Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need To Know – Before You Go. Find Quick Answers to Common Questions About Gulf Star Deep-Sea Fishing
1
General Information
When are your Office Hours?
The booking office phone lines are open 10:00 AM-4:30 PM Mon-Fri. Please leave a message or send a text to (727) 938-5300 if you get our answering machine, and we will get back to you ASAP! We answer all calls in the order they came in. PLEASE DO NOT Call repeatedly.
When will you know if my trip is going or not?
If a weather cancellation is looming, we will not know until we have all the details and the most recent and accurate weather updates. We receive our information from NOAA and other private weather satellite sites and then analyze the data and make a decision.
Half-Day Trips: The weather decision for half-day trips will be posted by 8 am on the day of the trip. We also text message to all who agree to SMS messaging.
12 to 18-hour trips:
If the weather is a potential issue, Gulfstar management will make the final weather decision within 8 hours of the trip departure time.
The weather decision will be posted on our website, and emails and text messages will also be sent.
Multi Day:
The Gulfstar will cancel all multi-day trips if the sustained wind forecast is greater than 20kts (22.8 mph) in the winter or greater than 25kts (28.5 mph) in spring, summer and fall. If the weather is a potential issue, Gulfstar management will make the final weather decision within 8 hours of the trip departure time.
The weather decision will be posted on our website, and emails and text messages will also be sent..
What is your booking/cancellation/refund policy?
Click Here to Read Booking and Cancellation Policy:
>>> CLICK HERE <<<
Are you wheelchair accessible?
Yes, we have a large boarding platform and crew to assist all those in need.
What is the minimum age for children allowed on board the boat?
We are required by the USCG to have type 1 life vests onboard for children and adults. In our experience, the life vests do not fit infants and young toddlers very well. If your child has a very small frame for their age, please call us at 727-938-5300 to discuss options prior to making a reservation.
Half day: We allow children as young as 4 yrs old onboard but they must be 7 yrs old to fish with one of our loaner rods. If you bring your own rod for children under 7 the child can certainly fish with adult supervision.
All Day and Multi-day: The minimum age for overnight trips is 12 yrs old while accompanied by an adult. The minimum age for an unaccompanied child is 16 yrs old.
The booking office phone lines are open 10:00 AM-4:30 PM Mon-Fri. Please leave a message or send a text to (727) 938-5300 if you get our answering machine, and we will get back to you ASAP! We answer all calls in the order they came in. PLEASE DO NOT Call repeatedly.
If a weather cancellation is looming, we will not know until we have all the details and the most recent and accurate weather updates. We receive our information from NOAA and other private weather satellite sites and then analyze the data and make a decision.
Half-Day Trips: The weather decision for half-day trips will be posted by 8 am on the day of the trip. We also text message to all who agree to SMS messaging.
12 to 18-hour trips:
If the weather is a potential issue, Gulfstar management will make the final weather decision within 8 hours of the trip departure time.
The weather decision will be posted on our website, and emails and text messages will also be sent.
Multi Day:
The Gulfstar will cancel all multi-day trips if the sustained wind forecast is greater than 20kts (22.8 mph) in the winter or greater than 25kts (28.5 mph) in spring, summer and fall. If the weather is a potential issue, Gulfstar management will make the final weather decision within 8 hours of the trip departure time.
The weather decision will be posted on our website, and emails and text messages will also be sent..
Click Here to Read Booking and Cancellation Policy:
>>> CLICK HERE <<<
Yes, we have a large boarding platform and crew to assist all those in need.
We are required by the USCG to have type 1 life vests onboard for children and adults. In our experience, the life vests do not fit infants and young toddlers very well. If your child has a very small frame for their age, please call us at 727-938-5300 to discuss options prior to making a reservation.
Half day: We allow children as young as 4 yrs old onboard but they must be 7 yrs old to fish with one of our loaner rods. If you bring your own rod for children under 7 the child can certainly fish with adult supervision.
All Day and Multi-day: The minimum age for overnight trips is 12 yrs old while accompanied by an adult. The minimum age for an unaccompanied child is 16 yrs old.
2
Preparing for Your Trip
What personal items should I bring?
Offshore:
Weather appropriate clothes with at least one extra set, light-duty rain gear, Rubber-soled closed-toed shoes (flip flops are NOT allowed.)
Personal toiletries, including a towel and soap for a shower.
Medication with some extra stored separately (in case you lose it or it gets wet). A pillow and a twin-sized sheet, and a light blanket (or a sleeping bag). Hats, sunscreen, hand rags for use while fishing, a pocket knife, and needle-nose pliers.
Half day:
Rubber-soled closed-toed shoes (flip flops are allowed, but strongly not recommended). Medication with some extra stored separately (in case you lose it or it gets wet). Hats, sunscreen, and hand rags to use while fishing.
