5 Things to Know Before Your First Accessible Charter

Your first wheelchair fishing charter can feel like a leap of faith. You've probably never been on a boat since your injury (or ever). Here are 5 things we wish every first-time guest knew before they showed up.

1. You Don't Need to Know How to Fish

Seriously. Most of our guests have never held a rod or haven't fished in years. The crew sets up everything — your rod, your line, your bait. They put the rod in a holder mounted to your chair or the boat rail. When a fish hits, they'll tell you what to do. Reel when they say reel. Hold on when they say hold on. That's it. We use trolling (dragging lines behind a moving boat), so you don't even need to cast.

2. The Boarding Ramp Is Not Scary

This is the number one anxiety point. "How do I get on the boat?" Our aluminum ramp is wide, has side rails, non-slip surface, and handles up to 600 lbs combined. You roll straight from the dock onto the deck. No lifting, no transfers, no wobbling. It takes about 10 seconds. If you can roll on flat ground, you can roll up our ramp. Power chairs included.

3. Dress Warmer Than You Think

It's always cooler on the water than on land — usually 5-10 degrees cooler. If you have a spinal cord injury, your body may not regulate temperature well below your injury level. Bring layers: a base layer, a fleece or hoodie, and a windproof outer layer. We have blankets on board, but your own layers will keep you more comfortable. Sunscreen too — the water reflects UV and you can burn fast.

4. Tell Us Everything Before the Trip

When we say "tell us your needs," we mean it. Your wheelchair type and width. Whether you need transfer help. Any medical conditions the crew should know about (autonomic dysreflexia, pressure management, bladder routine timing). Medication schedule. The more we know, the better your experience. Nothing embarrasses us. We've heard it all, and planning for it makes the day run smooth.

5. Your Caregiver Gets to Relax Too

One of the best parts of our charter is that caregivers and support people can actually enjoy the trip. You don't need to manage transfers, worry about accessibility, or troubleshoot on the fly. The crew handles everything. Your caregiver can sit back, fish alongside you, take photos, and enjoy the day. One caregiver rides free with every wheelchair user.