Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can I bring?
How many people can I bring?
We are licensed for 6 passengers.
What should I wear?
Maine's ocean waters are cold. As a result, it's usually significantly cooler outside of the harbor, for this reason bringing extra layers is a good idea. Also, the deck of the boat is wet on most fishing trips. Rubber boots or sandals are strongly recommended!
Where are you located?
We are located at Aspasia Marina - 257 Front Street, South Portland, Maine. A detailed map is located on our Contact Us page.
Do I need to worry about sea sickness?
We strongly recommend medications such as Dramamine, Bonine or by doctor’s prescription Scopolamine patches. If you’ve been out on boats before in lots of different weather conditions and are comfortable, then you’ll probably be just fine, but if you’re at all unsure, it’s better safe than sorry!
Is there a bathroom on board?
Yes.
Should I give the captain/crew a tip? If so, how much?
Actually, the Mates work strictly for tips, with a typical tip being 15% to 20% or more - so please feel free to tip as much as you see fit.
What are the current year's fishing regulations?
Here are links to the Maine regulations for recreational fishing: https://www.maine.gov/dmr/fisheries/recreational/fishing-regulations-tips
Is the price per person?
No, The Kathleen Jean operates as a charter boat, which means you charter the boat for the trip that you'd like. A party boat, or head boat operates differently, where passengers pay for individual tickets, "by the head," and share the trip with others. On the Kathleen Jean, we offer strictly private trips and can focus on tailoring each trip to meet your needs and expectations. All of our prices are for each trip, although some trips have a limit to the number of anglers, that's to ensure that the fishing experience isn't hampered by tangles and frustration.
Can I pay online?
Nope.
Do children need to be supervised on board?
Yes. Parents must join kids on all trips.
Is food included?
No, unfortunately, our talents are limited to fishing and operating the boat, so anything you’d like to eat or drink, you’ll have to bring. Oversized coolers should be left ashore to allow for as much legroom as possible.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
You are welcome to keep any legal fish caught aboard the Kathleen Jean. You are also free to release excess fish when you feel you have landed all you can use.
Will you filet our fish?
I will filet your fish and pack them in gallon ziplock bags, however I strongly recommend repacking into smaller portion sizes and vacuum sealing prior to freezing.
Will see whales on our trip?
Humpback, Finback, and Minke whales are all common visitors to the same offshore ledges we fish. The truth is, we see whales more often than not on our full day, off shore trips. Harbor seals, harbor porpoises, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, ocean sunfish, as well as rare seabirds can all be seen while fishing aboard the Kathleen Jean. We love sharing all of the wildlife with our passengers.
Do I need to buy a fishing license?
No, a fishing license is not required for saltwater trips, you are covered by the boat's license.
Can we bring alcoholic beverages?
Yes, beer and wine are allowed, but not hard alcohol. Intoxication will not be tolerated and the captain reserves the right to terminate any trip without refund if this becomes a problem.
Can I smoke on the boat?
Sure!
Why do I need to make a deposit?
We require a $200 deposit on Trips over $500, and a $100 deposit on the rest, because when we commit to going fishing with you on a given day, that means we’re going to be telling other people that they can’t. If you haven't made a deposit, your reservation isn't confirmed and will go to the first person to make a deposit for that slot!
If I cancel a trip, do I get the deposit back?
If you cancel 7 days or more before your scheduled trip date, your deposit will be refunded. Less than one week from your trip date it will only be refunded if the captain cancels the trip due to weather or mechanical problems. We will honor your deposit if you’re able to reschedule for another fishing date, even if it’s next season. What happens if it’s supposed to rain?Rain doesn’t affect the fish, so it doesn’t affect whether or not we go fishing. When it comes to weather, we pay more attention to wind and wave forecasts. If it’s too rough to go fishing, then we’ll reschedule and try again. If we can’t reschedule, your deposit will be refunded.
What if I want to fish in the winter?
Unfortunately, Captain John sails warmer waters during the winter months.
What to Bring:
- Bring food and beverages for the day.
- Wear boat shoes, sneakers, or fishing boots.
- Dress warmly in layers, you can always take some layers off if it gets too warm.
- Light raingear, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended.
- Drammamine, Bonine, etc. works very well when taken 30-60 minutes prior to departure.
- Within 48 hours of your trip, it's best to contact us to review the details of your trip including the weather, departure location and time, as it varies with a given day's weather and tides. Hopefully, it's full speed ahead to the fishing grounds.If it's not safe to head offshore, we won't go. We'll try again when the weather is better, and we'll be glad that we rescheduled. If we can't reschedule, your deposit will be refunded.
- A crew gratuity of 15-20 percent is customary on most charter boats, including the "Kathleen Jean."
Off shore, full day fishing trips are not recommended for children under the age of 8. Deposit is required to secure reservations for all fishing charters. Boat is BYOB, but over consumption is prohibited. Captain reserves the right to terminate any trip at any time without refund if he feels the safety of any person on board is threatened. No hard alcohol, please. All Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited on the Kathleen Jean. This includes cannabis, as we are operating on federal waters with laws strictly enforced by the USCG. Full payment is required before the boat leaves the dock. If you decide to terminate the trip at any time after the boat leaves the dock, your money will not be refunded. If the trip is terminated prior to the start of fishing, then you'll receive a full refund.
We had an amazing day of fishing with John and Shawn! They were both super friendly and knowledgeable. We caught a lot of fish and have lots to take home to enjoy. And they filet it for you and package it up! What a wonderful family memory!
— Matt & Becca Webber (Google)
