Office News
1-888-88-CAPTS
1-888-882-2787 or 1-305-923-3926

May 10 2008

Its cold and dreary in Gloucester. Who brought the rain anyways? In the spirit of "getting ready to get ready," I took a look at the numbers for the first few trips today. If any of you were hesitant to book a trip right at the beginning of the season because you were afraid it would be packed... fear not. Just over half full for the Skipper's Choice, May 23rd. Same goes for both the 1-Day Cashes Ledge on May 25th and the Marathon on May 30th. The first 2-Day Cashes Ledge trip leaving on the 30th has only five rails spots available, but I am out of bunks. But if you are curious, don't wait for me to post about it, click on any trip you want to check availability at any time, that's what its there for.
 
A few of you have started asking the all important question: Is there going to be a fuel surcharge? Well folks, I just don't know what to tell you yet. If you don't know about the ridiculous gas prices by now, then you must be living under rock. And if that's the case you probably don't have a computer and you're not reading this anyways. We're all "feeling the pinch at the pump" (I heard that on the news today, I didn't make it up myself) and unfortunately its no different when you own a 100ft boat. When we set the trip prices for this season back in the fall, regular car gas prices were around $3.20 a gallon, and it's expected to increase to more than $4.00 this summer. With a dramatic hike like that, a fuel surcharge could definitely be necessary, but there's just no telling what that surcharge could be. I know no one likes such a "non answer" when they call. The best I can tell you is that when the Capts gets to Gloucester, and Greg checks out prices and gets settled, we'll see what happens. There are way too many variables involved to know for sure right now. So, I apologize in advance if you call and I tell you "I don't know" but for now, its the best answer I have for you.
 
That all said, we're still off to a good start, I think. The numbers for a lot of our trips look strong. The word up here is that the fishing goes back and forth. There have been quite a few really good days, however, it would seem there are just as many not so good days. I'll tell you this though, Capt. Matt's wife, Kristin, went out the other day and caught herself a few nice haddock and we had a tasty dinner! How's that for a positive start to the summer?
 
Alana Rich, Office Manager
Yankee Capts Offshore, Inc.
For reservations call 305-923-3926
www.yankeecapts.com




April 27
Office News:
 
A quick note about this week's hours: Things are moving quickly up here in Gloucester, getting ready for a much anticipated summer season at our new location! This week, office hours may be altered due to a little travelling and moving around. I WILL RETURN EACH AND EVERY CALL! You can always email me if you have questions or need help with a reservation. When calling our number, if you seem to be having trouble getting through, simply leave a detailed message and I will get back to you as soon as possible! I apologize if you are inconvenienced by our slightly disrupted schedule, but we will be back to regular, uninterrupted hours by Monday, May 5. Thank you all for your patience, as in this time of transition, your support only improves our organization! Read on for more information about changing our summer hours!
 
Greetings and Happy Spring New England Anglers!
Spring is back and with it comes the Yankee Capts! The boat should be back up from Key West by mid-May and our first trip out is a 2-day Skipper's Choice, May 23rd at 10pm. Yes, we still have space available! The buzz is that the fishing up in Gloucester has been fair to good, but it seems to go back and forth from day to day. The haddock seem to be biting the bait, and a few keeper cod caught here and there on the jigs, as long as you can stay away from the dogs. Reservations on our All Day Limited Load 7-5 trips for Saturdays and Sundays have been starting to pick up, with more spots being booked online than on the phones, which is always a good sign. Click the trip of your choice to book your all day fishing trip (or any trip that we have to offer!) today! Our full schedule in New England is available here on the site or you can call to request a free multi-page brochure.
 
Office hours will be expanding for the summer!! If you need to call in for any reason, you can reach us at 305-923-3926, Monday thru Friday 9am-6pm and starting May 17, Saturdays as well, 9-noon (if needed).
 
Don't forget we will be departing this summer from a new location out of Gloucester. The new home of the Yankee Capts is Rose's Marine, right in downtown Gloucester. Easy to get to off 128 North and close to Main St. restaurants and the Vista Motel (www.vistamotel.com), the Yankee Capts is ready to fill your offshore fishing needs! Click to book today!
 
Alana Rich, Office Manager
Yankee Capts Offshore, Inc.



April 23 2008

A quick note to Anglers booked on last week's shortened trip:
      As you all know, the 3-day limited trip was shortened to a 2-day. The difference in price between the two is $182.75 per person. As some of you may also know, Capt. Greg and his family took a brief vacation this week. As soon as they return, I will be working with Greg's wife, Sherri, to get all of your refunds taken care of as soon as possible. If you paid by credit card, within the last 120 days, this $182.75 (per person) will be refunded to your card. If your purchase was before 120 days ago, or if you paid by check or money order, then a check payment will be sent to you at whichever address was listed in your reservation.
 
