in the charter?
I provide all the bait and tackle, fishing gear, life vests and other safety gear, fuel, bottled water, and as a USCG-licensed captain, I also supply your fishing license.
Is alcohol allowed onboard during the charter?
If you are 21 or older, you are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages onboard, but please know your limits. The captain reserves the right to end any trip (without refund) if he feels the alcohol consumption has become unsafe for the crew and other anglers.
What if there is bad weather?
Safety is the number one priority! If the captain determines the weather is unfavorable enough that it would be unsafe, the charter will be rescheduled at a mutually-agreed date and time, or canceled with a full refund.
Are children welcome on charters?
Absolutely! We love to share the joy of fishing with kids. However, children ages 5 to 15 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult (preferably parent, grandparent, or guardian). We can take up to four people on the inshore fishing charters, and up to six people on the 2-hour family fun cruises. Just please let Captain Donnie know ahead of time so that appropriate provisions and gear for children will be available onboard.
Due to liability and safety concerns, no child under the age of 5 will be allowed onboard.
What if I’m pregnant? Can I go on a fishing charter?
Due to liability and safety concerns, no pregnant women are allowed on our fishing charters, unless approved in advance by Captain Donnie. However, our sunset cruises are generally safe for pregnant women, weather permitting.
Pregnant women proceed at their own risk. We hold no responsibility whatsoever.
What are the charter options, and how much do they cost?
Please see OUR TEAM VINSON CHARTERS PAGE for all the options and prices.
Do your rates apply to children?
Yes, the full rate will be charged for children.
Do I need to have fishing experience?
Not at all. We love to share the joy of fishing with first-timers. We enjoy teaching the novice angler new techniques as well as grinding it out with a seasoned angler in pursuit of a trophy. And of course, you will be with our captain during your guided fishing charter so we can assure you that you will enjoy the experience no matter your level of skill.
What time does the charter start, and where is the launch site?
Launch time depends on several factors, such as the time of year, weather conditions, and the tides. General launch time is 6 a.m. Our preference is to book a day for the trip and discuss the options a couple of days before the trip. We have several options for launching. We will also discuss this when the charter has been booked.
Are all your charters private?
Yes. Only your group will be onboard.
Where will we fish?
We fish in and around Mobile Bay, which includes the areas of Dauphin Island, Fort Morgan, the Mississippi Sound, Bayou La Batre, Fowl River, Theodore Industrial Canal, Dog River, Mobile River, Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Bon Secour, Fish River, Magnolia River, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, the Eastern Shore, and the Gulf of Mexico. The area we fish will be dependent on the time of year, type of trip you are interested in, where you are located, and current weather conditions.
What type of fish will we catch?
Speckled Trout, Tripletail, Triggerfish, Cobia, Redfish, Sheepshead, Snapper, Flounder, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Crevalle Jack . We also may catch White Trout, Ground Mullet, and the occasional Pompano as byproducts of our efforts. The type of fish we catch always depends on the time of year.
What if we don’t catch any fish? Will I get a refund?
No, you won’t get a refund. Captain Donnie will do everything he can to find and catch fish, but sometimes the fish just don’t bite. However, we promise you will have a great time and a memorable experience.
How many people are allowed on a charter?
To make the experience the most enjoyable for everyone, we recommend no more than four anglers in addition to the captain. Be sure to check out our FISHING CHARTER OPTIONS.
What is the difference between inshore, nearshore, and offshore?
Inshore fishing includes fishing inside protected bays, lagoons, and rivers. These are generally calm waters. Nearshore includes fishing up to 9 nautical miles from the coastline. The nearshore charters may get a little rough, but these are easily the most fun packages. Team Vinson charters does not offer offshore charters.
Is there a bathroom onboard?
No, there are no bathroom facilities onboard. If we are inshore, there are places we can go to take a restroom break.
Is there a deposit required?
Yes, at the time of booking we collect a $250 deposit to secure the charter. You may pay the full amount at the time of booking, or the balance will be paid before we launch.
Do you take credit cards and debit cards?
Yes, we take plastic, but there is a small fee.
Is a gratuity included?
No, tips are not included in your charter fee. If you have a special experience and want to give Captain Donnie and the deckhands something extra, this is greatly appreciated, but not required. We also appreciate any positive reviews you can leave us on Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, or on our website! And of course, the greatest tip you could ever give us is to refer us to your friends!!!
What is your cancellation policy?
You must cancel at least one week in advance of your scheduled trip. If you give notice of your cancellation within one week or less, we will make every effort to rebook the day. If we are successful in rebooking your day, we will refund your deposit. However, if we are not successful, you will have to forfeit your deposit. Cancellations made more than a week in advance will receive a full refund. In the event of inclement weather on the day of your trip, we will reschedule or give a refund. The decision to cancel a trip based on weather is solely at the discretion of the captain. Sometimes it rains, and sometimes we fish in the rain. Due to the inaccurate nature of weather forecasts, we will make all cancellation decisions at the time of the trip based on real-time conditions.
What are some other things to do while we are in town?
Visiting the USS Alabama Battleship is always a big hit. You can also tour the aircraft pavillion and the submarine USS Drum.
Take a walk through the Gulf Quest Maritime Museum.
Spend the day at OWA where you can ride the roller coasters and chose from many great restaurants.
Visit an incredible piece of history built in 1819. Ft Morgan was instrumental in at least three wars. Take a tour or try your hand at an escape room.
Visit the Tanger Outlet Stores, the Eastern Shore Center and the Spanish Fort Bass Pro Shop for the area’s best shopping experiences.
The Wharf is a great place for shopping, dining and outdoor concerts.
Lucy Buffett (Yes that is Jimmy's sister) has created a real local treat for waterfront dinning, libations, and play areas for the kids. LuLu's is fun for the entire family.
Looking for the best beach bar and food in the area? Try the world-famous FloraBama.