Party Boat Season Ticket?

[Mr Limpett]

For a few years I've been wondering if it would be a good idea for some PB's to sell "season tickets".
A spring striper, summer fluke, fall striper, winter bottom fishing pass that's a pay one price and fish as often as you like. Maybe a Mon-Thurs pass so the busy weekends aren't so busy.

Retired folks would be the biggest customers, but maybe an age 14 and older summer pass so young people would have a healthy thing to do on their summer vacation (and help the future of the sport).

Maybe a fluke pass would make things too crowded, but passes for the spring and fall seasons might help the boats have bigger crowds.

The passes don't have to be give away's, golfers pay big money to join golf clubs, hunters also pay quite a bit to be in Pheasant and other hunting clubs too, tennis players join indoor clubs in the winter and pay a good price, this could bring in a lot more money for PB's too. $1500 to $2,00 for the fluke season is not unreasonable. Just 10 folks signing up could bring in 20K or so for fluke alone.

Just wondering.

[fellinger]

I think in theory it sounds good but, why would a Capt offer a cheaper ticket when a ton of their regulars are on their boat almost every week paying full fare? That's not to say it couldn't work though.

[Ms Fish]

I think in theory it sounds good but, why would a Capt offer a cheaper ticket when a ton of their regulars are on their boat almost every week paying full fare? That's not to say it couldn't work though.

Do the reg's always pay the regular fare? I always wondered about that, if here and there they might have been given a break or a trip for free. Ya know for those that go all the time... It does sound like a good idea, but when it comes down to it, its alllllways about the buck. that would be something nice to raffle off though...hint hint     

[Mr Limpett]

I think in theory it sounds good but, why would a Capt offer a cheaper ticket when a ton of their regulars are on their boat almost every week paying full fare? That's not to say it couldn't work though.

I know, the price would have to work out to avg. 2 to 2 1/2 trips/week or so. It wouldn't be cheap.

[Takes Prizoners]

I dont think it would really work.  Most boats want 10 people to sail otherwise it's not worth the expenses or the use of the a mate.  So you may show up and have made a trip for nothing.  Say one of the PB's in AHMM did this.  I'd think all the others would have to agree with that boat doing it since they usually move people to another PB if that one doesn't go it. Also, considering factors beyond anyones control. If anything of that nature, I'd like to see an annual and quarterly pass.  The boat I use in FL has some kind of secret club that was $100/mo but it's not advertised and I was never able to get the full details.  Even with all the people in that club, the boat wasn't able to sail everyday.  It's a good idea but I dont think it would work.

[wb]

some boats offer a frequent fisher discount such as buy 8 trips get 10, or buy 10 get 1 free. There's def deals out there. Ask around.

one xsponsor OUPV has a "book before the holidays" deal with 10% off any trip. Doesn't cover the tip for the mate, but helps some.

PM me if you need more details.

[MJ619]

Like any business I would think you could negotiate a rate for multiple trips/season pass.  The issue I see is I don't think that the captains are making much profit margins to really offer much of a discount for a season pass.  However, depending on the motive, like a reservation for a certain number of trips for certain dates, I am sure it could work.  The other thing is just like season ticket holders, there are certain premiums charged, ie, psl.  Even Yankee season ticket prices doubled in some cases, so to get a better rate may not be a motive.  But to reserve a spot during certain weeks that traditionally offer quality fishing, or fits into your schedule - why not.  On the other hand, I am not sure how the charter boats are financed, but maybe there are Captains willing to accept an equity share/contributing, where you can contribute equity, but not have a profit share but maybe get some perks in return.  Kind of like a silent partner, or even a time share principle.  Who knows, anything is possible.  It doesn't hurt to try.

[italianfisherman]

it works.... there are NY boats that do it.. it helps the Seniors & the average Joe..its a good deal & the boats are full daily.. 1/2 day trips are $25.00 instead of $42.00.. full day trips are $40-45.00 instead of $60-65.00..

[Fisherman120]

Season pass is a bit much, but maybe 10 at 450 instead of the usual 10 for 550/600 depending on the boat.