Booking & Deposit

A 10% deposit is required to reserve your charter date.
Your remaining balance is due on the day of the trip before we leave the dock.

Cancellation Policy

Click Here for full details.

Catch Policy

We do everything possible to put you on fish, but we can’t guarantee what the Gulf will give us.

It’s fishing — not catching.

What’s Included

• USCG-licensed Captain & Deckhand

• Federal Reef Permits (Snapper, Grouper, etc.)

• Rods & Reels

• Bait & Tackle

• All required USCG safety equipment (Type I PFDs, EPIRB)

• Water & Ice

• Fish cleaning after the trip

What Should I Bring?

• Louisiana saltwater fishing license

• Breakfast, lunch, and snacks

• Drinks (no glass)

• Sunscreen

• Hat & polarized sunglasses

• Non-marking shoes

• Rain gear (optional)

• Cooler left in your truck for cleaned fish

🎣 Fishing License Requirement

All anglers 18 and older must have a valid Louisiana Recreational Fishing License.

Most customers choose the 3-Day Charter Passenger License:

License Type: 3-Day Charter Passenger License
Cost: $10 (subject to change)
Where to Buy: Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries website

License Exceptions:
You do not need a license if you are:

• 17 or younger

• A Louisiana resident born before June 1, 1940 (must show proof of age)

Make sure you grab your license before the trip — we take care of everything else.

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 great service.
Tips are split equally between the crew.

Fuel Charges

Fuel is not included in the base charter rate.

Fuel is calculated at the end of the trip based on total burn:

• Shorter trips: ~$300

• Longer runs or pelagic/sword trips: $400–$700

• Example: A 50-mile run out and back is roughly $300 in today’s conditions.

Fuel charges are paid at the dock after the trip.

Boat Rules

• No drugs or hard liquor on board (zero tolerance)

• No glass bottles

• No throwing trash into the water

• Respect the crew, boat, and equipment

• Captain has final say on all safety and weather decisions

• Federal law: Children under 13 must wear a USCG-approved PFD while underway

Do I Need to Bring a Drink Cooler?

No.
Bring your drinks and snacks in a grocery bag — we’ll transfer everything into the boat coolers to save space.

Do I Need to Bring a Fish Cooler?

Yes.
Leave a cooler in your truck for after the trip.

We’ll clean and bag your fish so they’re ready to go.
If you prefer whole fish (for photos or Gyotaku printing), just let us know before we return to the dock.

Liability Waiver

By booking a trip with American Gulf Fishing Charters, you acknowledge and accept the risks associated with offshore fishing, including sea conditions, wildlife, gear, motion sickness, and boating hazards.

You agree to follow all captain and crew instructions and release American Gulf Fishing Charters from liability for injury, property loss, or accidents, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Submitting a deposit confirms you have read and accepted all terms.

Agreement

By booking your charter, you agree to all Terms & Conditions and the Liability Waiver listed above.