Wondering what to expect on a full-day fishing charter? Discover our expert guidance, fishing techniques, and the thrill of catching your favourite fish in UK waters.
Meeting the Crew and Safety Briefing
Once you arrive at the location, you’ll be greeted by the captain and crew, who are not only your guides for the day but also your key to understanding the boat and fishing techniques. The captain will introduce themselves and explain the day’s itinerary of where you’ll be going, what fish you’re catching, and how long the trip will last.
The deckhands can help you get settled and show you where to store your belongings, where the restrooms are, and how to use the fishing gear.
Before the boat leaves, the captain will provide a safety briefing. This is a crucial part of the trip since it's designed to keep everyone safe while at sea. You’ll be shown where the life jackets are, how to use the emergency equipment, and what to do in the event of an emergency. The instructions will also include how to move safely around the boat, especially when it’s in motion or if the water gets rough.
Fishing Techniques Used
When you join a full-day fishing charter, one of the most exciting parts of the experience is learning how to fish like a pro. Shortly after you’ve boarded and settled in, the captain will take the time to explain what fishing techniques you’ll be using during the trip and how to perform them.
Every fishing charter is tailored to the type of fish being caught and the local conditions, so the captain will give a quick overview of the day’s plan. They’ll explain whether you’ll be trolling, bottom fishing, jigging, or using live bait to entice pelagic species like tuna or mahi-mahi.
The captain will also mention how factors like the tide, water depth, and the season can influence the choice of fishing technique being used.
You’ll also learn how to handle the equipment. The crew will demonstrate how to hold the rod, set the hook, and use the reel without tangling the line or losing the fish. Most importantly, they’ll be close by to help you, encourage you, and celebrate every catch with you, big or small.
Types of Fish You Might Catch
When you go on a full-day fishing charter, one of the most exciting moments comes when the captain begins to describe the types of fish you might catch and where to find them.
The captain will give you a rundown of the target species based on the season, location, and weather conditions. Depending on where you’re fishing, you could be going after pelagic species like tuna, mahi-mahi, kingfish, or even marlin.
What makes this part of the briefing so engaging is the way the captain explains where these fish are found and how they behave. You’ll learn about underwater structures like reefs, wrecks, drop-offs, and weed lines, which are the main locations where fish gather to feed or hide.
This is also when you’ll learn about the boat’s fish-finding equipment. The captain may show you the sonar or GPS systems they use to locate schools of fish or promising terrain. For those who’ve never been offshore before, it’s a fascinating glimpse into how captains read the ocean.
What to Bring with You
To make the most of your trip, it's important to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat with a brim. The sun can be intense on open water, even on cloudy days, so it's important to stay protected. You should also wear lightweight, breathable clothing and non-slip shoes. Wearing a light jacket or a windbreaker is also a good idea in case it gets breezy or rainy.
You’ll also want to bring plenty of water and snacks with you, especially if food isn’t provided. Most charters do provide snacks, drinks, or a light lunch, but it's always best to check in advance just in case.
Additionally, you should bring some dry bags or zip lock bags with you to protect your phone or other valuables from saltwater. If you’re prone to seasickness, it's also best to bring some motion sickness medication with you and take it before boarding.
Looking For Sea Fishing in Cornwall?
Experience the thrill of the open sea with our full-day fishing charters! We have all the gear, guidance, and local knowledge to give you an unforgettable trip.
