GUIDED OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
with Captain Tad Burke
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I offer both skiff and bayboat trips and the pricing difference is basically determined by the fuel consumption of each. Skiff trips are limited to 2 anglers and bayboat trips can accommodate 4 persons. If you are looking for shallow water fishing I recommend the skiff. If you are a party of more than 2, my Yellowfin only draws 10 inches of water so shallow fishing is still a great option, we'll just have to steer clear of the skinniest water . . . |
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SKIFF TRIPS |
DEPOSIT POLICY |
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$500 for 8 hours $450 for 6 hours $400 for 4 hours All times are dock to dock. Additional hours beyond 8 may be negotiated in advance but average $50 per hour. These rates do not apply for Tournament fishing. Tournament rates are listed separately. |
To reserve your date(s), a deposit of $200 per skiff day reserved, and $250 per day for bayboat reservations is required. All deposits must be received within 7 days of the reservation. Checks and money orders are accepted. If your deposit is not received within 7 days, your dates may be rebooked. If you are reserving dates for tournament fishing, please see below. Tournament Deposit Policy: 50% non-refundable deposit due at time of booking. See tournament cancellation policy listed below. |
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YELLOWFIN BAYBOAT TRIPS |
CANCELLATION POLICY |
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$650 for 8 hours $600 for 6 hours $525 for 4 hours All times are dock to dock. Additional hours beyond 8 may be negotiated in advance but average $50 per hour. These rates do not apply for Tournament fishing. Tournament rates are listed separately. |
More than 30 days before your trip: Your deposit will be credited toward a trip within one year from the original departure date if the original dates you reserved can be rebooked. Less than 30 days before your trip: Deposits on cancellations less than 30 days are forfeit unless the days can be rebooked. Please note, there is a slim chance of this with such short cancellation notice. Tournament cancellations: In the event you have to cancel your participation in a tournament your deposit is forfeit unless the days are rebooked regardless of advance notice. |
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TOURNAMENT RATES |
WILL MY TRIP BE CANCELLED FOR WEATHER? |
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When an angler books me for a tournament I take it seriously. For fly tournaments, many hours are spent preparing leaders in advance to minimize rigging time and maximize fishing time during the tournament. For bait tournaments, live bait is caught in advance of the tournament, penned and fed to provide the hardiest baits available. In addition to preparation time, tournament days are generally long and it is not uncommon for them to begin at 4:30 a.m. and end at 6:30 p.m. Skiff Rate: $600* per day *Rates listed are maximum rate charged for tournament days. Tournaments are very individualized and, depending on the event, lower rates may be possible. Fuel surcharge may apply to be based on tournament location and price of fuel at time of event. |
If the weather forecast includes lightning or winds in excess of 25 mph, your deposit will gladly be refunded to you with the exception of tournaments which are only cancelled in the Florida Keys when there is a named storm present. Once we leave the dock, we may encounter inclement weather during the course of the day. Generally, small rain squalls can be skirted and lee shorelines can be fished to avoid the strongest winds. If the forecast is marginal and you have a day available to fish later in the week, I will try my best to accommodate your request to switch your day. Remember, light winds up to 10 to 15 mph are normal here in the Florida Keys. | |
GRATUITIES |
WHY ALL THESE POLICIES & RULES? |
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| This is not a guide's favorite subject to discuss, but one that needs to be addressed. In my opinion, guides should not expect a tip unless they've earned it. A survey on flats fishing gratuities by Angler's Report showed that shallow water anglers tip anywhere from nothing to amounts in excess of $150 per day. Before you decide what, if any, gratuity I deserve, ask yourself a few questions. Did I work hard to put you in front of fish, especially in windy or cloudy conditions? Did I help you with your casting, seeing the fish, and your fighting the fish technique? Did you have a great day? If the answer to these questions is yes, any gratuity you are able to provide at the end of the day is greatly appreciated. Here in the Florida Keys we have a high cost of living and my rates are set to make certain that the bills are paid. Any gratuity is a welcome bonus and goes a long way in easing the anxiety of today's economy. That said, if you've saved all year long for one special fishing trip, please know that tipping is not mandatory and I would rather that you take that tip and add it to your savings for another trip down my way. Please click here to view the results of the Anglers Report Survey. |
Those of you that have fished with me for years know that it's easy for the lines between business and friendship to become blurred. It's hard to spend 8 hours a day on a 17' skiff day upon day and year upon year without building a relationship. The bottom line, however, is that guiding is my occupation. It is the business that pays my bills and contributes to my emergency fund. I assure you, once I win the lottery I will take you fishing for free, but for now guiding is my livelihood and the water is my office. These policies keep the business end clear and allow us to continue to be friends both on and off the water. | |
call: (305)852-0739
email: wildsideguides@earthlink.net