Frequently Asked Questions
Our number one priority is your safety and enjoyment while on a El Pescador Charter. To insure you are fully prepared please read our terms agreement and answers to some of our most popular asked questions.
CHARTER INFORMATION
Tipping the deckhand
Tipping can be a very personal and somewhat touchy subject to discuss. Many people are unsure as to how much is appropriate and may be reserved in asking. The deckhand works for tips only. Your deckhand is at the boat at least an hour prior to your arrival, and at least as much oftentimes longer after your departure. Their duties do not stop for the entire duration of your day on the boat. Those duties include keeping you safe, baiting hooks, untangling lines, icing down your catch, maintaining a clean deck, attempts at humor, if your cold or just love it; making coffee for you etc. They help and direct you on how to fight and land your fish. When the day is done, they filet your fish on the ride home. Upon arrival back at the dock, they will take your filleted catch to your car or to the processor. They ensure your comfort from the minute you arrive until the minute you depart. Our goal is to provide top tier service to everyone, every trip.
Deckhands are human too, and subsequently misunderstandings may occur. If you feel your deckhand is not performing at the with the highest level of pride and professionalism please inform the captain as soon as possible, the sooner the better so we can get things turned around quickly to ensure your day on the water is as amazing as promised. If you are not happy please contact Captain Larry at (415-720-0645) immediately, or ask him to step aside and address your concerns as he is incredibly open and approachable.
Seasickness
Some people are well aware that they suffer from motion sickness, some have no idea if they do. There are days that the weather can make even most solid stomachs uneasy. Some best practices we have found to be starting your Dramamine the NIGHT BEFORE. Just starting it the morning of your trip is a bad idea. In our experience we recommend that you do not take it in the morning at all. Take it the night before.
If you decide to use the Scopolamine patch, or Zofran follow your doctors’ directions. We also recommend getting a prescription for Zofran. If unsure, start taking it BEFORE you start feeling nauseated. If you are prone to seasickness or start to feel nauseated let the captain and crew know, they will do everything they can to help you through it. Famous last words, "I've never gotten sick before in my life....,” “I have been on the water my whole life,” “I grew up on a boat.,” etc. etc. This is your trip of a lifetime, and it is far better to be prepared than not.
How to dress
Mexico is warm. We recommend you come prepared for the weather, bring plenty of sunscreen, eyewear and proper clothing to shield from the sun and elements associated with sports fishing.
Is Alcohol allowed on the boat.
Yes, it is. However, we do ask that you indulge responsibly. You may be in mixed company/ parties on the boat that day. Nobody wants to share the boat or have their kids exposed to excessively drunken behavior/ or foul language. Please be considerate of the other clients on the boat. The captain does have the right to limit or stop alcohol consumption if he deems it necessary.
Where is Puerto Vallarta, Mexico?
Mexico Puerto Vallarta, located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, is often referred to as the "Tuna Fishing Capital of Mexico" It is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, particularly those interested in tuna fishing. The waters surrounding Puerto Vallarta are rich in tuna and offer excellent opportunities for anglers to catch various species of tuna, including yellowfin tuna and bluefin tuna. Follow this link for Directions from the Anchorage airport:
URL LINK:
Do I need to bring my own gear or bait?
No, we provide all of the tackle, and bait for your trip. The only things you need to bring are appropriate clothing, great attitude, positive outlook, your fishing license, and a cooler for your snacks/drinks.
How do I get my catch home?
Your deckhand will have your fish filleted, bagged and on ice by the time we arrive back at the dock at the end of the day. The most cost-effective way to get your catch home is to have them seal and freeze your fish, then use a cooler, or fish box and check it as extra baggage for your return flight.
How much food and beverage should I bring?
El Pescador is a luxury fishing experience providing five star courses. However, we understand you may get hungry so food and drinks are available at anytime for our guest to make this a wonderful experience start to finish.
Is there lodging available off-site of charter? (Yes!)
If you are arriving before or staying after your charter. You are welcome to book at the Shangri-la at a deeply discounted rate. It is a 5000 square foot penthouse just steps from the Marina with 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths and a cool pool on the 16th floor. Unparalleled views, maid service and one of the largest pools in Mexico. Please see our listing on VRBO here https://www.vrbo.com/626496 (we will take care of the booking when you finalize your charter date).
Terms and Conditions/ Cancellation Policy
Reservations Information
El Pescador requires a 50% deposit to reserve your charter. The remainder of the balance is due no later than 31 days prior to your trip taking place. We highly recommend Travel insurance.
Cancellations made by El Pescador Charters
Circumstances that may lead to us cancelling the trip include but not limited to are, severe weather, mechanical failure, not enough clients booked (minimum of 6 for the boat to leave the harbor). If any of these situations arises, El Pescador will make every effort to rebook you on another date, or another operator’s vessel. If we cannot accomplish this, we will refund your money. If the trip is cut short due to unforeseen circumstances (mechanical failure), not including fish limits being reached early, El Pescador will refund a prorated portion of your trip cost.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a tropical place that is subject to a myriad of weather conditions, and potential natural disasters such as hurricane as well as other natural disasters. El Pescador can control a lot of things, however the aforementioned are beyond our influence and control. For these reasons we highly recommend travelers insurance.
Cancellations made by Client
Cancellations made by the client at least 31 days in advance will receive a refund less a processing fee of 10% if the charter seats can be rebooked.
If you cancel within 30 days of your charter, there will be no refunds, no exceptions.
All sales are final as stated above.