Before you go out and select a fishing charter, you are first going to want to think about exactly what it is that you need to have a charter for? Are you looking to go out for a day, of catching fish, without having to deal with the gear cleaning afterwards? Or do you need a few pointers, from an experienced angler, to show you the ropes a bit, and give you some pointers on how to catch fish while you are out on your own? Regardless of what it is, fishing charters provide you with a great day on the water, without having to break the bank on expensive boats, and gear, but in order to make the right decision, you have to answer not only this question, but a couple of others as well.
Next, you want to take a look at your own level of skill, and answer honestly, how much guidance you think you require. Let the potential charter know what it is that you have in mind, and what you are expecting from your trip, as well as how long you have been fishing, to give them the best idea of how to handle your particular day on the water. Some charters will allow you to bring guests, while others only allow a couple of people on the boat, so before you drop down your money, you are going to want to check with them first.
Next, are you looking for a specific type of fish? Or are you looking to hunt down the largest trophies, of a particular species? If this sounds like you, then do your research ahead of time, to figure out the best places to catch these types of fish, and then make contact with a potential fishing charter in the area. Most are usually friends with the rest of the charters, and will gladly get you in contact with them, if they are either full, or are offering substantially higher rates.