A reminder for New England Anglers:
       ALL DEPOSIT PAYMENTS ARE SENT TO KEY WEST! NOT ROSE'S MARINE! Rose's Marine is our new dockage location out of Gloucester, but our main operations base is in Key West, Florida! Please remember to send all payments to P.O. BOX 2157, KEY WEST FL 33045. 
A few quick policies to remember:
1) A minimum of 50% is required to hold any reservations made by phone. Confirmations will be issued once a full 50% or more has been paid.
2) If you have made a reservation for ONE person, or if your reservation is for TEN people, it is still only ONE RESERVATION. Thus I can only accept ONE payment. Please DO NOT SEND multiple different checks at separate times if they are all meant for the same reservation! Collect the money from the people in your party and send ONE FORM OF PAYMENT! Confirmation will be issued once that ONE form of payment for the ENTIRE party is received.
3) ALWAYS include some kind of note, or letter, or something with a mailed check payment that signifies WHICH RESERVATION TO POST THE CHECK TO!
 
We still have space available on the first few trips of the season! Don't miss out because you waited too long to book! Click on the trip of your choice to see available bunks and rails on all upcoming trips!
 
A message for everyone:
       In case you missed my message on the homepage, I will be taking a long weekend this week. I will be responding to emails all weekend. If you have any comments, concerns or questions, please feel free to drop me a note. Otherwise, the office will be open again on Monday, regular hours, 9-5! Have a great weekend everyone!
 
Alana, Office Manager
305-923-3926
info@yankeecapts.com



April 9 2008

UPDATE! April 15th 3-day Limited Load Marathon has ONE spot that became open this afternoon. THIS SPOT WILL SELL! Click to book online NOW. We offer NO guarantees as to the length of availability on this spot. ALSO! There are still a handful of spots available on tonight's 3-day! No plans this weekend? BOOK NOW!
 
April 8 2008

49.2 degrees in Gloucester today. Another balmy April day... At least the sun is out.
 
Down to business: Yes the Limited trip on the 15th is still full. But, as the homepage announces, there are still 20 spots open for this weekend's 3-day, leaving on Thursday night at 10pm. That's right mathematicians: this trip is just over HALF full. Maximum elbow-room for everyone at regular price... excellent. As for the other 2 trips remaining in our schedule: the 2-day trip on May 2nd has 15 available rail spots and the 3-day on May 7th trip has 21 spots! These trips all have so much elbow room they're nearly impossible to pass up. This is you last chance to fish the Capts in Key West until NOVEMBER! Can you really wait that long? Do you want to?
 
Back up in Gloucester, George's Bank and Cashes Ledge are going to be busy this season. Many of you seem to be taking advantage of ONLINE RESERVATIONS, as my phones aren't that busy, but bookings are still running smoothly! Please remember that if you have booked online ALL SALES ARE FINAL. The simple reason for this is that in order to offer online ticket purchasing, we must adhere to other companies' policies, like the credit card companies and the people that operate the online ticketing system. They keep us running and therefore, if they say sales are final, we can't break that rule. Please know that if WE had to cancel any trip for any reason (such as mechanical trouble or severe weather concerns) that no matter how you booked (online or over the phone) you can be fully refunded, no worries. And speaking of phone reservations: If you have booked over the phone and indicated that you are sending me a check, there is NO paperwork for me to send you first. Your check is due within 7 days. If I have not received payment or heard from you again, please know that the reservation WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY CANCELLED. Please send all payments to Yankee Capts, P.O.Box 2157, Key West FL 33045. PLEASE do NOT send any payments or correspondence to Rose's Marine, as this is not where our office space is located! If possible, please include a note stating the date of the trip and the name the reservation is held under so that we can post your payment to the correct account.
 
I know some of this may sound a bit repetitive, but I want to be able to ensure that everything runs smoothly for our first New England season out on our own. New Reservations Office, New Phone Number, New Online Ticketing System, Newly Formatted Website, New Departure Location... We may be the same Yankee Capts you've known for years, but with a fresh new start and I just like to make sure our clients are all on the same page. If you ever have questions, comments, concerns or just want to touch base with the office, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@yankeecapts.com. I'm happy to help!
 
ONE LAST THING for Key West die-hards: Please don't forget that we are going to start preparing next season's schedule earlier that usual. We plan to have a copy circulated to those of you on the mailing list by the beginning of August and reservations will begin ONLINE at 12:01am EST on September 1st 2008. PHONE reservations will not begin until 9am of that day and REMEMBER: LINES WILL BE BUSY! With online reservations beginning 9 hours before phone reservations there is absolutely NO guarantee of rail spots available! Please keep in mind this is a one man show, go easy on me! I do the best I can for all of you! Keep an eye to the website for updates on the 09 Dry Tortugas Schedule!
 
