Been my dream for 35 years to become a charter captain. I’m in the marine industry but on the itchy side, making sure others get to use their boats. My wife just followed her dream of becoming a lawyer and now I’m following my dream of becoming a captain. Just finished my school at Chapman School of Seamanship here in SoFlo. I’m going to use my current boat, even though it’s to small really for 6 pack charters (Mako 231 with spot lock and great electronics) for the time being and then once I get off the ground then I’ll be buying a much bigger boat. I have learned a lot from your video here and I’m sure it’s going to be a bumpy road, but one thing I have going for me is I can repair/fix everything on my own boat without paying crazy prices, and I already have enough rods/reels to do any type of fishing. I’m not getting into it to get rich just to follow my dreams. Can’t wait to get my MMC in the mail in 4-6 weeks so I can start advertising.
Wow I had always thought you guys come back with several 52-gallon drums full of cash. You should do what the charters down here in New Rochelle do, like the Sound-Bound and Klondike: Leave their respective ports, drive for 5 minutes, drop the anchor and stay in the same spot for four hours, then back to port with the same tank of gas you left with. Very profitable this way LOL.
Excellent video John and very much appreciate the transparency. It is also good to note what guys full time have to deal with and how important tips are. I absolutely hate it when people attack guides on social media. I had an issue only one time with a guide and I settled it with him one on one. Non violently I might add. It was simple a disagreement. I’m sure everyone would appreciate the same courtesy about their own profession. Again, great video.
People don't charter or guide to get rich, they love what they are doing. I take friends out on my little boat and they have no clue of everything that goes into a trip. I don't care if I'm on a charter or head boat, if the crew and captain make an honest effort I take care of the crew and captain. I want to catch fish but sometimes the fish don't play, I'll still tip well.
Like any business there are start-up costs such fishing rods, boat, gear, etc. Capital costs that can be amortized over time; however, you still need the funds to purchase them before you even make a penny. My boating is recreational and for the most part I go out on my own in my 21' Proline with a Yamaha 150. An economical engine, but everything adds up. Any day out on the water is at least $100 for me and that is not including fuel. It is an expensive hobby and/or business, but happy and blessed I can do it. Capt. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Cheers mate...
Nothing but honesty in this video John, me and the team talk about how exhausting the montauk trips are for us leaving from CT and getting destroyed on the way home coming through Cerebus shoal with a stiff summer SW wind. And all the other chores that come with a saltwater trip. And you do far more trips than us!
I’m not ashamed to admit that the worst part for me on those Montauk trips is that dreaded 35 mile run home and dealing with the following sea with that SW summer wind. Outgoing tide and that wind can be white knuckle when getting around the Point. Just glad I don’t have to drive through Cerberus or the Race. That cannot be fun!!!!
Damn man I feel much better about my dock costs in south Jersey. I’m starting my part time charter this summer so I appreciate this video. Great info and good insight! Answered some questions I’ve been wondering about.
Hey John, this video was very interesting! And the explanation on the car ride was great. Was cool to see this side of it. Im actually gonna show this video to my daughter Kaylee, who's the K in M&K. She actually wants to work as a mate on a charter boat when she's old enough, and it'll be good to show her somewhat of what she will be dealing with, early hours, fileting, clean up. Big thumbs up on this one John, thanks for sharing
I’ve always wondered about the before and after on your charter trips. Really appreciate the transparency. Content is amazing. Keep it coming. You’ve inspired me to buy my first boat this year. No intentions to charter but just enjoy the fishing and outings with my family. I will certainly be in touch with you for a future trip, hopefully you still have some Fall ‘21 blackfish trips available. Will reach out soon. Thanks so much John ! Keep Just Fishing !
Hey thanks Anthony! Sadly, calendar is filled for 2021 but I know some great local Captains I can refer who fish same waters as me if you’re still interested. Congrats on the new boat and May she serve you well!
Thanks for the info and regular videos. I follow Skinner and see u with him often. If you love to fish n cover your expenses, as long as it doesn’t get to be to much, enjoy yourself!
