


FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE DO YOU PICK UP AND DROP OFF PASSENGERS?
For the Stuart, 27':
We pick up and drop off passengers for the Stuart at the small, wooden gazebo located at the intersection of Bayview Avenue and 11th Street, across from Alice's Restaurant, Panama City. Free public parking is usually available in close proximity.
For the Sally D, 42':
We pick up and drop off passengers for the Sally D where she is moored at the St. Andrews Marina, 3151 West 10th Street, Panama City, FL 32401. Free public parking is usually available in close proximity.
DO WE NEED A FISHING LICENSE?
You do not need a fishing license to fish aboard a GoldenRod Fishing Charters boat.
DO YOU PROVIDE FOOD AND BEVERAGES?
GoldenRod Fishing Charters does not provide food and beverages. Please bring your own snacks and drinks in a small cooler, soft sided preferred.
CAN I BRING MY KIDS?
Absolutely!!! We love to take families fishing. Our best memories are fishing adventures we shared with our son and Matthew and their little buddies as they were growing up. It brings us great joy to introduce the sport of fishing to kids. Our light tackle is easy for kids to handle. Nevertheless, we do not recommend taking kids three and under on offshore trips unless it is predicted to be very calm. Open boats are a challenge for toddlers and a hardship for infants.
CAN WE BRING ALCOHOL?
Yes, but the captain reserves the right to refuse passengers who are a threat to safety or otherwise disruptive. He also can cut a trip short without a refund or discount if a passenger becomes problematic.
IS ALL TACKLE PROVIDED?
Yes, we carry a variety of tackle to suit the needs of the trip. We proudly offer light tackle, which is easier for kids to handle and provides adults with the thrill of extended action. We have the perfect gear for sport seekers.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?
If the captain determines that the weather is too bad for fishing, he will cancel your trip and no charges will be incurred. An effort will be made to reschedule your trip if possible.
IS THERE A TOILET?
The Sally D and the Stuart both have a full-functioning toilet.
HOW DO WE PAY?
Credit card information is required to book a trip. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Payment is due at the conclusion of the trip and may be made by cash or credit card. Please have your card(s) with you so the captain can dip the chip. A customary tip for the captain/crew is 15 - 20% of the total charter price.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION & NO-SHOW POLICY?
You can cancel or reschedule your booking up to 3 days before the trip without penalty. Cancellations must be in writing sent to us by text or email. Cancellation between 48 and 72 hours prior will result in a charge of 40% of the charter price. Cancellation between 24 and 48 hours prior will result in a charge of 60% of the charter price. Cancellation between 10 and 24 hours prior will result in a charge of 80% of the charter price. Cancellation in less than 10 hours prior and failure to show on the day of charter will result in a charge of 100% of the charter price. If the captain cannot run the trip due to unsafe weather conditions, we will try to reschedule you, if unable, no charges will apply. The captain reserves the right to refuse passengers who are a threat to safety or otherwise disruptive. He also can cut a trip short without a discount if a passenger becomes problematic.
WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT GETTING OUR FISH CLEANED?
Once the fishing season is in full swing, there is a fish cleaning service available at the marina. We will assist you in getting your fish to the marina's processor. The cost is ordinarily determined by the pound. If you plan to keep fish, you need to bring a cooler that you can leave in your vehicle while fishing. If the marina's fish cleaning service is not available, the captain can recommend a conveniently located fish. We are not aware of any do-it-yourself fish cleaning facilities because wildlife regulators want the fish processors to keep track of what is caught.
IS ALL BAIT PROVIDED?
We recommend that our customers purchase live bait only during Red Snapper Season, June 1 — August 24. We will have cut bait on hand, but we find that live bait increases our odds when trying to catch Red Snapper and Grouper.
As the charter boat heads out to the fishing grounds, it makes a stop by a bait barge standing by offshore with holding pens of live bait. Anglers transact directly with the bait guys. We recommend a purchase of approximately $10 per passenger. You will need cash.
Availability of live bait hinges on environmental challenges such as bad weather. We often tweak departure times to improve our chances of getting live bait.
Please watch our short video of purchasing live bait.