Frequently Asked Questions
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What are your pick up points?
We have a range of pick up and drop off points in Sydney Harbour for both group and individual bookings. To find your closest option check out our Pick up Points page
What time do you pick up ?
Catering to individuals we try to stick to the schedule on the Pick up Points page on website. For Group Bookings we give you a choice of time and place. The boat is at your disposal.
Is there a toilet on board ?
All three vessels have full toilet facilities on board.
Where do you go ?
We have been fishing from Sydney for over 30 years and have over 500 different offshore spots. We judge where to go on the day once we are through the Syndey Heads and know the prevailing conditions, wind, current, tide etc.
What do I need to bring?
Warm clothing, wind and waterproof jacket, sunscreen and hat, sturdy shoes, sandwiches or rolls, fruit (NO BANANAS!), Esky, cooler bag or plastic bag (To carry fish home in!)
Why No Bananas?
It is common knowledge in the seafaring world that having bananas on boats brings bad luck. Why you ask? Well the answer varies depending who you talk to, but we work on the philosophy of not wanting to have them on board to ensure that you catch fish 🙂
How much fishing time will I get?
This is dependant on a number of factors, including number of pick up points and weather conditions. We aim to have first lines in the water between 8am-8:30am and then you will have a minimum of three hours fishing time during the charter. Depending on our success we may move to different points to increase your chances of catching a big one! We usually wind the lines up between 11:00am-11:30am to head back into Sydney Harbour getting you back at around 12:00pm to 1:00pm depending on wharf. For an exclusive boat booking we can tailor the amount of fishing time to suit your group’s needs.
Depending on the conditions we may trawl the lures on the way out of the Harbour to see if we can catch something. Whatever we catch, you keep!
What happens if there is bad weather on my booked date?
We use a range of forecasting tools to try and predict what the weather will be doing and to provide you the most notice in the case that we cancel a charter. Generally, we will make the decision by 5pm the day before a charter as to whether we will be going out. If we have to cancel we will call, text or email you the night before to let you know.
What happens if my charter is cancelled?
Should you charter be cancelled due to weather or unforseen circumstances, in the case of bad weather cancellation we offer a full refund or 12 months to rebook.
Can I bring Alcohol?
You’re welcome to bring your own alcohol on board but we do ask that you don’t bring glass and that you drink responsibly.
Do you cater on your charters?
Catering is not included in the charter prices but we can provide lunch if required. For $25 pp we have morning snacks and a full BBQ with rump steak, sausages, fried onions, bread rolls and soft drinks.
We also offer our special fish and chips deal from Doyles at Watsons Bay at $15 Per Person on the trip back in. This applies to group bookings only.
What happens if I feel sea sick? Do you provide sea-sick medicine ?
We are not able to provide any medication as it is unlawful. If you think you might get seasick take pills as instructed on packet but take prior to boarding the vessel. Once we are at sea it is too late. Bring plenty of fluids, we will be in a salty environment. Have a good night’s sleep the night before your trip. As other customers will be on board, we will be unable to come back into the harbour early unless there is a medical emergency.
Do we need to bring our own Rods ?
Each vessel is kitted out with sufficient gear and spares for all. You are welcome to use your own if you wish.
What is minimum number of people ?
Once I have accepted a booking we go fishing. Except for bad weather.
How many go out on boat ?
We restrict passenger numbers for comfort to about 60% of legal capacity e.g. Kingfisher is allowed 22 passengers offshore by law. I allow 15 maximum.
What happens to the fish, do you clean and fillet them for us ?
Our crew measure, log , clean, scale, gut and put your catch on ice for you. By law the fish have to leave the vessel intact so we don’t fillet them.
Do you guarantee that we catch fish ?
As we are dealing with Mother Nature we cannot guarantee a catch but we do everything to give you the best possible chance of taking home something tasty to eat.
What bait do you use ?
We tend to use pilchards, yellow tail and squid, whichever is in season. We always have squid and one species of fish as bait on any given day.
What can I expect to catch ?
We target flathead, snapper, morwong, gurnard, leatherjacket, rock cod, trevelly, Maori wrasse and nanigai and run lures for salmon, kingfish, tailor, barracuda and other surface feeding species.
Will I catch a marlin ?
We are not set up for marlin fishing as it is specialised. We primarily target table fish on the bottom. We do however troll lures on the way out and way in for surface species.
Do we need Licenses ?
Deep Sea Charters owns a block of Charter fishing licenses so you don’t need one.
Charter Types
Offshore Reef and Bottom Fishing – Morning Trip (7 Hours)
Available 7 days a week, all seasons – this is the most popular trip, suitable for experienced anglers as well as first timers, social and corporate groups, birthdays, etc. People relax, do some fishing and usually catch a feed of fine table fish.
We fish 5 to 10 km offshore, over a selection of the productive reefs and fish feeding grounds within easy reach of Sydney. Depending on conditions, 12-14 people can fish at the same time. In most social groups this works out well, because several people are happy to relax, socialise, take photos and take turns fishing. – If you are all die-hard fishos, however, we suggest limiting your numbers.
Includes the boat and crew, top quality fishing tackle and bait, instruction and assistance when necessary.
Time: usually 5:45/6:00am to around 1:00 pm. For exclusive charters, pickup times can be negotiated to suit your party.
 Offshore Reef and Bottom Fishing – Twilight trip ( 1 PM till Sundown)
Similar to the morning trip listed above but in the evening. Includes the boat and crew, top quality fishing tackle and bait, instruction and assistance when necessary.
Time: 1:00pm to sunset. For exclusive charters, pickup times can be negotiated to suit your party.