WHAT’S PROVIDED?
CAN I KEEP IT?
If you catch edible in size fish then you are more than welcome to take them home with you.
At Blue Shark Charters we like to push sustainable fishing tactics, our recommended minimum size limits are above the legal size limits, which ensures that each fish kept has had a chance to breed first.
In order to avoid fish going to waste, once everyone has caught what they need, we switch tactics or species in order to help the fish stocks remain healthy.
Certain species are protected and have to be returned, your skipper will let you know whether you are able to keep your fish or not.
Due to conservation measures, Sea bass can only be retained between March 31st and February 1st, at two fish per angler with a minimum size of 45cm, to help there stock numbers rebuild to a healthy level.
GETTING THERE
Blue Shark departs from Fishguard Harbour, Fishguard, Goodwick SA64 0BU.
There is ample free parking within Fishguard port, please follow the map provided with your booking and keep an eye out for the Fishguard Bay Boat Trips sign and our boarding master, who will direct you to the parking spaces and take you to the boat.
There are Portaloo’s at the top of the steps.
BOARDING
We usually board the vessel via a pontoon on the harbour wall, but on certain occasions when cruise ships are using the pontoon, we may have to use a small flight of concrete steps to access the boat. On these dates, the means of vessel access will be highlighted during the booking process.
You will need to be at the end of the road by the last gate 15 minutes prior to departure, where a boarding master will meet you and take you to your vessel.
Access to the vessel is over the old St. Davids lifeboat station. The RNLI accepts no responsibility for any injury caused while accessing the vessel on their property. All persons using the slipways do so entirely at their own risk.
WHAT TO WEAR
Warm clothes, as even on a hot sunny day it will always feel colder out on the water and the further away from the land you are, the colder it will feel.
Waterproofs as even though we will do our very best to keep you dry, there is always a chance that some spray may get whipped on board, especially on windy days.
Sturdy footwear you don’t mind getting wet.
WHAT TO BRING
Sunglasses, hat and suntan lotion, as even on a cloudy day the suns rays can be quite fierce, take my word for it!
Food and drink, especially on the longer trips as the fresh air will make you hungry!
A bucket to take your catch home with.
BAIT
The skipper with advanced notice can organize bait.
Froze bait can be purchase from Motor Tackle Fishguard, Island Chain in St. David’s and fresh bait from County Sports in Haverfordwest
For most trips where bait fishing is prime method, we will usually start with trying to feather up some fresh Mackerel or Sandeel, as fresh bait is almost always best.
PAYMENT
All trips are to be paid for in whole, through our online booking system, or by contacting the booking office direct prior to the trips departure.
For whole boat/day bookings a deposit will be required on booking. For booking all other trips, payment in full will be required at time of booking.
SEASICKNESS
If you are prone to seasickness we recommend taking a suitable non drowsy seasickness remedy an hour before you board the vessel and then as recommended by the advice on the packet.
Avoiding greasy foods before and during the trip will help, so no full cooked breakfasts first thing!
The after effects of alcohol from a good night out will also not help with motion sickness!
Although seasickness is an unpleasant feeling, it is not life threatening and the boat won’t be returning to shore to drop you off unless we feel your safety is at risk.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
When booking a trip, you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions:
CANCELLATIONS
Should for any unforeseen reason like adverse weather, breakdown or illness, we have to cancel a trip, an alternative trip/date will be offered or a full refund given.
No claim against the operator will be accepted for the cancelation of trips due reasons beyond their control.
Blue Shark Charters does not accept responsibility for any travel costs or other costs incurred by individuals or groups if a trip cannot take place.
Whole boat bookings require a £100 deposit and can be cancelled not less than 28 days prior to trip departure to receive a full refund.
Individual bookings for scheduled trips, can cancel no later than 48 hours prior to trip departure.
GENERAL
The sea is a dangerous and ever changing environment and all adventurous activities carry risks that cannot be ignored. We do not accept responsibility for incidents that occur outside of our control.
A safety briefing will be given at the beginning of each trip and it is your responsibility to listen to and take onboard the information provided.
Any lost rods and reels or damage caused by misuse will be charged for at cost.
Any personal items, belongings, or equipment brought on board by passengers are there responsibility. We do not accept responsibility for the loss of or the damage to any personal belongings brought on board.
Access to the vessel is through Fishguard Ferry Port, Stena Line accepts no responsibility for any accident or injury experienced Blue Shark Charters Limited customers whilst using the port.
Abusive and offensive behavior or language towards staff or other passengers will not be tolerated on board.
Please inform us prior to booking, if you suffer from any injury or condition that may be aggravated by sudden movements that may be experienced during a trip.