Freedom
Freedom
P.O. Box 1079 Galveston, Texas 77553
(409) 771-6827
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Questions & Answers
Q: How do we get to the boat an what about parking?
A: Take I-45 south to Galveston, exit at ramp 1C Harborside Drive. Turn left onto Harborside and follow to Holiday road. Turn left onto Holiday and follow straight to Galveston Yacht Basin. Tell the guard at the guard shack that you want to go to the FREEDOM on "D" dock. Drive straight ahead to the parking lot. "D" dock the last covered dock in the yacht basin. The FREEDOM is located at D26.
Q: What are the departure and return schedules?
A: Normally we depart at 7:00 a.m., unless otherwise agreed upon. Morning half day Bay and Jetty trips return at noon. Afternoon Bay and Jetty trips depart at 1:00 p.m. and return at 5:30 p.m. All day Offshore trips depart at 7:00 a.m. and return approximately at 5:30 p.m. Weekday special 8 hr trip departs at 7:00 a.m. and returns approximately at 3:30 p.m.
Q: What's the difference between the weekday special 8 hour trip and the standard 10 hour trip?
A: 8 hour trips are abbreviated offshore trips. Generally, we fish up to 20 miles offshore on our 8 hour trips. Whereas we usually go farther offshore and/or fish more on longer trips. Obviously, the longer the trip, the more likely you are to catch the big one! Eight hour trips are good for those groups that want the excitement of offshore fishing, but don't want to commit a whole day to it. Eight hour trips are excellent for first timers. Longer ten and fifteen hour trips are great for anglers that live for fishing!
Q: Do we need to make reservations?
A: It is always best to make reservations as early as possible, especially for weekends and holidays. Reservations are guaranteed with a $200 deposit. However, if the boat is not already reserved, we can be available on short notice.
Q: What are the conditions for deposit refunds?
A: Deposits are refundable if you give at least 7 days notice. If the weather is too bad or if we have to cancel the trip due to and engine breakdown, we will refund or reschedule, your choice.
Q: How many people can we bring?
A: We are licensed to carry 6 passengers and 2 crew members. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Q: Will we need a fishing license, and what are the fishing limits and regulations?
A: Bay and Jetty trips: The state of Texas requires anglers to have a Texas fishing license with a saltwater stamp in order to fish in state waters. Offshore fishing in federal waters you are not required to have a fishing license. Texas state saltwater regulations apply on all Bay and Jetty trips. We keep a publication on the boat containing Texas state fishing regulations. This publication lists all of the current rules and regulations that apply to fishing inside of nine miles of the Texas coastline.
The National Marine Fishery Service is the federal agency that sets all fishing regulations from 9 to 200 miles off of the Texas coast. We strictly adhere to all fishing regulations. A copy of the federal regulations is available at http://www.Gulf Council.org
Accurate measurement is important! Most fish shrink up to 1/4 inch after being on ice. If a ticket is issued, it goes to the angler.
Q: How long do we travel and what is the battle plan?
A: Bay and Jetty trips: We usually travel from 30 to 40 minutes from the dock, or 5 to 8 miles before we begin fishing. Offshore trips: We usually travel about 2 1/2 hours to the fishing grounds. Once there we may fish 4 or 5 different spots for 1/2 hr. to 1 hr. each. Our fishing area is normally about 30 to 40 miles offshore in 50 ft to 100 ft of water. We fish several areas. Each area has several different fishing spots, this means hundreds of places to fish! The problem is where to go each day to the best fishing. The captain takes several things into account when he picks an area to fish. Such as: Where have we been lately? Where are the other boats going? Which direction gives the smoothest ride? Where are the shrimp boats? The captain knows sometimes King Mackerel, Sharks and other fish follow shrimp boats. Where is there a lot of seaweed? King, Cobia, Dorado, and Shark often school beneath large patches of seaweed. Which of the oil platforms have been producing good fish? The captain knows the locations of many underwater structures such as rocks, reefs, and wrecks. We have the electronics to find theses places. This is where we find Red Snapper. The Texas coast is known to have some of the best Red Snapper fishing in the world! Red Snapper are fun to catch and great to eat! Red Snapper are good fighters and here on the FREEDOM we pride ourselves on our ability to find Red Snapper. One of the best things about charter fishing is that the crew is experienced and knows what to do when we get to the fishing grounds! We enjoy taking people fishing. Our customers are great people and good friends. The best compliment that we here is: "WOW this is the biggest fish I've ever caught!!"
Q: What do we do with the fish and who cleans them?
A: The fish that you catch are yours to keep, provided they are legal. You may take them home whole or get them cleaned at the dock. Fish cleaning comes with the 15% gratuity for the trip.
Q: What should we bring with us?
A: Wear soft soled shoes and dress for the current weather conditions. Don't forget any medications that you may need during the day. Sunscreen is advised, however don't bring the spray bottle sunscreen. The droplets from the spray sunscreen get on the deck and create a slippery, dangerous situation. Bring the traditional sunscreen in a tube. You need to bring you own food and drink. Bring it in small to medium sized coolers. NO GLASS CONTAINERS (bottles) are allowed on the boat. The crew brings their own food and drink. You may want to bring a cooler to take your fish home. Don't forget your camera.
Q: Is there someone there to help us if we need it?
A: Yes, we will help you and your group with all of your fishing needs.
Q: What about small children?
A: We like kids. We will teach them how to fish, and assist them. However, we do not babysit.
Q: Can we bring alcohol?
A: You may bring beer, NO hard liquor or wine, no glass containers. Alcohol must be consumed responsibly. If you intend to get on the boat and get drunk, you're on the wrong boat. If anyone becomes intoxicated or becomes unruly, the captain may terminate your trip with no refund!
Q: Is there an ice chest on board for fish?
A: Yes we have an ice chest big enough for all of your fish to be kept cold and fresh.
Q: Do we anchor or troll when fishing?
A: Sometimes we troll or drift, but most of the time we anchor so that everyone can get into the action!
Q: Can we bring our own equipment?
A: Yes, but we do have good tackle on board for everyone. For safety reasons, we allow only one hook per leader.
Q: What about Sharks?
A: Sharks are a lot of fun on rod and reel, most species are good to eat. Most of our Shark fishing is done in the state of Texas (inside 9 miles) because there are strict limits placed on Sharks caught in federal waters (outside 9 miles). In warm weather we may catch up to 30 per day from 3 to 5 feet long. There is a 2 per person limit on Sharks caught in state waters.
Q: What about motion sickness?
A: People do sometimes get seasick, if you are concerned about this, you can get over-the-counter motion sickness tablets, be sure to follow the label instructions. Prescription strength medicines are available, talk to your doctor. A good night's sleep and normal diet is a good means of prevention. If you have problems with motion sickness on airplanes or cars, you may want to consider bay fishing. In the bay, we generally fish in calmer waters.
Q: What about expectant mothers?
A: Sorry, we do not recommend taking expectant mothers offshore, consider bay fishing.
Q: If I have a permit for a firearm, may I bring it?
A: NO, we do not allow firearms to be carried on board, no exceptions.
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