Non boaters have no clue of what is involved owning a boat & the time & expenses involved. The boat. The maintenance. The insurance. The various licenses required. The promotion. They all add up. Oh, & fuel was $8gal. The boat only burned about 5 gal/hr but a typical day could be over six hours of run time. The boat was a Chesapeake Bay styled bayboat/workboat. More like a picnic boat than anything else with a small cabin & huge cockpit. Retired from it now, but an eighteen year veteran of chartering in Bermuda. Big difference in my operation was that not a single fish went across the deck of my boat making the post trip cleanup much easier. I did sightseeing & snorkelling by private charter. Thirty Two foot single diesel boat. Single handed. Max licensed capacity twenty. I kept an eye on scantily clad women all day. I describe a typical trip as a seagoing limo tour. It was very much a poking around scenic places answering loads of questions. I never did a boring repetitive canned commentary. You don't get into this for the money. You had better have a separate source of income that pays your day to day living bills. You do it for the love of boats. You also meet some wonderful people. You have to deal with people you wish never stepped on your boat too, but they are the exception. Lucky me. I worked on some of the the most beautiful water on Earth & because of the nature of what I did no two trips were the same. Every trip was tailored to the group chartering the boat & what the boat could do. Lots of charters were just one couple. Most were 8-10 people. Very few were cattle boat style full boat. Hated them. Do it again? Don't think so. This sort of service caters to the very wealthy if only because of the costs to produce it.
Beautifully written Doug. I used to love reading your posts on THT (gonna go out on a limb and say you’re Doug in Bermuda from THT). Thanks for looking and offering your perspective.
Great video ... keep it up good content mix. I’m also working remote and so burned out working in the IT field always looking for something else to do but it’s hard to take that jump when you are making good money but mentally unhappy
Thanks for the very interesting and informative video. Many years ago I dreamed of what you are doing. I had a well paying FT job and a 23 ft Sea Ox that I kept in Bay Shore. I went out every evening after work solo or with friends. We chipped in for fuel and sometimes bait. I did all the tackle work from rigging, baiting, unhooking, tangles, filleting and they did the clean up afterwards. My Dad also had a 31' Luhrs that ran out of Pt Jeff. When he was away for business or pleasure I sometimes used that, especially during blackfish season. Did the same there. I was always an hour or 2 early for every trip. I absolutely LOVED doing what I did especially when we got on fish. Often, I was the captain and mate and hardly ever wetted a line. It was quite fulfilling. I did the numbers as you did and sadly I just couldn't justify quitting my day job. Now it's just a much loved memory of my youth.
If I wasn't 58 I would be all over you for that mate position. I have people skills , sea legs and weekends off ! ....LOL.... All the best to you and good luck to your current candidate. Thanks for your response and tight lines for you and your clients.
27 here and started my own charter business 5 years ago and about to buy my second vessel. Started on a tug boat when I was 18 and after about 2 years living on the tug finally had the funds together to start. I honestly can say it definitely took some time to start seeing a respectable income. Anyway couldn’t be happier. However I will say when You get your captains license go for a 200 ton and a towing endorsement. Makes it a lot easier if u ever decide to add to your business or pick up extra gigs here and there
I worked on a party boat in montauk with my dad from basically 12 years old only making tips to 16 years old working deck or galley where i actually did cook real food ( even though i was a child lol) All of my fishing knowledge came from this time
All said and done you run a fantastic trip A really enjoyable and fun trip and not to mention a box of fish to finish the day what could be better than that 👍🥃
A day in the life of a great man I call my friend. He also happens to be an outstanding captain and a very talented fisherman. Did I mention his humility. John Halkias is as good a man as you will find. If you want to have a great day on the water you need to book a charter with him. Not only will you catch trophy fish, but you’ll spend a day with an outstanding human being. And you can count on both of those things happening.
Thanks for the video very interesting, alot of guys myself included dream about being a charter boat captain. I go offshore tuna fishing out of ocean city Maryland on a makeup charter. I have no clue how the guys running big sportfish boats make a profit. The fuel tackle dockage insurance etc they charge around 1800 a day. Now that's for tuna marlin shark fishing at a minimum 45 mile run to the canyons.
If your going to do it in OC your better off running out of Indian River, MD is more expensive to operate and there are no sales tax. Fenwick Island is also doable, its going to be more in fuel though because it's a little bit of a ride to the inlet in OC
hahaha - I may as well start charging money for it because I do all the pre and post fishing work anyway right now. My pops, other fam or friends just grab their coffee in the morning and walk onto the boat. Nice video, John. See ya out east soon
Great video, appreciate the transparency. Hope to own my own boat one day and maybe a charter business in the future. Quick question, what do you do for your full time job? When will you transition to full time charter capt/youtuber?
