Captain jobs in our industry can differ tremendously depending on countless factors including the location of the boat, the size of the boat, whether it’s charter or private, travels or stays local, fishes or cruises, or fishes tournaments, to list a few. We have so many different types of jobs and programs all over the world it would be ridiculous to lump them all together and say that there is a set standard of operation for them all.

Owners and captains may have different expectations and there’s a perfect fit out there for everyone. Owner and captain relationships may also vary depending on the job. For example, I’ve worked on programs where the owners wanted a completely professional relationship with the captain and crew and other owners treated the crew as a part of their extended family and developed into lifelong friendships. I believe that the latter is more common these days than it was years ago.

This could possibly be due to programs that travel more, so owners spend more time with their crews. Regardless of the program, I believe there are still certain things that are not necessarily a set standard, but are some important objectives that a captain should follow to keep a good and respectable relationship with the owner.

A Few Traits of Exceptional Sportfishing Captains

Effective Communication Strategies

Communication: Keeping the owner informed and involved in day-to-day operations as well as upcoming maintenance issues, plans and logistics beforehand will help to ensure that there are no surprises. This keeps everyone on the same page so that all issues can be resolved quickly and smoothly as possible.

Upholding a Strong Work Ethic

Strong work ethic: This goes without saying. Take good care of your boat and it will take care of you. It’s a big investment for the owner and it’s our job to keep its value as high as possible. Work hard even when no one is watching. Other owners and crew are also aware of how a boat is kept, and a clean and well-maintained boat is something to be proud of.

Prioritizing Safety and Integrity

Safety:  Always plan trips with the safety of your crew and owner’s family in mind. Keep all the necessary safety equipment on board including a good emergency medical kit. Make sure that your crew is trained to act immediately in any emergency situation. Don’t make stupid decisions that could put anyone in danger.

Integrity: How you act as a crew is a reflection on you, the owner and his family. Never take advantage of the owner in any situation. Be honest and do the right thing. At the end of the day your integrity is all you have.