Planning a group fishing trip

April 18, 2018 1:15 PM

I'm planning a one day fishing trip for 3-4 guys. Originally wanted to try a guided fly fishing tour, but with the learning curve and cost ($200-300 per person) it doesn't seem worth it. Any other suggestions?

This is in the Atlanta area. Another option is just renting a boat to fish on a lake or river. But we have limited experience and also need to rent gear since we are flying in which I am having a hard time finding. Also, the fishing boat rentals I have found tend to be on the nicer side rather than a simple Jon boat. Also I'm not sure how successful we will be with limited fishing experience. Just looking for a good, interesting, and fun outdoor experience, but actually catching some fish would be preferable. Any better ideas or suggestions?

posted by roaring beast to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (5 answers total)

If you can stomach the drive to the coast you can probably have a great time staying in-shore with a small charter boat (however it will still be a few hundred bucks with a decent operator )
posted by JPD at 1:24 PM on April 18, 2018

Meh in my limited experience fly fishing is not so cool unless you really know what you are doing. Not sure what the situation is down south, but here in New England you can go deep-sea fishing on a captained charter boat with a guide and from what I hear it’s wicked fun and you can catch some big fish.
posted by pintapicasso at 1:48 PM on April 18, 2018

Many towns on the ocean with a harbor have “head boats” where you pay $25-50 and you and 30 of your closest friends go out for 3-4 hours. Bait and fishing poles are usually provided. Also, drinks and snacks, but you can bring your own.

As an example, see Lady Stuart
posted by sudogeek at 5:00 PM on April 18, 2018

Cahulawassee River

Great place.
posted by jeff-o-matic at 5:25 PM on April 18, 2018

I'm a fly fisherman. Its basically a solitary pursuit and really doesn't lend itself to groups. Bass fishing is fun, but you are not likely to do better in the learning curve and it is often done from rather smalll bass boats that will run you in guide and rental fees.

An inshore ocean charter is better: you can often bring snacks and beer and have a blast on equipment that comes with the boat rental. The fish taste better and the crew cleans them for you. You don't have to wear rubber pants. When you split the cost four ways it isn't much more per head than going out to a ball game and dinner. (Google "Georgia Fishing Charter" to find what is available.)
posted by zaelic at 12:12 AM on April 19, 2018