I work for a large financial services firm in a Compliance type role. It’s a tough job to leave from a $$$ perspective....having said that, I think about it every 12 hour day
@@robertrusso2122 shoot me an email at jiggingjerks@gmail.com and include your phone number and when you can chat (evenings work better for me) and I’ll give you a shout.
I love your content! Thanks! Maybe a make a hose to flush both motors at once. Lowes or Home Depot has all the stuff. I made a "T" hose for flushing my motors with some old hose and a couple of fittings. It cuts some time for motor flushing. I think I spent about 20 or 30 bucks at Lowes. I agree with the flushing. Outboards are way too expensive to not flush. Keep up the great content. Mark IRI DE
Thanks Mark! Water pressure at my dock is not great. In fact, when one of the other boats is using water, the drop in pressure is noticeable. Your idea is great though and I’ll see if I can splice something up and test it out.
i dont care for forward seating , head, and those family features. I know contenders are tremendous fishing machines, but a 30ft boat is a 30ft boat , its a hard decision i cant make
My opinion only, but a 30 foot Cobia or Sportsman will span the waves better and outride a 25 Contender. Sportsman makes a 282 TE (Tournament Edition) with no forward seating. Hard to find used though. Cobia’s forward seating is not that intrusive and you can remove forward fill in and have clean access to bow. I’d look for a clean used Cobia 296 if I were in your shoes. They are beasts
Nice, I don’t have what it takes to deal with people lol, and yes I run the fresh water every trip, and a few times a season on run “Salt off” thru them
I don’t do the salt away but I know I should. Yeah, I really do enjoy meeting and interacting with people but I know not everyone does. You can still do it but it’s easier when you enjoy spending time with a different group of people each week
Yo.. JJ... Definitely a calling to be a charter Capt... I always have the same thing when I invite people to fish on my boat... Just a neighbor type of fish trip... Keep it going..
Someone else made that comment. My problem is water pressure at my dock. It’s barely enough to get the water running through power head on engine. It’s worth a shot though
Thank you for the breakdown!! Very interesting. That is a lot of work for someone that works full time and part time charters that many trips. You have an awesome boat for the fishing you do and a video representation of putting people on fish. How many hours did you put on those motors in 2020? You have to put a line item for long term expenses and preparing for new motors is one of them. You run similar to the charters in Louisiana running 75 miles each way which puts a lot of hours on the motors.
Thanks Craig - I did about 125 hours last year. We shut the motors off went fishing which helps a lot. The 75 to 90 miles I run each trip is really limited to the summer Fluke trips and his run round-trip. And even though this boat is awesome, I’ve put a deposit down for a 2022 new catamaran. Having ridden on a cat before, I think the ride will be a little more comfortable on those long range trips when the weather is snotty out
@@jiggingjerks Good for you! I used to go to Louisiana to fish the floating rigs for Tuna and fished on some nice catamarans down there. Weird feeling running while going over waves and not pounding. FREEMAN 34VH is a nice boat. And there a lot of name brands out there. Good Luck!
Thank you Katie! My boat is a 2005 Sea Vee 310B with twin Mercury Verado 350s. Engines are 2017. My boat is wet slipped and my boat yard handles the hauling. They use a Dodge Ram 3500 (1 Ton). I drive a Honda Ridgeline- there is literally no chance my Ridgeline can safely tow my boat.
You sure didn't hide a thing. Everyone thinks when your running a charter business your making tons of money 💰. I did it for 7 years full time. I was running around 50 trips a season. My doc slip in Ocean City Mryland was $4,500. My insurance $3,600. And to keep over the winner on dry dock was another $4500. And i was negative before I even started the season .. All of my trips were offshore trips for tuna and Marlin. And I would run 8 -12 trips in April and may I would run tog trips. I had a 42' Jersey sportfish. And it was powered by 671 Detroit. A lot of upkeep with those engines. It was lots of fun when everything was running good but but when the boat would break down. And it wasn't cheap. Bring out another 1000 plus every time something broke down " never was under." My offshore trips were $1,450. And my inshore April and May, $800. What people don't see is what you showed. And all in the nut shell You don't make much if at all You just get to go fishing and have fun. I sold off when the fuel prices went it overboard. I was paying a $1,10 Diesel.... The next year When I sold off was $3.40 a gallon.. Hey thanks for your video I enjoyed watching it and thinking back.
