Turning a Fishing Boat into an Experience

A luxurious charter boat checklist by Ross Walkinshaw of Cape Cod Charter Guys.

Sharing amazing fishing experiences with guests is my ultimate passion in life. As much as I enjoy fishing on my own, there’s no joy compared to being a professional Cape Cod master captain guide. I only have one mantra every time I take my clients out in the deep blue: always go the extra mile. Whether it’s providing white-glove service on board or adding literal miles to a trip to chase that bass or bluefish, I do everything I can to guarantee a perfect day out on the water. It doesn’t matter if my client is an experienced sport fisher eager to beat his personal record, a novice angler who has yet to make his first catch, or a big family of fishing enthusiasts. I go the extra mile to cater to their specific needs so they can each have an amazing fishing experience that they will talk about for years.

As an avid angler myself, I know that an amazing fishing experience starts with a great boat. But what exactly makes a great boat, you ask? Here’s Cape Cod Charter Guys’ take on the matter:

1. Substantial and Can Function Well on All Types of Water

To guarantee a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the water, a boat has to be suitable for the waters on which it will be used. That’s why we picked a boat that’s durable and strong enough to handle the Cape seas — a 26’ Sportsman Offshore Deep V Angler Hull. The Sportsman is the only boat manufacturer that uses an adhesive bonding agent used by NASA/Space X on their space-bound shuttle panels, so their boats are guaranteed strong. We specifically chose the Offshore Deep V Angler Hull as it can take all types of water. It can handle any kind of water condition easily, even on small craft warning days. 

We limit our boat party to six anglers per trip so everyone can move easily and enjoy ample legroom on the boat.

2. Equipped With a Reliable Engine

A boat is just as good as its engine. We’ve recently upgraded from the 150 Yamaha engines to the 200hp twin Yamaha engines to guarantee a speedy yet reliable trip and a safe return to dock under any condition, no questions asked.

3. Customized With State-of-the-Art Amenities

To turn a fishing trip into a bonafide experience, we’ve equipped our Sportsman with luxurious amenities you wouldn’t expect from a basic fishing boat. We have a sound system that allows us to play our guests’ favorite tunes, adding to the enjoyable atmosphere on the boat. Our gunnel pads are soft and comfortable enough for guests to lean against while fishing, making the day so much more cozy and enjoyable. 

Apart from these luxury add-ons, our boat also has an electronics and radar system that allows us to track schools and big game fish and keep an eye out for any storm or foul weather that may be coming our way.

We also provide the basics — lures, reels, live bait, and rods — so our guests need only bring their passion for fishing. 

4. Furnished for Safety

Part of guaranteeing our guests’ comfort and peace of mind while fishing is making sure we provide the most fool-proof safety measures onboard. For everyone’s utmost safety, we provide medical supplies for first aid, a life raft that can accommodate everyone on the boat, an Epirb satellite location device, and a satellite COM phone which instantly allows us to reach out for help or assistance on land should we require it.

5. Manned by Experts

A modern or luxurious charter boat won’t guarantee you the best fishing experience, no matter how advanced or well-equipped it is. It still requires the handling of seasoned professionals who know their fish and the waters they’re fishing. 

And that’s exactly what makes the Cape Cod Charter Guys’ boat a cut above the rest — the team behind the hull. As the master guide and charter captain of the boat, I have over 13 years of fishing experience under my belt. I know the waters of Cape Cod inside and out. It’s no exaggeration: I live by the water, and I’m always on the water, so I know exactly where the fish are and the current patterns and migrations. 

Together with my mate and son, Jayden, I continue to explore and study Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic waters so we can provide expert guidance no matter what the season. To demonstrate our commitment to offering professional service on the water, my mate and I both have our Master's Captain’s License. Between us, we combine our passion for fishing, our pro-licensed skills, and our love and knowledge for the fish and our local waters.

Many passionate anglers would say that fishing can be enjoyed even with the simplest and most basic gear. While I do agree with that for the most part, I also believe that, once in a while, all anglers deserve a comfortable fishing experience. This is especially true if it’s your first time fishing in a place, if you’re bringing your entire family with you (and especially if you have young kids), or if you’re hoping to introduce a friend or loved one to the joys of fishing. 

A comfortable fishing experience doesn’t mean a boring or monotonous one. Under the guidance of a seasoned local expert, a fishing trip on a modern charter boat can be a masterclass in fishing that will put your skills to the test, a chance to beat your personal record, or an opportunity to learn and try a new fishing technique. And even if you don’t get to catch your target for the day, the smooth journey on the boat itself and your valiant quest for a trophy will always be a story worth telling — until the next fishing opportunity comes.