Below are some of the common questions I am asked. Please read through this section. If you have questions not answered here, please feel free to contact me for more detail.

Q: What are your rates?
INSHORE, MOSQUITO LAGOON NIRL:
Full day $450 (eight hours on the water)
Half day $300 (four hours on the water)

*Single Angler Special $250.00 half $400.00 full

INSHORE, VERO BEACH, SIRL

$450.00 (six hours on the water}

*Single angler Special $400.00

NEARSHORE / COASTAL:
6 Hours $500.00

NIGHT TRIPS:
Inshore or inlets
$450 (6hrs North Indian river / Mosquito Lagoon)
$550 (6hrs South Indian River / Sebastian Inlet, Vero Beach ,Ft Pierce )

Rates are for two anglers fishing. If you have to fish a third person a charge of $150.00 is added to the above rates for any trips listed above

We now accept credit card payments for your trip's deposit! Click the button below to book your trip instantly with your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card!

Q: Can I split a charter with someone?
I occasionally get requests to split a charter if I can find another party seeking the same. Unfortunately, I have never been able to do this for anyone. Most anglers look forward to fishing with a buddy or by themselves, getting all the "shots"

Q: How many people can fish from your boat?
I normally fish only two anglers at a time on my boat. My boat is roomy enough for two people to fish comfortably. I can accomodate a third person if needed (additional cost applies, see above), however I do not accept charters of parties greater than three. If your party is 4 or more people, I can help recommend other professional guides for the remainder of your party and we can fish "together" if you like.

Q: What kind of fishing do you do?
I am an inshore and nearshore saltwater guide. I have a very versatile boat which allows me to fish shallow flats and backcountry, cross open water and handle mild nearshore seas and inlets. Inshore trips we typically target redfish, seatrout, and snook. Nearshore trips we typically target cobia (in season), tarpon, tripletail, and kingfish. For fly fishermen, we can also target wily nearshore fighters such as jack crevalles and spanish mackeral. If you have a preference please discuss it with me prior to the trip so that I can be prepared for a specific desired species.

Q: What does it include?
The cost is for one or two anglers per boat, all licenses, bait and tackle and flies. I also provide deli sandwiches, snacks, and drinks for all anglers( on full day trips only). You need only bring sunscreen, a hat and polarized glasses (in an amber or brown tint) to help see the fish in the water.

Q: Do I have to bring my own tackle?
No, I have all top quality spinning equipment available to use for free. Bring a favorite rod if you like, but discuss it with me beforehand so that I can give you some recommendations. Flyfishers are encouraged to bring their own rod and reel as they are typically a matter of preference, however I do have flyrods available if you are unable to bring your own..

Q: Do I have to bring lunch?
I will provide deli sandwiches, snacks and drinks on full day charters only, if you are fishing a half day there is ample room in my cooler if you wish to bring some food or a favorite beverage.

Q: How do I contact you?
My home phone is 321.264.7561. There is an answering machine at my home number which I suggest you take advantage of. I have a cell phone number which is 321.278.9852. You can leave a message on it, but it is better to leave one at my home number. My email address is captain@luckystrike2charters.com . You can also contact me via the web form located here.

Q: What marina or ramp do you leave from?
I am known as a "trailer guide" which means I am NOT docked at any particular marina. Instead I trailer my skiff to the better places to fish, rather than spending your valuable fishing time running to them. I fish from Mosquito Lagoon south thru Fort Pierce. Certain times of year fishing will be more productive in one area than another. I will gladly make recommendations if you are not sure where to fish for your particular charter dates. You can also read my reports page to brush up on current conditions as well as forcasts for the next month.

Q: How do I book a trip?
I will require a $100 deposit for each day chartered. Call me at 321.264.7561, let me know the day(s) you would like to fish, and I'll hold the day(s) for one week. While on the phone I'll give you an address to send the deposit to. Personal checks, cashiers and travelers checks are fine. Upon receiving your deposit, I will forward a confirmation letter/email to you.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A deposit ensures I will be gainfully employed for your charter date(s). Policy is: All deposits received are held if scheduled trip is canceled without a 10 day verbal telephone notice. No exceptions. Deposits for charters that are canceled 10 days in advance or better will be credited toward a trip within one year from original departure date.

Q: What if the weather is bad?
If the weather is dangerous, I won't endager my clients (or my own) lives by attempting to go out. However, you can expect a breeze here of 10 to 15 mph, and a brief shower most summer afternoons. Most of the locations I fish are protected and sheltered from the rough seas even if it blows 20 mph or more. If we are unable to fish that day due to dangerous conditions, I will gladly apply your deposit to a future date up to one year from the original charter date. If I have a day available later that week (and better weather seems possible), and you are able to, I will try and accommodate you as best I can.

Q: What can I expect to catch?
My job as a guide is to match ones angling expertise with their expectations. Sight casting for redfish is angling at it's most demanding form. Although I can usually show you plenty of fish, It is up to you to cast correctly to them. The more proficient you are before you make it down to fish, the better chance you have of hooking and landing your intended target. The most productive fly fisherman have their casting skills honed long before their charter. That way they can learn to see the fish, learn how to properly strip the fly and set the hook. I will gladly work with you to help with your casting technique. There are other species that we can fish for that are much easier to catch and can keep much busier with if you're just looking for action. It's really an issue of quality vs. quantity of fish caught.

Q: How many fish can I keep to take home?
I strongly encourage catch and release fishing. I will take high quality digital photos of all fish landed, and will gladly send them to your email. You'll have those to keep forever. However, you are welcome to keep a legal catch if you so desire. I will gladly clean and bag your catch. Note that having fish for dinner is definitely not an issue here in Florida! There are plenty of restaurants nearby, serving the freshest seafood possible.

Q: When is the best time to catch a redfish, snook, etc.?
Remember, while sightfishing, the weather plays an important role in our ability to find a species. We've got to have the sun to see the fish. My charter information page includes a table with a general idea of what can be expected for each month. I also maintain an updated fishing reports page, which includes forecasts for the next month.

Q: Gratuities (i've tried to hide it at the bottom)
This is a difficult question to answer for any guide. Here is what I tell my clients, and it applies to ANY charter you take:

Tips are customary for guides, and of course are always appreciated. Your tip amount should be based on the following: Did the Captain work hard to find fish for you? Did he offer advice or help to make your catching more successful? Did you enjoy yourself? The important thing to remember is that, as the old adage goes, "it's called fishing, not catching." The guide's job is to try to find fish for you, regardless of conditions, and to make it an enjoyable experience. Your tip should be based on how hard he has worked for you, not the number of fish caught. Consider this and make a tip in the amount you see fit.

-Captain Patrick Murphy

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