Scroll down for the most frequently asked questions that we get answered by Amanda.
Can I pay you to take me fishing?
F/V Whippersnapper is a private, professional fishing vessel with experienced anglers. We are not for-hire. While we do have guests join us a lot, fishing with us requires a personal invitation. No googans or slides allowed. Commercial yellowtailing is not for pretty people or the faint of heart.
Can you recommend a guide or charter to take me fishing?
Absolutely! We have two trusted Captains that we highly recommend. Send me a message through the contact form and we will put you in touch with both of them.
Do you use braided line?
I despise braided line. While it is on our big kingfish rod and reel, I do not like braid and its not on any other rods and reels.
What do you do with the bonito you catch?
We process it for treats for our rescued working dogs. Freeze dried, dehydrated, or flash boiled makes an excellent reinforcer for working dogs.
Do you see a lot of sharks?
Inshore shark populations are thriving. The most common sharks that we see (daily) are lemon and bull sharks. Occasionally a tiger shark will pass through our chum slick and a hammerhead as well. In March, we were stunned to have two different white sharks circling us on the same day.
What is your favorite brand of reel?
We exclusively use Penn Battles and Penn Slammers on our rods.
What safety equipment is onboard?
F/V Whippersnapper is a Coast Guard Safety inspected vessel. We have all required flares, noise making devices, pfds, VHF, a life raft, and an EPIRB. Our EPIRB is tested monthly. We also have Rapid Radios with connection to someone onshore who knows our ‘Float Plan” everyday we go offshore.
What is EPIRB?
EPIRB stands for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. It is a distress beacon that calls the Coast Guard to us in case of a dire emergency.
Have you ever had to call the Coast Guard?
Yes. One time. We accidentally pulled out the steering hydraulic line on the old Whippersnapper when we pulled the chum bag in. This rendered us as a “vessel not under command”. We were in the middle of a very bad triple storm. We radioed our friend, Bob, who is an ex-Coastie. He recommended that we call in on Channel 16. Unfortunately there was a big drug bust in Key West that night so all available cutters were West. The Coast Guard sent TowBoat US out to get us. He was in a center console. It was very scary and when we got back to Cudjoe, the captain said he was praying the entire way home.