Kid friendly fishing boat, Captree (Hope: rent, home, to buy)

[ShellieF]

We are looking to take the kids on a fishing trip next month, and hope that someone can offer their recommendations.

We're hoping to find a fishing boat that:

is kid/novice friendly (kids are all under 10)
will rent equipment
has a short (half day?) trip
has a shaded deck and concessions available onboard
has a crew that will help the kids bait their hooks and manage lines
will scale/gut/clean fish caught
prefer out of Captree

Thank you!

[Gpsma]

The Capt Gillen always had some kids on board the times I fished on there. They seemed pretty friendly and helpful to the children. Don't remember much of a "concession" stand onboard but they do everything else you needed.

[lkronk]

I know somebody that works on The Island Princess, and occasionally The Bay Princess. The Bay Princess was bought by both The Island Princess and The Captree Princess.

The Captree Princess also is not run by the same people as The Island Princess.

Anyway, The Island Princess should satisfy your needs. If you do a half day trip try to go in the morning, I think the night crowd is usually older people and regulars. Although it might be less crowded during weekday Mon-Thursday afternoons. Half day should be about 5 hours long, and if the boat is doing good you'll probably spend a little extra time.

Most charter/party boats have the same kind of setup, some are a little bigger than others. There isn't really a "shaded" deck, but the top deck kind of overhangs it. All boats have a cabin where you can sit with concessions.

I don't think you "rent" equipment at all. It's pretty standard practice to use the boat's poles. A few people might bring some, but the majority definitely don't. The mates will help set you up to begin with. Though you'll probably want to help your children bait the hook. If you get a fish, the mates will come over with a net.

If somebody doesn't fish they will still be charged for being on the boat (but probably like half price).

Anyway, you can walk up and down the dock and look at boats. There is a nice faux "paddle" boat that has been there for maybe 2 years. Try not to buy food at the restaurant on the dock, it is crazy expensive. You might also think about packing a lunch.

I don't remember if you said how old your children are, but the Tarry Ann does a youth fishing trip every year (it might be PAL sponsored, but is probably listed in Newsday around August).

I have childhood memories of waking up around 5, getting dunk'in donuts and Nesquick then setting out for the day.

Hope you have fun, I registered just to type this. Sorry if I've gone overboard, I don't know your experience fishinhg. To be honest, most any boat will probably be fine. Speedy has had a couple of stupid people though.

Edit: On a boat you never have to touch your fish, mates will take them from the hook (after they bring them up with a net), then measure them if they are around the size. They will fillet the fish for you at the end of the trip. You can also place money in a "pool," get the biggest fish, you win.

You want to bring you children "Fluke" fishing for under 10. Or when it gets a bit later in the season you can try "snapper (bluefish babies)" off the dock. You can also ask people coming off the boats how good the day was. When I was a small child it was fun to bring fish home but even catching trash fish like a sea robin was fun. If you get one, try to get the mates to make it "bark." Also, try to stay away from the back of the boat. You will probably get your line caught in the engine. Have the mates explain how to fish too if they don't. If your kids keep letting their line out they will get tangled.

[ShellieF]

Thanks so much for the help! Looking forward to planning our trip with this information...

Glad to have you here, lkronk...thx for taking the time to register just to respond.