

New England Deep Sea
Shark Fishing Adventures​​​
Newburyport, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is a full day charter?
Answer: A full day is no less than 8 hours and up to 12 hours when the fishing is spectacular. The boat departs the docks based on the tides. Depending on our fishing reports, we then travel 10 to 20 miles offshore where the big sharks swim. Once anchored, our crew will provide you with spinning rods and jigs to catch groundfish. While you're catching monster cod and haddock, the crew will be chumming the waters and set out the big game rods for great blue, porbeagle, mako, and other sharks feeding in the area. Beverages are always available and we'll serve you a tasty freshly prepared lunch. At the end of the day, we'll weigh anchor and head back to the dock.
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2) Are kids considered a person?
Answer: Yes. Federal law considers any passenger aboard the boat a person regardless of their age. We are licensed for a maximum of 6 passengers aboard our boat. Children under 12 years old are required to wear a life vest at all times while onboard.
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3) What should I bring? ​
Answer: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. It's also a good idea to dress in layers or bring long pants and/or a jacket because sometimes it can get cold early in the morning or if there is fog. You are welcome to bring a bag or cooler, but keep in mind that space gets tight if everyone brings a cooler so please coordinate with other people in your party. All bait, tackle, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and a lunch is included.
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4) How Much Should We Tip the Crew?
Answer: If you feel that the crew's performance enhanced your voyage, a tip of 18 to 20% of the charter price is customary. Etiquette is to give the tip to the captain at the end of your charter. The captain will divide and distribute your gratuity to the crew after you depart. The crew is the sole beneficiary of the tips on our charters and the captain receives no portion of the gratuity.
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5) Can I bring my own fishing rod or gear?
Answer: Sure! If you have a "lucky" rod or a new lure you want to try out, its fine with us!
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6) Can I bring alcoholic beverages?
Answer: Yes, beer or wine is fine with us. We strongly discourage bringing hard liquor. The captain and crew are not responsible for irresponsible drinking of any member of your party. Members of your party that appear intoxicated and pose a safety risk to themselves, other passengers, the crew, or the vessel while onboard will result in your charter ending early without refund.
We are professional mariners, not bartenders, and not trained in recognizing when someone is over-served or should stop drinking. You can bring alcohol, but the captain and crew is not responsible for adverse incidents, including injury, due to irresponsible drinking.
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7) Should I be worried about Seasickness?
Answer: The good news is that, as a catamaran, "Fishacat" is more stable on the water and passengers are less prone to getting seasick than on mono-hull boats. There are also many over-the-counter remedies such as Dramamine, Meclizine, and motion-sickness bracelets. In the unlikely event someone does get seasick, the decision to turn back is yours to make. No refund is issued due to ending the charter early because of seasickness.
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We usually have a supply of Meclizine onboard, however it is most effective when taken 60-90 minutes prior to departure. Many people susceptible to seasickness have great results by starting motion-sickness medication the night before the trip. The above is not offered as medical advice and you should consult with your physician before taking any medications.
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8) Can I smoke or use tobacco products onboard?
Answer: We do not permit smoking onboard. You are literally standing on 550 gallons of marine fuel. Fire is our enemy at sea. Vaping and e-cigarettes are permitted anywhere onboard.
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9) Can I use marijuana products?
Answer: Although Massachusetts has decriminalized marijuana, it remains illegal at the federal level. Our vessel is required to comply with federal law so we cannot allow any marijuana or THC products onboard. Any illegal substances brought on board will result in the immediate termination of your charter and notification of the United States Coast Guard who may detain you. No refund will be issued if this occurs.
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10) If no one in my party catches a fish, the charter is free. Is bait we catch counted as one of those fish?
Answer: Yes, bait counts as a fish. We often run into large schools of mackerel, herring, and pollock that we use for bait. It can be a ton of fun to get a string of 4 or 5 of these on your line at the same time; especially if all the rods are hit at the same time.
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11) What safety and emergency equipment do you have onboard?
Answer: Safety comes first and every effort is taken to avoid an emergency situation. Our vessel is meticulously maintained inside and out. We exceed the Coast Guard's requirements for safety equipment onboard. We carry with us at all times at least one life vest per person, a satellite-linked emergency beacon (PLB), two VHF radiotelephones, multiple signaling devises, and a very loud airhorn. Our captains are first-aid and CPR certified by the American Red Cross. In addition to a first-aid kit, we also carry an AED defibrillator onboard in the event of a serious medical emergency. Fire suppressing equipment is located throughout the vessel.
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