Frequently Asked Questions

Booking & Deposit

  • A non-refundable 10% deposit is required to reserve your trip

  • Remaining balance is due by the day of the charter

  • Trips are not confirmed until the deposit is received

Cancellation Policy

  • 7+ Days Before Trip:
    Deposit is transferable to another date and valid for up to 1 year from the original trip date.

    Less Than 7 Days Before Trip:
    Deposit is non-transferable. You will be charged 50% of the remaining trip balance.

    Less Than 24 Hours | No-Shows: (More than 30 minutes late is considered a No-Show)
    The full trip balance will be charged.

    Captain Cancellations (Weather or Mechanical):
    If the captain cancels due to weather or mechanical issues, your deposit will be transferable to another date for up to 1 year from the original trip date.

Catch Policy

  • We do everything possible to put you on fish, but there are no guarantees.

  • It’s called fishing — not catching.

What's Included

  • USCG licensed Captain | Deckhand

  • Federal Reef Permits (Allows you to fish reef species like Snapper and Grouper in Federal waters)

  • Rods | Reels

  • Bait | Tackle

  • Safety Equipment (Type 1 PFDs, EPIRB)

  • Water | Ice

  • Fish Cleaning

What Should I Bring on My Trip?

  • Louisiana Saltwater Fishing License

  • Breakfast / Lunch / Snacks

  • Drinks (No Glass)

  • Sunscreen

  • Hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Non-Marking Shoes

  • Raingear (optional)

  • Cooler in the truck to bring fish home

🎣 Fishing License Requirement

All anglers 18 and older are required to have a Louisiana Recreational Fishing License to fish aboard our charters. This applies to both residents and non-residents. You can easily purchase a 3-day Charter Passenger License online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries.

License Type: 3-Day Charter Passenger License
Cost: $10 (subject to change)

  • A resident or nonresident under age 18 (i.e. age 17 and under)

  • A resident born before June 1, 1940, who has lived in Louisiana for 6 months.

If you meet one of the above criteria, you must still have proof of age in your possession whenever fishing.


Make sure to grab your license before the trip—we’ll handle the rest!

Should I Tip the Crew?

While never required, gratuity is always appreciated. A 15-20% tip handed to the Captain at the dock is customary for an excellent experience. Tips are split between the crew.

Fuel Charges

Fuel is not included in the Charter rates and will be collected at the dock after calculating total fuel consumption for the trip. Making far runs for Pelagics or Swordfish and other deep-water species will result in higher fuel charges. Expect $300-$700 depending on the trip distance.

 Are there rules on the boat?

  • No drugs or hard liquor on board — zero tolerance.

  • No glass bottles — bring drinks in cans or plastic.

  • Do not discard trash overboard.

  • Respect the crew, boat and gear.

  • Captain has final say on trip changes for safety or weather.

Federal law also requires that children under 13 wear a USCG-approved PFD when underway

Do I Need to Bring My Own Drink Cooler?

NO, bring any drinks, food and snacks you’d like in a grocery bag so they can be transferred to the boat cooler to conserve space.

Do I Need to Bring a Fish Cooler?

Yes, bring a cooler to leave in your truck. You can get ice from the Marina if we don’t have enough left over in the box. Your fish will be cleaned and bagged after the trip, ready for your cooler. If you’d like to take your fish whole, mention that to the captain before returning to the dock. Some customers enjoy cleaning fish and some like to bring fish back whole to show the family or even preserve the memory with Gyotaku printing.

Liability Waiver & Release

By booking and participating in a charter with American Gulf Fishing Charters, you (“Passenger”) agree to the following:

I understand that offshore fishing and boating involve inherent risks, including but not limited to sea conditions, sharp equipment, unstable surfaces, motion sickness, wildlife encounters, and accidents that could result in injury, illness, or death.

I voluntarily assume all risks associated with this activity and agree to follow all safety instructions provided by the captain and crew.

I hereby release and hold harmless American Gulf Fishing Charters, its owners, captains, crew, and affiliates from any and all claims, liabilities, or damages, including personal injury or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or not, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

I agree to indemnify and defend the company against any claims arising from my actions or failure to follow instructions.

By submitting the deposit for this trip, I confirm that I am physically able to participate, am doing so voluntarily, and that I have read, understood, and accepted this waiver and all terms listed above.

Agreement

By booking this trip, you acknowledge and agree to all of the above Terms & Conditions and the Liability Waiver.