GENERAL F.A.Q.

Q. Do I need to bring any special gear or equipment on my charters?
Q .Are there any guarantees of catching a tuna on one of your charters?
Q. If I catch any fish, how is ownership determined?
Q. What is your policy if my charter is cancelled due to bad weather?
Q. Do you provide safety equipment and life jackets?
Q. Can Broad Haven Charters help me with lodgings?
Q. How many hours is one of your typical charters?
Q. What type of fishing gear do you use?
Q. Do you recommend any preparation before I arrive?
Q. I want to photograph my charter. Do I need any special camera?

Q. Do I need to bring any special gear or equipment on my charters?

A. We recommend that you wear waterproof clothing and footwear. Sneakers are not recommended. You should also pack your own lunch or light meal. Tea, coffee, and refreshments will be provided. We also have a refrigerator and microwave oven on board. We will provide all the fishing tackle and bait. You are also permitted to bring your own fishing gear.

Q. Are there any guarantees of catching a tuna on one of your charters?

A. Bluefin tuna is one of the world’s fastest and elusive sports fish. Our experienced staff will guide you to the locations that offer the best opportunity to catch a bluefin tuna. However, as any fisherman knows, there are no guarantees when it comes to catching any fish. From August through mid-November, bluefin tuna are sighted frequently in great numbers near Broadhaven Bay. We have had great success catching these sea giants during this peak season. Our strike rates are consistently high and improve over time.

Q. If we catch any fish, how is ownership determined?

A. Broadhaven Charters honors the “catch and release” policy with all species. If any of our guests wish to make a delicious meal from his/her catch – this is also acceptable. However, we frown upon taking any fish that will be subsequently sold by our guests or staff. We will not allow any sharks, regardless of their size, to be kept. All sharks will be tagged and released. Bluefin tuna are commercially valuable. Irish law prohibits any commercial targeting of bluefin for commercial sale. We strictly obey this law and recommend that any bluefin tuna that is caught be tagged and released. Any record breaking line class record fish, caught during a charter, may be kept. Any tuna caught by our guests that the skipper believes is too injured and has a poor chance of survival, will belong to the boat. However, Broadhaven Charters will offer this guest a complementary prize. Please contact our staff for details.

Q. What is your policy if my charter is cancelled due to bad weather?

A. The safety of our guests is our highest priority. If unsuitable weather forces the cancellation of your charter, by mutual agreement, an alternative date will be selected. If an alternative date cannot be agreed upon, your deposit will be refunded. We understand that emergencies do occur and we will work with you to find alternative dates. However, deposits will not be refunded if a customer cancels a reserved charter without prior notice or agreement.

Q. Do you provide safety equipment and life jackets?

A. Broadhaven Charters follows international and Irish maritime safety standards. All our charters come equipped with the latest safety equipment. We recommend, for your safety, that all passengers wear life jackets at all times while onboard the boat. We also recommend that our guests bring their own lifejacket. If you do not own a lifejacket, one will be provide for you at no cost.

Q. Can Broadhaven Charters help me with lodgings?

A. Yes. Broadhaven Charters will help you arrange any special type of accommodation. We are very familiar with local hotels and can make recommendations. Please notify us when you book your charter that you will need accommodations and we will provide you with contact information. There are two local lodgings: the quaint Western Strands Hotel, or the newly built Broadhaven Bay Hotel. You will need to contact these providers directly and arrange for any deposits or payments required or relevant to the services provided.

Q. How many hours is one of your typical charters?

A. We leave our dock by 09:00 and remain at our fishing destinations throughout the day. We normally return to port by 17:00.

Q. What type of fishing gear do you use?

A. Deep sea fishing requires a professional-class reel and rod. For tuna fishing we use 130 Class fiberglass rod with Penn reels. For shark fishing we use 50 Class rod and Penn reel. We use natural and artificial bait. Our equipment is also regularly maintained to ensure optimal performance.

Q. Do you recommend any preparation before I arrive?

A. Bring along medication if you are susceptible to motion sickness. We also recommend head gear and sunglasses for protection from the sun. Sun block is also recommended.

Q. I want to photograph my charter visit. Do I need a special camera?

A. You do not need any special photo equipment to record your visit. Our boat comes equipped with a video camera that can record your day’s activities. This video will be available for a nominal fee, but there is no obligation to purchase. We are not responsible for loss or damage to any photographic or electronic equipment brought on-board.