Originally Posted by PaulNreel

Charter boats are no different than any other business. Its pricing is governed by supply and demand. If you have too many boats or not enough fisherman the prices will drop as captains make the economic choice of lowering their fare to increase their load. I have to admire the captains that go out with a minimum of fisherman where they may not break even. These captains have my loyalty, my business and I don't complain when the rails are packed. Eventually an equilibrium is reached where you have a balance of charters and fisherman, prices stabilize. As the economy weakens discretionary spending drops (less money to go fishing) charter prices drop, maybe some go out of business (a sad reality) the supply of charters matches the fisherman. But here is light at the end of the tunnel, as the economy improves, discretionary spending improves, the rails get crowded, prices go up and entrepreneurial mates become captains. One thing we should all do is take a kid (or non fishing friend) fishing. As they get hooked (pun intended) the growing number of fisherman will increase demand and maintain the diversity of charters we all want.

Originally Posted by sportfishingusa

think it is better to not sail then go with 3 at 125. lol


You got to take these costs.

Fuel
Bait
Oil
oil filter
insurance
slip
payroll (mate)
tax
boat cost (if any payments)


There is a lot of dollars and sense... i understand not everyone can sail every single day with 6 guys at 125 or 140 bucks a head, but if you can sail with 6 guys at 100 why not charge "industry" standard and make some more money for the days you sail or the days you have to sail light?

Originally Posted by nancy corigan

I own 2 boats and Bass Boat and a Saltwater boat.

How about Breaking down what you spend on average on all the above for all to see, I mean you want everyone to follow industry standard, so let everyone see your costs. ;)

Originally Posted by sportfishingusa

think it is better to not sail then go with 3 at 125. lol
There is a lot of dollars and sense... i understand not everyone can sail every single day with 6 guys at 125 or 140 bucks a head, but if you can sail with 6 guys at 100 why not charge "industry" standard and make some more money for the days you sail or the days you have to sail light?

Originally Posted by MrAC1980

You can say that its better not to sail with 3 at $125 but I'm pretty sure next time those same guys want to book, they're going to book with someone there is a better chance of sailing with... I bet even sailing with 2, $250 will cover most if not all your costs to keep customers happy. Once again, difference business sense, each to their own...
And you're crazy with your "industry" standard thought process. The guy that mentioned that Groupon thing is getting warmer. You have to give people an incentive to go on your boat, let it be free food, longer hours or cheaper rates, etc. That Groupon thing wasn't all about money, that was cheap advertising!!

Originally Posted by jmurr711

i just calculated Sportfishingusa daily amounton a trip:
fare-$125
tip-$25
Food- $50
Beer-$350

Originally Posted by the1jonc

It is not as free of a market as you think.

Cigarettes, "lowest price allowed by law".
State mandated milk prices.
Agricultural and Oil subsidies.
Bank bailouts.