Frequently Asked Questions

The Salty Sister is a licensed Charter Boat with FWC so our anglers do not need to purchase a license while fishing with Captain Gates.

The maximum number of people allowed on the boat is 6 paying passengers. Note that all Fishing Charter Rates are based on 4 anglers; each additional passengers on fishing charters will costs an additional $100 (up to 6 maximum). There MAY only be 4 baits dropped at a time while reef fishing (depending on current/wind conditions) so additional anglers MAY have to take turns manning a rod.

Typically, a 20% tip is customary for the Salty Crew members. If the crew goes above and beyond on your excursion, this is a great way to let them know.

Absolutely! Any fish caught that is legally in-season and meets Florida state size requirements belongs to you. At the end of the trip, the Captain or Mate will professionally fillet and bag your catch at the dock so it’s ready for the kitchen. 

Yes! The Salty Sister loves hosting families. Our 6-Hour Coastal Pelagic & Reef Hunt is the perfect option for children and multi-generational families, offering quick transit times to the fishing grounds and plenty of action to keep everyone engaged. 

We launch locally right here in the Santa Rosa Beach / 30A area. This means you get to skip the painful 45+ minute drive and heavy traffic into Destin. Exact arrival and parking instructions will be texted to you the day before your trip. 

Destin/Miramar Beach pick-up service is available for clients who are staying on the Destin Harbor or Bay and have a private dock ONLY. No pick-ups at Okaloosa County locations or Marina docks at this time.

We recommend bringing polarized sunglasses, a hat, a camera or smartphone for photos, and any snacks, lunches, or drinks you’d like for the day. We provide an ice-chilled cooler on board to keep your items and catch cold for the day. 

Please do not bring spray-on sunscreen. Spray sunscreen turns marine upholstery slick and permanently stains boat surfaces when blown by the wind. Please bring lotion-based, reef-safe sunscreen instead. Do not bring illegal drugs, hard liquor, cigarettes/cigars, or glass containers aboard the boat.

Well, we wouldn't be the Salty Crew if we said no...however, we do place a lot of importance on the word Adult in the phrase Adult Beverage. Every person drinking aboard the vessel must be 21 years of age, no exceptions. Beer, wine, seltzers are all allowed on the boat (BYOB) but please do not bring any hard liquor or glass bottles aboard the vessel. We can hang with the best of 'em...after we get off the water. But we're going fishing/boating not day drinking. Captain reserves the right to terminate any trip early with ZERO refund if guest behavior becomes unsafe or overly intoxicated.

No smoking aboard the Salty Sister. No cigarettes. No cigars. No other things regardless of prescription. No smoking. You may vape as long as you're not annoying about it.

Yes, swimming is allowed during the Fin & Fun Charters when the Captain deems we are anchored in a safe location. We provide all necessary safety equipment and your Captain will ensure that all passengers follow proper safety protocols when entering the water and re-boarding the vessel.

Because we operate an exclusive, private charter experience on the Salty Sister, we dedicate our vessel, captain, and premium bait/gear entirely to your group for your chosen date. Securing payment upfront locks your reservation into our calendar and allows us to fully prepare for a flawless trip. 

All bookings are final and non-refundable. However, we understand that vacation plans can shift. You are welcome to reschedule your trip for any reason up to 7 days prior to your scheduled departure date with no penalty, and 100% of your payment will be credited toward a future open date. We cannot accommodate rescheduling requests inside the 7-day window. 

Safety is our absolute highest priority. The Captain monitors marine forecasts constantly. Weather cancellations are determined solely at the discretion of the Captain on the morning of the trip. If the Captain cancels your charter due to unsafe sea conditions or severe storms, you will receive the option to reschedule immediately, reschedule at a later date if your unsure when you will return to the area, transfer the reservation to another party of your chosing, or receive a refund (less Credit Card processing fees).