Thanks for posting this transparent and informative video! Def not a golden goose but at least you're getting out on the water instead of staring at a screen. How far do you typically run to your spots? I know gas has been going up but it did seem a little high for your size boat
Hey Peter - thanks for commenting! We put 80 to 100 miles a trip in the summer. I have a 300 gallon tank and need 91 octane for the Verados. Gas was 3.79 a gallon. I was running 6 days in a row occasionally (during vacations). It gets pricey! :)
@@jiggingjerks No wonder! That's a lot of miles and makes sense with the higher octane and the 6 days in a row, wow now I'm surprised it wasn't even more. Yea that will add up fast! Thanks for the response 👍
Hello, great insight and determination. Same as others, I'm in great job but hate the grind. I have a boat and oupv license, how was your first charter, how did you know you were ready? Thank you for the video.
600 to 1200 depending on length of trip and where we are going. www.justfishinglongisland.com is my website with full details. Because I only do this on weekends and vacations, I am limited to about 55 days a year and thankfully, I’m already sold out for this coming season and have already started taking reservations for 2022.
Hey man, seen all your boat show videos. Great content. In the market for a boat , i cant decide on a 25 contender or a bigger 2nd tier quality boat 28-30ft sportsman , cobia, etc. what do you recommend? Maybe do a video comparing
Thanks Giancarlo! Are you looking for a hardcore fishing boat or a combo fishing/family boat with things like a larger Head compartment and forward seating?
It is in the LLC name but it’s just the interest, you can depreciate the value of the boat, which I did, and that takes away your ability to deduct the principle
@@jiggingjerks gotcha. I'm starting my charter but, my boat loan is in my name. On the fence whether to refi in the LLC. I have already paid on it for 3years. Hate to pay that interest all over again.
A lot more! Profit will be much bigger when I go full-time. Part of my strategy is I do invest a lot of my earnings from my full-time job my goal is to have all that working in the background while I’m chartering full-time and using my charger income to pay for insurance and my day-to-day living expenses
@@jiggingjerks I a appreciate your advice. My boat is older but I have kept her in good shape. Taking her to my long time mechanic tomorrow for some TLC. Impeller, thermostats, etc, etc. Would like to know what is the best impeller?
Dude! Your slip is so expensive! Wth why so much in NY, is your marina like the best on the east coast? We pay about $100 a foot here but man when i saw 6,500 i was in shock lol
It is a big wide slip with easy access to the bay. I’m sure I can find something a little cheaper but it won’t be much cheaper and I have water and electricity included so it’s not that bad of a deal. Yeah, New York is very expensive and where I keep the boat, the north fork of Long Island, is even more expensive
Expensive? There are 6 marinas on Three Mile Harbor in East Hampton, NY Two were just sold and new owner just raised price to $430/ft. Going rate is $295 but I'm sure that will jump next year. Demand for slips by new boat owners with very deep pockets making marina owners smile.
@@jiggingjerks I’m in CT it’s not that expensive over here lol. Might end up being cheaper to dock the boat here and take the port Jeff ferry everytime. 😂
Hey mate, when i get my coxswain ticket my trainer can line up a job guiding for barramundi. I love chasing barramundi, but wouldnt say I am a great barramundi fisherman. Is it possible that these positions are on established fishings routes? I am a very experienced fisherman, and I chase a particular species at a time, and just started work as a Doryman fishing for coral trout too. I am trying to work out a career in fishing.
@@jiggingjerks Do you think you could benefit from a website that combines small groups of people for your charters and also gives you a price analysis of how your prices/sales compare to other charters? I understand that you're doing this part time so getting more customers may not be the goal in your case. The website would also process deposit fees and potentially debit card purchases.
For me personally, I love my website and since I only do this part time and am booked to capacity already, I don’t see a benefit. That’s for me personally. Notwithstanding that, I think it’s a really great idea.
@@jiggingjerks i am moving from Jersey to Marco Island FL and want to do charters part time but have no clue how to get my coast guard credentials. a video on that would be VERY helpful.