Do I need to purchase a fishing license?
NO!! We purchase fishing licenses each year from the state and the federal government that allows you to fish on our boats for FREE keeping in kind with our all-inclusive anti-nickel-and-diming policy.
Do I need to purchase tackle?
NO: With our all-inclusive anti-nickel-and-diming policy, tackle is included on all of our trips except for some specialty trips.
On all trips, the mates will tie your tackle on and make rigs for you or give you lessons if you want.
Half-Day, All-Day, and Multi-Day Fishing Trips (Except Deep Drop). We have terminal tackle aboard and ready to go.
Is braided line allowed onboard the boat?
Yes, you can fish with braided line, but we strongly recommend that you have a monofilament “top shot” of appropriate test rating. If you would like assistance with tying a “top shot” onto your line, our mates will do it for you or show you how.
Do I need to bring a fish cooler onboard the boat, or can I bring one?
Half day: You do not need to bring a fish cooler, but if you would like to, go right ahead.
Multi-day: We strongly recommend you bring a fish cooler, but we ask that it is no larger than a 110 quart capacity.
If you are a fly-in and are unable to bring your own cooler, we have a loaner cooler that can be borrowed upon request as long as we are notified at least one day before the trip departs.
Can I bring adult beverages?
Yes, you can bring alcoholic beverages onboard, but only in non-glass containers.
Broken glass is dangerous enough on land, but extremely dangerous on a rolling, pitching boat.
You are required to drink responsibly. The captain and/or crew are responsible for the safety of the vessel and her passengers.
If they deem that you are drinking in excess and you refuse to stop, your alcohol will be confiscated.
Bottom Line!!!! Drink responsibly, and don’t be an annoying, dangerous drunk.
Can I bring our cell phones? Is there service?
Cell phones take fantastic pictures nowadays. You may bring your cell phone, but there probably will not be any service once we get about 10 miles offshore. If you need to make an urgent phone call, we have Starlink onboard, and it can be accessed in the wheelhouse.
Offshore:
Weather appropriate clothes with at least one extra set, light-duty rain gear, Rubber-soled closed-toed shoes (flip flops are NOT allowed.)
Personal toiletries, including a towel and soap for a shower.
Medication with some extra stored separately (in case you lose it or it gets wet). A pillow and a twin-sized sheet, and a light blanket (or a sleeping bag). Hats, sunscreen, hand rags for use while fishing, a pocket knife, and needle-nose pliers.
Half day:
Rubber-soled closed-toed shoes (flip flops are allowed, but strongly not recommended). Medication with some extra stored separately (in case you lose it or it gets wet). Hats, sunscreen, and hand rags to use while fishing.
NO!! We purchase fishing licenses each year from the state and the federal government that allows you to fish on our boats for FREE keeping in kind with our all-inclusive anti-nickel-and-diming policy.
NO: With our all-inclusive anti-nickel-and-diming policy, tackle is included on all of our trips except for some specialty trips.
On all trips, the mates will tie your tackle on and make rigs for you or give you lessons if you want.
Half-Day, All-Day, and Multi-Day Fishing Trips (Except Deep Drop). We have terminal tackle aboard and ready to go.
Yes, you can fish with braided line, but we strongly recommend that you have a monofilament “top shot” of appropriate test rating. If you would like assistance with tying a “top shot” onto your line, our mates will do it for you or show you how.
Half day: You do not need to bring a fish cooler, but if you would like to, go right ahead.
Multi-day: We strongly recommend you bring a fish cooler, but we ask that it is no larger than a 110 quart capacity.
If you are a fly-in and are unable to bring your own cooler, we have a loaner cooler that can be borrowed upon request as long as we are notified at least one day before the trip departs.
Yes, you can bring alcoholic beverages onboard, but only in non-glass containers.
Broken glass is dangerous enough on land, but extremely dangerous on a rolling, pitching boat.
You are required to drink responsibly. The captain and/or crew are responsible for the safety of the vessel and her passengers.
If they deem that you are drinking in excess and you refuse to stop, your alcohol will be confiscated.
Bottom Line!!!! Drink responsibly, and don’t be an annoying, dangerous drunk.
Cell phones take fantastic pictures nowadays. You may bring your cell phone, but there probably will not be any service once we get about 10 miles offshore. If you need to make an urgent phone call, we have Starlink onboard, and it can be accessed in the wheelhouse.
3
Onboard Amenities & Features
Is there air conditioning onboard?
YES! This is Florida, and it gets HOT!
The Gulfstar Endurance has air conditioning in the berthing compartments as well as the main cabin.
Are there showers aboard the Gulfstar?
