Orca Charters Fishing and Guide Services
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Charter Questions

What Should I Bring?

We recommend you bring the following:

  • Lunch and beverage(s)  - No Glass Containers
  • Sun Glasses, Hat, Sun Tan Lotion
  • Seasonal Clothing (More than you’ll think you’ll need.  It’s always cooler on the water.)
  • Rain Gear - We fish rain or shine as the fish don’t care if they get wet.
  • Cooler to take home your catch
  • Wear soft sole, comfortable shoes.
  • If you get motion sick and desire to take Dramamine, Bonine or another medication, we recommend you take it one hour before the time you scheduled to leave the dock.
  • Valid NYS Fishing License

 If you are doing a wading trip, you should also bring dark clothing and waders.

 

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes, All individuals are required to have a valid NYS Fishing License. This license must be shown to the crew prior to departure and upon request of any enforcement officer during the charter. You do not need a fishing license under 16 years of age.

If you do not have a valid license, you will be sent to a licensing agent to obtain one prior to departure. The time required to obtain this license may be deducted from your charter at the discretion of the captain.

For more information about Fishing Licenses in NYS click here.

Are any items prohibited on charters?

Yes.  We have a zero tolerance for illegal drugs and ask that you please leave your firearms at home.  If you are found in possession of either, the charter will immediately end and no refund will be issued.  We also ask that you refrain from bringing any glass containers on the boat (bottles, jars, etc.) and do not wear black sole shoes which can leave scuff marks on our watercraft.

What is your policy regarding alcohol?

We do allow alcohol on our vessels, but ask that it be limited and reasonable. We ask that guests do not drink to excess and any outward sign of intoxication will result in the immediate end of the charter and no refund will be issued. Any individual arriving for a charter in an intoxicated state will not be allowed to board a vessel. Any deposit or payment may not be returned. The termination of a charter as well as the retention of deposits or payment is at the sole discretion of the captain.

Do you allow smoking and chewing tobacco?

Yes, we do alow smoking and chewing tobacco on the boat.

 

Fishing Questions

Where will we fish?

We fish Lake Ontario, Oswego River, The Black River, Sandy Pond, Onieda Lake, and many other tributaries and estuaries. The location is dependent on the time of year, the target species, fishing conditions and more... While this may be selected at the time of your booking, on occasion our captain and/or crew may contact you to suggest an alternative plan to get you on the fish.

What will we fish for?

Depending on the time of year, the local conditions we may fish for a variety of species. The captain and crew will do their best to connect you with fish. Please be flexible with your target species. At the time of your booking and arrival at the boat please discuss this further with the captain and crew.

Do I need to bring a rod or tackle with me?

All rods & tackle is provided for trips. If you have a favorite piece of gear you are welcome to bring your own. Rates do not include loss of rod and/or reel.

Do you fish with a mate?

We typically fish with a mate on lake trips on the Baha Boat. We do have the ability to fish without one as the boat has an auto pilot system. The use of a mate will be at the discretion of the captain. If you have a strong preference as to whether you wish to have a mate on your charter, please make this known at the time of booking.

We do not use a mate for wadding, drift boat trips or river fishing with our Walleye boat.

Do you clean and pack the fish?

All fish will be clean and packed in zip lock bags at the conclusion of the trip when back at the dock. This service is included in the cost of your charter. Should you wish your catch to be vacuum sealed, we can accommodate this request. Please ask the captain for additional details.

Do you offer a guarantee we will catch something?

No. If we did that we would call it catching, not fishing! While some boats may offer guarantees or sell you insurance policies to lure you fishing with them, we believe our experience and reputation speaks for itself. We will work hard to connect you with the fish. While it is very unusual for us to return from a charter without fish, it does happen on occasion.

 

Booking Questions

How do I book a trip?

Contact us! Email or call us with your availability and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule and desired date(s). Our boats book quickly and some dates are reserved over 18 months in advance.  Do not wait until a few days before your desired dates to fish an expect to book your first choice of dates or times. 

Do you accept last minute bookings?

Call us! If we have the availability we will accommodate a last minute booking.

How many can you take out at a time?

Depending on the trip we typically can take one (1) to four (4) with us. Our Baha boat on the Salmon River and Lake Ontario can take one (1) to six (6). Should you have a larger group, we can arrange for a multiple boat trip. Contact us for more details.

Do you require a deposit?

Yes, a $100.00 non-refundable deposit is due upon booking. Until your deposit is received, your trip is not booked.

We accept cash or check for the deposit payment.

When is the balance due?

The balance is due upon your arrival at the boat before your trip.

We accept CASH ONLY for balance payment.

Is tipping of the crew allowed?

Tipping the captain for good service or an experience that exceeds your expectations is allowed and at your discretion. Rates do not include tip for the mate. Tipping the mate is not required but greatly appreciated.

What is your cancelation policy?

Cancellations due to in climate weather or mechanical difficulties are at the sole discretion of the captain.  In the event  of cancelation, your deposit will be refunded or an alternative date offered.
Cancellations initiated by clients will be handled as follows:

  • 60 days or more from scheduled trip - Full refund.
  • Less than 60 days but more than 30 days - We will try and fill your trip.  If we can reschedule your trip, we will provide you with a full refund.
  • 30 days or less - No refund.

If you have a trip scheduled and simply do not show, we will not offer you additional bookings in the future.