FAQS

Q. When can I book?

A. You can book straight away using the email address at the bottom of each page on this website.

Q. How do we get to Alderney.

A. You can come by plane, ferry, or be picked up by 'Smuggler' from France, or Guernsey. (I have had parties catching fish within twenty minutes of being picked up!) For more details follow this link to Alderney Tourism travel.

Q. Where can I stay in Alderney.

A. There is a whole range of accommodation from hotels through guest houses to the camp site, depending on your budget. Some of the hotels and guest houses have been specialising in Angling parties for many years, and are fully familiar with the needs of anglers. Follow this accommodation link to find  out more.

Q. How many passengers can you carry.

A. Smuggler is licensed for up to 12 passengers. To fully enjoy your fishing I would recommend you keep the numbers to eight, for general fishing, and six for bass fishing. If fly fishing it is best to discuss your requirements beforehand.

Q. Safety.

A. Smuggler is fully compliant with all current legislation, and licensed to carry twelve passengers up to 60 miles offshore. (which means she can operate cross channel) She carries liferafts, lifejackets,  flares, thermal protection,  first aid kits etc. She is fully insured up to £2 million for third party damages. In addition to the local boatman's licenses (required by law if operating from the Channel Islands!), I hold a Master Mariners Foreign Going Certificate of Competency (Class one Certificate).

Q. How fast is the boat.

A. Very fast! She will do thirty knots light, twenty five knots with a full complement, and cruise happily at twenty knots. Which means that you spend more time fishing.

Q. Do you take individuals .

A. Yes I do. Provided I can get a minimum of six people I will make trips.

Q. How much will it cost.

A. Prices start from £40 a head, depending on the type and duration of the trip.

Q. Do you require a deposit.

A. Yes, for individuals twenty pounds, for the boat one hundred pounds.

Q. What happens if the charter is cancelled.

A. If the trip is cancelled prior to setting out due to bad weather (skipper's decision),  I will refund your deposit in full. If you decide to cancel then you are expected to pay for the trip.

Q. Weather.

A. By all means get the inshore forecast, or contact Jersey met. I have sophisticated weather forecasting, in addition to local knowledge so the decision will rest solely with the skipper, as to whether to proceed to sea or not.

Q. Do you provide bait.

A. I will always have some type of bait on board. You can buy bait locally from the tackle shop. Mackerel and/or sand eels can usually be caught whilst fishing, but you can't count on it! For certain trips I can try and get live launce, price will depend on availability.

Q. What tackle should I bring.

A. Always bring some feathers and hockeyes. Small ones are excellent for launce and mackerel. Weights can be supplied on board, on a lose it, pay for it basis. Bring a good selection of hooks; wire 2/0 to 6/0, forged 6/0 to 8/0 if wrecking. Load up with braid (light if we're bassing say 12lb) heavier for general and wreck. Also bring redgills and jellies. Rapalas or similiar have also saved the day on occasions. Traces should be clear mono. say 10kg and 20 kg, with really strong 90 kg for conger etc. 

Q. Do you have hot drinks on board.

A. Yes. I can do coffee, tea etc. I also have a microwave on board should one of your favourite pies need warming up.

Q. Is there a toilet on board.

A. Yes, a fully functional flushing toilet. Incidentally there is also hot water and a shower.

Q. What clothing should I bring.

A. Wellingtons, waterproofs, and something warm to wear (fleeces are ideal) even on a warm day. (don't forget the suntan cream ,and a hat) The cabin is heated so we can warm up on those cold days.

Q. What if I haven't fished very much before.

A. Don't worry anglers are a friendly bunch and we'll have you reeling the the fish onboard in no time at all.

Q. Can I bring alcohol on board.

A. As skipper I am not allowed to drink while on board. However if you want a shandy on a hot summers day, or a nip on a cold one, I have no problem as long as everyone stays sensible. Don't forget there will be more than enough time to do some serious drinking ,if that's what you want, whilst ashore in Alderney.

Q. Can the boat  be chartered for purposes other than angling.

A. Yes, it can be chartered for sightseeing, ferry service, or recreation by anyone. Please apply for prices.

Q. How do I book.

A. Contact me through one of the means given on the home page.

Send mail to smuggler@deepsea.co.uk with questions or comments about this web site
Check out lots more about Colin & Smuggler on Colin's Deepsea Pages

Last modified: 18/07/2009