YES!!!
There is a freshwater shower room available to our anglers aboard the Gulfstar Endurance.
Is there shade onboard the boat?
Yes, the Gulfstar Endurance has an overhang covering a large portion of the deck. We still suggest bringing sunscreen and a hat for added protection.
Are there electrical outlets onboard the Gulfstar?
As mentioned above, YES!!! There are standard outlets available throughout the main cabin and the bunk room.
Do you have a live well onboard the Gulfstar?
We have one large community live well in the stern.
LIVE BAIT (When Available), IS INCLUDED with your fare. (Another part of our anti-nickel-and-diming business philosophy)
If you plan on bringing your own fresh bait rather than using the frozen bait that is included, please bring your own small bait cooler to keep your bait fresh.
How can I store my food and drinks onboard the boat for a multi-day trip?
With our all-inclusive anti-nickel-and-diming policy, we provide all meals, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks, but if you choose to bring some food and snacks, please bring a separate small cooler for them, and upon request, we will provide you with FREE ice to keep your food fresh during the trip.
Do you carry ice for sale?
NO!!! We don’t believe in the nickel-and-dime business philosophy. When you come fishing with us, ICE is FREE for all of our anglers!
YES! This is Florida, and it gets HOT!
The Gulfstar Endurance has air conditioning in the berthing compartments as well as the main cabin.
YES!!!
There is a freshwater shower room available to our anglers aboard the Gulfstar Endurance.
Yes, the Gulfstar Endurance has an overhang covering a large portion of the deck. We still suggest bringing sunscreen and a hat for added protection.
As mentioned above, YES!!! There are standard outlets available throughout the main cabin and the bunk room.
We have one large community live well in the stern.
LIVE BAIT (When Available), IS INCLUDED with your fare. (Another part of our anti-nickel-and-diming business philosophy)
If you plan on bringing your own fresh bait rather than using the frozen bait that is included, please bring your own small bait cooler to keep your bait fresh.
With our all-inclusive anti-nickel-and-diming policy, we provide all meals, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks, but if you choose to bring some food and snacks, please bring a separate small cooler for them, and upon request, we will provide you with FREE ice to keep your food fresh during the trip.
NO!!! We don’t believe in the nickel-and-dime business philosophy. When you come fishing with us, ICE is FREE for all of our anglers!
4
Fishing-Specific Questions
Do I need to purchase tackle?
NO: With our all-inclusive anti-nickel-and-diming policy, tackle is included on all of our trips with the exceptions of some specialty trips. On all trips, the mates will tie your tackle on and make rigs for you or give you lessons if you want.
Half day: The mates have the tackle aboard and ready to go.
Multi-day: Passengers get a custom Gulfstar tackle bag loaded with enough tackle for the trip. The tackle bag is waterproof neoprene and reusable and is yours to keep along with any unused tackle. Click Here for a picture of the custom tackle bag and contents.
Is there fish cleaning available, and how much does it cost?
To our knowledge, all of our competitors charge an additional fee for cleaning your catch. We DO NOT!!!! The fish cleaning is another part of our all-inclusive anti-nickel-and-diming policy.
Our Captains and mates will clean your catch for you as you would like. They will automatically filet your fish unless you request them to be cleaned a different way. So for example: if you like your fish whole gutted… please tell them right as they are starting your cleaning job.
What are the fish limits for my trip?
Half day: We fish in state waters and state fishing regulations apply. Click HERE for state fishing regulations.
All trips longer than half day: We fish in federal waters and federal fishing regulations apply. Click HERE for federal fishing regulations.
On multi-day trips we are allowed to harvest a second day bag limit of reef fish on the second day of the trip.
I’m a beginner—do you provide advice/instructions?
Yes, our captains and mates will take as much time that is needed to make you a fish-catching machine. The more fish you catch equates to big smiles and hopefully recommendations to friends and family. So please don’t be shy, please ask for help, that is part of what you are paying for.
I have tackle questions. How do I speak with a captain?
The office staff can answer basic tackle questions and general information. If you have specific tackle questions and you have not found the info you need on our Tackle suggestion page, we urge you to email [email protected] directly or text him on his cell at 727-204-2601.
NO: With our all-inclusive anti-nickel-and-diming policy, tackle is included on all of our trips with the exceptions of some specialty trips. On all trips, the mates will tie your tackle on and make rigs for you or give you lessons if you want.
Half day: The mates have the tackle aboard and ready to go.
Multi-day: Passengers get a custom Gulfstar tackle bag loaded with enough tackle for the trip. The tackle bag is waterproof neoprene and reusable and is yours to keep along with any unused tackle. Click Here for a picture of the custom tackle bag and contents.