I have everything planned out to do this in Thailand, America is on a decline IMO, plus Thailand offers the cheapest most luxurious and relaxed lifestyle😂 so that also means maximum profits
People ask me why I don't do charters as a weekend captain? Because there are full time guys who I don't want to cut out of business. Guys who charter on weekend and work a desk job during the week are well, Jerks
So most of my customers are not local and wouldn’t otherwise be chartering a local to me Captain. I also probably 50 trips to local Captains who otherwise would have had empty trips those days. I understand your point, but it’s misguided here. Believe me, almost 100 percent of my customers are RU-vid subscribers of mine
@@MrNooner319 haha, it’s 4 lol. I’ll be honest, speaking from a FISHERMAN, not Charter Captain perspective, I would gladly catch and release them all if the regs were changed and you couldn’t keep them, and I believe most of my customers would too. To me, it’s about the whole fishing process/experience more than the meat: studying them conditions (wind, drift direction, prevalent bait, migration pattern, etc) and trying to catch them. I release all the big fish I catch (unless I’m in a tournament) anyway and encourage my customers to as well.
@@jiggingjerks please do not think I'm hating on anything. I like your vids and appreciate them. I have fished NY from Montauk to Great Kills. Keep up the good work!!
John I'm willing to be a full time mate im currently self employed with plenty of time on my hands. Im30 years of age with plenty of experience.......I'll accept any pay rate lol show me the ropes I'll run it full time for you let's get this going.....
You can save money if the customers bring their own rigs...lol. You also have good customers who fillet their own fish. Lol Your the man John. What a great experience fishing with you. See you in July
It sold over the winter....I believe around 2 million but that’s without the docks. The Seller held onto the docks for now and may sell separately later. It was actually two separate properties
@@kevinmartin5909 yes. I documented this here: www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/1041867-trolling-motor-32-sea-vee-overview-installation-including-total-cost.html Of course, if you are mechanically inclined, it will be much less. Sadly, I’m completely inept this way...
Yeah, I’m about 200 a foot BUT I’m right in the middle of Peconic Bay. I only need to run 8 miles to Plum Gut, 17 miles to Fishers, 29 miles to Montauk Point and there’s a ton of great weakfish, striper, porgy and even tog spots right in Peconic Bay. I’m in Mattituck so it’s only a 15 mile drive from home to dock. I could dock cheaper in Mattituck but then all the spots above are way, WAY longer away and at 1.3 mpg by boat, I’d quickly negate any cost savings. There’s a method to my madness lol. Additionally, my landlord allows me to Charter from his marina. Believe it or not, some don’t. There’s a gorgeous new marina in Southold that’s about a grand cheaper, but they made it clear when I spoke to them last year that they won’t take any Charter customers.
I actually never did the math but I wound up about 2500 ahead on my business return this year with about 32 charters done in 2020 so minimum wage at best
@@davesauerzopf6980 but the good times are priceless! The goal is to retire early and be able to run more trips. Your profit margin starts going higher with more trips because much of the cost is fixed, like the insurance and dock fee. It will not pay well early on, but if I can scratch out a living doing this instead of working 12 hours a day in front of a computer, I’ll take it
@@jiggingjerks good video, there is no way I would want to do that full time. Part time is cool because you get to go fishing with your clients on a beautiful boat. I assume that the charter buisness makes it affordable, I am trying to do the same thing with my channel. I look at as though I was going to go fishing anyway, the videos I make should actually cover expenses at some point. I have a pretty good job but there is no way I could swing a boat payment like that. Even down south where I live despite the cost of living being way less expensive than Jersey or NY it isn't feasible.
I have a video done on YT income. That should be coming out in a few weeks too....yeah, the charter biz allows me to afford my boat but long term, I’d like to retire early (I’m 49), let my investments/savings work for me in the background and make enough off the charter to pay for health insurance and living expenses without dipping into any of my savings. That’s the plan at least :)
@@jiggingjerks that's a good plan, I plan on working OT like a maniac and putting the money into a house in Florida. I'm going to get a few different checks when I retire from the DMV area. I'm gonna run the clock out the way Skinner is doing it. If I can make any money off of YT to cover my fishing expeditions it's a bounus
