Keep me posted on how you guys do. My daughter and I may need to plan another trip down there.

Like many of you said, I was very surprised to see the guys drinking beers on the way out. They had a "buddy" on the boat that I believe was a former deckhand and he was the instigator it seemed and really had his buddy's going during their card game. This trip I really didn't feel like I was the customer and the business had really no intentions of making the customer happy.

12 hours of fishing for vermillion snapper and to not even limit out. Unable to target any other species because the captain went 4 hours out and had no time to go elsewhere, boat leaving late then arriving early.

This will be the final trip I will take with Dolphin Docks after 30 years of loyalty.

Man. I just was told my DSH that even kids get charged full price, I don't understand that. My party has 2 kids, both my brother kids, both can barely hold a pole and would possibly help reel in a fish but will be more of a spectator than anything. I really want to use DSH over DD but can't justify 145$ per kid when they will just be watching their dad.
(If it were me I wouldn't being kids but it's my brothers kids so I gotta go with it)

I hear that. We did the share pole thing with DD. Next trip I will gladly pay full price for my daughter to fish if it is not for vermilion snapper, but she is also 13 so she is old enough to fish and hold a pole.

At DSH they have a "spectator" rate that I think is about half of the full price.

its 80$
I really wanted to go on the 12 next week but my brother cant pay the 80$ a kid for 2 kids, 7 and 8 years old. Kinda makes me wish I was going solo so I can go with you guys, that's the trip I would rather be on, but for now I am on the 12 at DD. Wish us luck, I will report back if it is descent or not.

I'd prefer DSH but my possible time frame won't put me there on a Wednesday. I probably won't win any popularity contest when I bring a few goodies aboard and don't fish for what they want me to although Vermilion's are tasty little devils.

Agreed, very tasty and I can even accept fishing for them for a couple hours to get some fish caught. However, I can't accept taking a full 12 hour trip to catch these fish. I took my own rod & reel and threw out squid and even a few swimbaits, but when you are in 300 ft of water and the structure is at the bottom, no chance of catching anything. Especially when we got to our 2nd spot to only find a big pod of dolphins (porpoises).

I will be heading in from ohio was supposed to be on the 80 hr from dolphin docks but that didnt get enough people. Since i was coming in for a long stay with the kayak and jetski rig anyway I figured id jump on the 12hr next weds. How are the DSH guys with bringing your own gear. Do I need to load one or 2 reels up with mono so the dont jump ship about the braid. I have topshots but dont want any crying about it.

If you go on the 12 hr trip it will be on the Pelican with Capt. James Wheeler. He's OK with braid if there are mainly experienced fishermen on board but if he has a full boat of folks who are a mixed crowd then he likes to see topshots of at least 30' or so. You should be fine with two reels.

PM sent, jp123.

Probably will be on DSH Wed with my partner. I've fished with Dolphin Docks mostly, but sometimes with DSH. Always caught fish.

Minor annoyances with each, but my new rods and reels should minimize that. Rigged with sturdy mono to avoid hassles with deckhands.

Last trip with DSH I got an old rod with a loose front grip and old brittle line. Large King broke off, got frustrated.

Don't want to ride 4 hours to catch small fish in 300 feet. Lots of reeling isn't good return on investment when kings and more near shore in summer.

I'm recovering from move and haven't found my salwater tackle box. Will deckhands supply terminal tackle?