To our knowledge, all of our competitors charge an additional fee for cleaning your catch. We DO NOT!!!! The fish cleaning is another part of our all-inclusive anti-nickel-and-diming policy.
Our Captains and mates will clean your catch for you as you would like. They will automatically filet your fish unless you request them to be cleaned a different way. So for example: if you like your fish whole gutted… please tell them right as they are starting your cleaning job.
Half day: We fish in state waters and state fishing regulations apply. Click HERE for state fishing regulations.
All trips longer than half day: We fish in federal waters and federal fishing regulations apply. Click HERE for federal fishing regulations.
On multi-day trips we are allowed to harvest a second day bag limit of reef fish on the second day of the trip.
Yes, our captains and mates will take as much time that is needed to make you a fish-catching machine. The more fish you catch equates to big smiles and hopefully recommendations to friends and family. So please don’t be shy, please ask for help, that is part of what you are paying for.
The office staff can answer basic tackle questions and general information. If you have specific tackle questions and you have not found the info you need on our Tackle suggestion page, we urge you to email [email protected] directly or text him on his cell at 727-204-2601.
5
Etiquette & Policies
What is an appropriate tip for the mates?
This is one of the most-asked questions that we get, and it really shows the good nature of us as Americans and our visitors.
Our crew genuinely loves what they do—and it shows.
From early mornings to long days at sea, they go the extra mile to make sure your experience is not only safe and successful, but also relaxing and fun. If you enjoy your time with us, gratuities are always appreciated. Like many in the service industry, our crew relies on tips as part of their income.
A typical tip is around 20% of the fare, but it’s entirely up to you and based on the level of service you feel you received.
While tipping is not required, it is certainly appreciated.
We ask that you evaluate the level of service that the staff provided, and not how much fish you caught. Because, unfortunately, fishing is not always catching, no matter how hard the staff works to change it.
We are committed to giving you the best experience possible.
If you feel like one of our crew is not performing to your expectations, please promptly speak with the captain on duty so we can make your experience an exceptional one.
I just want to go as a non-fishing passenger—is there a discount?
Unfortunately, no. We do appreciate the question, and on the surface it does have lots of validity. But we have a limited # of seats/passenger capacity as per the US Coast Guard regulations, and we really do need to charge appropriately for each seat/passenger for many reasons, but we will list a couple.
It is our experience that virtually all passengers who start out as a non-fishing passengers begin fishing in the middle of the trip, mostly because they can’t resist the urge to join in on the fun. This could possibly put the crew in an uncomfortable position of explaining to full-paying passengers why they had to pay full prices to fish.
Our insurance costs are extremely high, and the rates are the same for non-fishing passengers.
I’m a licensed concealed carry holder—can I bring my gun onboard the boat?
You can bring your firearm aboard if you are legally allowed to possess one, but it MUST be stored in the wheelhouse under the captain’s supervision until the boat returns to the dock.
This is one of the most-asked questions that we get, and it really shows the good nature of us as Americans and our visitors.
Our crew genuinely loves what they do—and it shows.
From early mornings to long days at sea, they go the extra mile to make sure your experience is not only safe and successful, but also relaxing and fun. If you enjoy your time with us, gratuities are always appreciated. Like many in the service industry, our crew relies on tips as part of their income.
A typical tip is around 20% of the fare, but it’s entirely up to you and based on the level of service you feel you received.
While tipping is not required, it is certainly appreciated.
We ask that you evaluate the level of service that the staff provided, and not how much fish you caught. Because, unfortunately, fishing is not always catching, no matter how hard the staff works to change it.
We are committed to giving you the best experience possible.
If you feel like one of our crew is not performing to your expectations, please promptly speak with the captain on duty so we can make your experience an exceptional one.
Unfortunately, no. We do appreciate the question, and on the surface it does have lots of validity. But we have a limited # of seats/passenger capacity as per the US Coast Guard regulations, and we really do need to charge appropriately for each seat/passenger for many reasons, but we will list a couple.
It is our experience that virtually all passengers who start out as a non-fishing passengers begin fishing in the middle of the trip, mostly because they can’t resist the urge to join in on the fun. This could possibly put the crew in an uncomfortable position of explaining to full-paying passengers why they had to pay full prices to fish.
Our insurance costs are extremely high, and the rates are the same for non-fishing passengers.
You can bring your firearm aboard if you are legally allowed to possess one, but it MUST be stored in the wheelhouse under the captain’s supervision until the boat returns to the dock.
Still Need Help?
Still Need Help?
Our support team is here to help you with any questions
Call Us
(727) 204 2601
Email Support
Ready to Book your Adventure?
Now that you have all the answers, it’s time to experience the GulfStar difference. Book your trip today!