All anglers and accompanying passengers agree to abide by the basic rules of conduct and charter policies outlined below. These policies are in addition to any that may be explained to you once onboard the boat.
POLICIES
CANCELLATIONS BY THE GUEST
In most cases, there is no charge for cancellations prior to a boat’s specific cancellation period. This period ranges from 24 hours to 7 days prior to departure depending upon the charter company and the season. Cancellation policies may be different for Destination Management Companies (DMC), and individuals booking multiple charters. Please refer to your final email confirmation for policies specific to your charter(s).
[Read more about cancellation policies]
CANCELLATIONS BY THE BOAT
There will be no charge for cancellations made by the charter company. Occasionally, a charter company will need to cancel a trip due to mechanical problems, last minute crew issues or inclement weather. Weather cancellations are always determined by the captain, often the morning of the charter. FishMaui and/or the charter company will try to give you advance notice of any cancellations, but these events are usually as unpredictable as they are unfortunate. We will attempt to get you on another charter, or a different day (either with the same company or another one), otherwise, any advance charges will be refunded in full.
[Read more about Maui weather]
KEEPING THE FISH
Hawaii’s ‘Fish Policy’ is different from many other fishing destinations. On most sport fishing charters, the catch belongs to the boat – the permit holder – to distribute as the crew deems fit. Following a successful day of fishing, the crew will filet a portion of the day’s catch and share it with the guests. Not all fish will be cut. The crew may keep some of the fish whole to sell to restaurants or donate it to needy families. Bottom fishing charters will typically filet all edible fish for their guests upon request. In all cases, filets are provided to anglers with the expectation that they will be consumed on island. We do not ship fish.
[Read more about keeping the fish]
BRINGING THE KIDS
Age requirements differ from boat to boat. If any participants are under the age of 16 please let us know prior to booking. In some cases you could be entitled to a discount. In others we may recommend a more appropriate charter.
[Read more about Maui fishing with kids]
TIPPING
Tipping at the end of the charter is customary. The industry standard is 15-20%. The captain and crew will split this. Tipping should be based upon service, not the number of fish you catch. Sometimes the bite is off and even the most skilled and experienced crew can’t bring them up. Remember… it’s FISHING, not catching. You should expect a good attitude, hard work and a well run boat, all of which are within the power of the crew.
SEASICKNESS
Seasickness is possible even on calm days and aboard larger boats. If you have even the slightest concern about getting ill, please take precautions in advance of the charter. This will make everyone’s trip more enjoyable.
[Read more about avoiding seasickness]
SHARE TRIPS and “BUMPING”
All boats operating shared charters require a minimum number of anglers before they will go out. Until that time your charter is considered tentative and subject to cancellation (aka “Getting Bumped”) should another group want to book the boat privately that day. Also, bear in mind that others on board your share charter have the same cancellation policy that you do so, while your trip may have been ‘confirmed’ at the time you booked it, if someone cancels it could leave the boat below the minimum. Please be sure to phone the boat a day or two prior to your charter to reconfirm the status of your trip.
GUARANTEES
Fish are not caught every day. There are no guarantees. There are no refunds, discounts, or offers to fish another day free of charge because you don’t catch. Fishing is fishing, after all.
[Read more about your odds of catching]
RULES OF CONDUCT
All charters operate under the authority of the Captain. The Captain may terminate any charter due to unacceptable behavior or unsafe conditions. Belligerence, excessive intoxication, or blatant disrespect towards any other participant or crew member will not be tolerated, and could result in termination of the trip with no refund.
For your safety and the safety of others please disclose any health conditions which could effect your performance and safety prior to booking. Persons with conditions that might affect their ability to fish or that could effect the health and safety of themselves or others may, at the discretion of the Captain, not be permitted to participate. This includes individuals with significant mobility issues, heart conditions, pregnancy, or who show signs of infectious disease. Refunds may not be given to guests not disclosing such information, should the captain deem your participation unsafe.
No illegal substances are permitted on the boats. This includes cannabis products, both recreational and medicinal. Despite changes in state laws, marijuana possession remains a federal crime in the United States. Captains can lose their license and, in some cases, boats can be seized. Discovery of any illegal substances on board will result in immediate termination of the trip with no refund and possible legal consequence.
Smoking of tobacco products is permitted on a case by case basis. Some boats do not allow it so be sure to ask in advance. Consideration is the key. Even if the crew permits you to smoke, please refrain from doing so if it appears to be bothering other individuals on board. Smoking is never permitted in the cabin area, and please DO NOT dispose of cigarette butts overboard!
Beer and wine may be consumed responsibly by those 21 years of age or older. Please check with the boat prior to boarding as to whether hard alcohol is permitted. In many cases it is not. No glass containers will be allowed on board.
Should you have any questions or concerns about these rules or policies, please contact us.