Frequently Asked Questions
 | What is Typically Included with our Charter Services?
Most of our charters are what is considered a "bare boat" charter which includes all tackle, lures, fishing equipment and a cooler with ice provided. All of our rates include the 16% Mexican Tourist Tax. It is up to the guests to provide their own beverages, lunch, snacks, etc. When you confirm availability with your Captain the day prior to your scheduled departure, you can ask him if he is able to provide your desired beverages for a nominal fee. You will typically find a local mini market at your departure dock (or a gift shop if departing from a resort marina) that can provide you with water, soft drinks, cerveza, snacks, box lunches, etc.
Depending on the location and the type of fishing you wish to do, local dead bait is provided gratis. In some locations, live bait is available from the local vendors at a nominal fee. Your Captain will give you recommendations on whether live bait should be purchased and how many.
| | | What do you need to bring for your Fishing Adventure?
Remember that you will be fishing in a sub-tropical setting with strong UV exposure so be sure to bring appropriate sun protection and apply sunscreen to exposed skin areas on the way out to the fishing grounds. A good UV protection lip balm is also highly recommended.
We strongly recommend that you bring a cap or hat, to help shade your face. We also recommend polarized sunglasses which will allow you to better see the lures running in the water and the first flash of "color" as your hooked fish approaches the boat.
Footwear is of your choosing but we always recommend sneakers over flip-flops simply as protection from wayward hooks or flopping fish with sharp teeth.
Stay hydrated so bring plenty of water or sport drinks and whatever snacks you prefer.
Most importantly, bring a great attitude and excitement to your custom charter fishing trip!
| | | How Does the Charter Fishing Trip Work?
Your Captain and Crew are there to provide you with an enjoyable and successful custom fishing charter. We recommend that prior to departure you discuss with the Captain what the local fishing results have been and let him know any preferences for your fishing day. For example, maybe let him know that your group would prefer to catch more fish than simply targeting a couple of large fish. Or conversely, if you want to chase the Marlin or Sailfish and are not worried about taking home table fare, let them know that. If you prefer to target the Tuna or Mahi and want to be able to take some home, let him know that as well as this may dictate a different location or approach than locating the billfish.
Once a plan is determined and you are underway, your crew will prepare all the rods with lures and bait and get ready for the fishing action. If your plan is to troll for pelagic species, your crew will rig the rods with the appropriate lures and set the reel drags accordingly. Once you reach the fishing grounds, the crew will begin putting out the lines using the outriggers and the corner flat lines to create a "Spread" that imitates a large school of bait fish.
When a fish hits the lures, the crew will jump into action and grab the rod to make sure the fish is hooked and prepare to pass the rod to your first designated fisherman. If there are multiple "hookups" they will repeat that until all the hooked fish are passed to your fishermen and then they will bring in the other lines so they don't interfere with the fight.
Once your hooked fish is near the boat, the crew will prepare to grab the leader and bring the fish up to be gaffed (if it is a table fare fish) or alongside the boat for tag and release. Please let them know in advance if you want to keep any fish or just get photos and release them. We encourage catch and release on all billfish. Depending on the size of the fish, the crew will likely attempt to bring it onboard for some quick photo memories and then get it back into the water to be released.
Once the fish are caught or released, the process begins again as the boat engages to trolling speed and the crew once again puts out the lines.
Once the fishing day is complete and you are headed back to port, you can let your crew know if you would like to have your fish cleaned and prepared for table fare. Some ports have quick access to custom fish cleaning, vacuum packing, and flash freezing. Others do not so your crew will either clean your fish on the way in, or arrange for them to be cleaned upon arrival back at port. If your crew does clean your fish, an additional gratuity to the mate would certainly be appropriate and appreciated.
| | | About Deposits
Your deposit is kept in our Trust account and will not be disbursed to our trusted Fleet partners until after the confirmation of a successful departure and completion of your scheduled charter. A 25% deposit will be invoiced upon confirmation of your desired charter date and boat. The balance due will be invoiced and due 30 days prior to your scheduled departure.Reservations placed within 30 days of your scheduled departure date will be invoice at full trip price.If scheduled trips are cancelled in advance with no harm to the Captains, your deposit will be promptly refunded. Up to a 10% service charge may be applied to cover the total cost of electronically processing the initial charges and the refund.
| | | Cancellations Due to Weather or Mechanical Issues
If for any reason the boat is unable to depart due to weather, port closure, etc. a full refund will be issued. If the boat is unable to depart due to mechanical issues, we will do our best to reschedule you to another comparable or upgraded boat with your approval for the same day, or reschedule for another day with your approval. If the trip is cancelled due to mechanical issues a full refund will be issued. If mechanical issues cause your scheduled trip to be shortened after departure a pro rata refund will be issued. If trip is abbreviated at customer's request for any reason, the full charter price will be charged. A "no show" on the customer's part without prior notification will be considered a cancelled trip and no refund will be issued as the captain has already committed his departure fees to the port and a full day's wages to the support crew.
| | | Avoiding Sea Sickness
Nothing can put a damper on a great fishing trip quicker than becoming seasick. If you are not sure about how you will fare out on the sea, we highly recommend taking preventive measures to assure that you are able to fully enjoy your time on the water.
Common sense should be your guide avoiding excessive alcohol the evening before and during your trip. Avoid greasy or excessively spicy foods the night before and have a light breakfast before departure. Having some crackers or pretzels handy as snacks during your trip is also recommended and perhaps some ginger ale or lemon-lime soft drinks.
There are a number of low cost (under $10) and effective preventive options available either on-line or at your local pharmacy. The Sea Band acupressure bracelet is a favorite of many fishermen, as is the MQ motion sickness patch that you simply place behind your ear. There are several proven pill form preventives such as Meclizine or Dramamine that both help prevent and treat motion sickness. These medications typically are associated with a bit of drowsiness.
When onboard if you are feeling a bit uncomfortable, be sure to stay up on deck where you get a breeze and fresh air and have the opportunity to focus on stable visuals on the horizon such as mountains or buildings on the shoreline or at other boats in your area. Don't go down into a stuffy hold on the yacht. Do seek to sit in the middle of the boat so as to minimize the sway and up and down. Sip some water or carbonated soft drink and ingest a few crackers until you get your sea legs back.
| | | Privacy Policy
We only collect the information we need to provide you the specific service(s) that you've requested to book and confirm a charter: name, address, phone number, e-mail and credit card information (if paying via card) are necessary to secure your charter reservation and assure a successful on time departure and trip.
To receive E-Mail Broadcast Specials, Contests, and News we only need your e-mail address.Your e-mail address is 100% safe and secure...we will never sell, barter, trade or share it with any outside parties without your express permission.
If for any reason, at any time you want to change or cancel any of the services you've chosen, simply write, call or e-mail us at:
Cortez Yacht Charters
765 N Sandpiper
Wichita, KS 67230
fishcortezcharters@gmail.com
Ph: 316-204-7650
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