Rules and Policies It is very important when purchasing a charter that you know what is expected and what the conditions are prior to the voyage.  1. Weather related decisions I reserve the right to cancel trips at any time.  I have both the training and experience to know when it is not safe.  I know what my body, my equipment, and my boat can handle.  Anytime charters are cut short due weather, the trip will be prorated.  Therefore you only pay for your time on the water that day.  If the day is cancelled prior to launch due to wind or weather, you will get a complete refund or the trip will be rescheduled.  Saginaw Bay is very dangerous at times and bad weather seems to appear out of nowhere to individuals who do not pay attention to both weather forecasts and the changing skies.  I would rather stay home and lose a charter than risk getting stuck in some of the storms this area is known for.  If there is any chance of bad weather, the boat stays on the trailer.  The idea here is to keep everyone safe and make the trip enjoyable.  I do not enjoy fishing in big waves.  I am forced to fish in them enough as a tournament angler and it is not enjoyable.  Waves are dangerous for both people and equipment.  If there is any question concerning the waves the day of your trip, the boat stays on the trailer.  Anytime there is thunder heard and/or lightning seen, the trip is automatically over and we are heading back to the dock ASAP.  Lightning can travel great distances and it is not safe to be on the water holding a graphite fishing rod.  After we are at the dock we can assess the situation.  If the storm has settled down or moved out of the area, the charter can resume. 2. Alcohol consumption Beer and wine is allowed aboard and may be consumed in moderation.  No hard liquor is allowed.  No glass bottles are allowed.  You may only bring one drink per person, per hour fishing.  So for a 5 hour trip, you may only bring 5 beers per person.  Drunkenness is not allowed and may result in the trip being cancelled for the day.  No money will be refunded and you will be required to wear the big orange life jacket until your feet touch dry land.  Your safety is top priority. Of course, illegal drugs are also not allowed. 3. Smoking Smoking is allowed, but there are some rules.  All cigarettes/cigars must be held outside of the boat on the downwind side.  Not only do I hate smoke in my face, I also don’t like the idea of someone smoking while standing on 40 gallons of gasoline.  The smoker must also take care of cigarette butts (a plastic screw top bottle with water works great).  Cigarette butts should never be thrown into the water.  The smoker is also responsible for the complete replacement cost of any equipment or carpet that may get burned. 4. Equipment Usage You are encouraged to bait hooks, set lines, net fish, etc.  However, if something gets broken due to negligence or ends up going overboard, that person will be held accountable for replacing that item.  I understand that things do get broken, so no pressure, just be respectful of the equipment which you are using. 5. Fish Guarantee Policy I will offer a free trip to any party not hooking a fish.  This should never be an issue, as I would rather reschedule or cancel a trip, rather than take clients out when chances of catching fish are slim.  The Saginaw Bay is an amazing walleye fishery.  However, there are periods where fishing is extremely tough.  Due to the fact that my charter business is not my main source of income, I don't feel pressured to fish during those slow periods.  I will only take clients out when there is an extremely high chance of catching fish.  The fish guarantee may be waived if the clients wish to go against the tactics and locations that I suggest.  I also reserve the right to void this guarantee prior to any trip based on the conditions.  6. Customer Cancellation Policy All cancellations must be made 7 days in advance in order to receive a full refund on your deposit.  Trips will be rescheduled if cancellations are made late, but a refund of the deposit will not be offered.