Alana Rich, Office Manager
Yankee Capts Offshore, Inc.
For reservations call 305-923-3926
www.yankeecapts.com



March 26 2008

Happy belated St. Patty's, Easter, and Spring to everyone! I seem to have a lot to say to everyone this week, so here goes! 
 
 ~Key Westers~  
    Only 7 more trips departing from Key West! It's hard to believe the season is actually almost coming to a close, but summer is creeping closer and that means it's time to head north.
    Our Limited trip on the 15th is full, but all other trips are only at about half capacity, leaving tons of elbow room for all on all our remaining trips. Most regular capacity trips do go full and that should mean 52 passengers. Traditionally, the end of the season means full boats, but all four 2-day trips that we have left (leaving at 10pm on 3/28, 4/02, 4/04, and 5/02) all have under 30 people on them! Our regular 3-day trips also can carry up to 52 passengers and our remaining two departures on 4/10 and 5/07 have less than 28 people booked right now. (Bear in mind our Limited trips are designated at 28 people max!) What am I getting at? Book a spot on one of these trips and you're getting the roominess of a Limited trip at the price of a regular trip. Any of you who have been trying to book a Limited trip, only to be told its been full for months know why they are so popular. But why wait out the standby list (with no luck) when you can book a regular trip with even fewer people on it? Exactly...
    If you've been keeping up with Greg's fish reports you know that the catch can go back and forth, but if you've fished with us before, you know that conditions can improve at anytime. You'll never know unless you go, so book today! With so much availability on all our remaining trips, now is the time to give it a try, otherwise you're waiting till next year!
    Speaking of next year, a few of you have been calling asking when you can book for 09. I'm guessing its that time when you maybe have to give your notice for extended time off from work. Our Key West dates are not usually thought about until August, however this year we plan to get a jump on the game, as our schedule will be circulated at the beginning of August, and Key West Reservations will begin September 1st! (Online purchases can begin at 12:01 AM on September 1st!) Online reservations are the easiest and fastest way to be sure you get the spot you want on the trip you want. But for those of you planning to call in on September 1st, remember to decide what trips you want in advance, so that phone calls can expedite quickly. As you all know it is VERY busy on opening day and if you aren't prepared, it just takes longer.
 
 ~New Englanders~   
 
    In New England news, internet savvy clients get a "bravo" this week. I have noticed an incline of online reservations on all types of trips, both Gloucester and New Bedford. Pass the word: it is the easiest way to guarantee getting the spot you want the minute you want it. This time of year, the phone lines are unpredictable, in that the phone won't ring for hours at a time but then suddenly there is a rush and I can't get from line to line fast enough. This often happens at the beginning of each booking season and for those of you who are repeat dialers, a quick word of advice: if for some reason you can't get through when you call in, just leave a message. I DO GET RIGHT BACK TO EACH AND EVERY MISSED CALL if a message is left on the voicemail. I have noticed that some of you hang up and dial right back (one caller dialed up to ten times in 4 minutes). I can only put so many of you on hold before you get frustrated with me. Leave me a message, "my name is so-and-so and I'm interested in such-and-such a trip, here's my number." That's all I need to know and I WILL get back to you in the order I received the messages. I promise, I wouldn't lie to you.
    Our all day trips are picking up some crowds as well. Remember, they are ONLY running Saturdays and Sundays, and we are NOT taking 78 passengers as in past years. These trips are being held to our offshore capacity, which means each person will have the space designated by a rod holder. This is 33% fewer people than some of you may be used to fishing with on an all day trip with us.
    In regards to these all day trips, I have heard from a lot of you a little unsure of the new procedures, possibly because you are used to booking your day trips with the Fleet. A few things important to note:
1) Our All Day LIMITED Load trips will leave at 7am and return at 5pm.
2) Reservations are strongly recommended, as there is no longer much chance of walk-up spots available.
3) Tickets must be paid in full, both online or office calls (credit card over the phone or you have 7 days to send a check). 4) These are ticket purchases, NOT RAIL reservations, meaning GENERAL ADMISSION only. The boat will be open to board up to two hours before departure for people who would like to show up early to get a certain spot (anglers will NOT be permitted to "tie off" the night before).
 
    So... I'm finally out of things to tell you. The temperature is finally starting to rise up here in Gloucester. I actually accomplished yard work the other day. Shocking, I know. Of course, it was sunny, 51 degrees and somehow snowing, all at the same time, but hey, that's New England, I guess...
 
Alana Rich, Office Manager
Yankee Capts Offshore, Inc.
For reservations call 305-923-3926
www.yankeecapts.com
 
P.S. A few New Englanders have called this week looking for a place to stay in Gloucester while fishing on the Capts. Check out www.vistamotel.com. Or call 866-847-8262. If you can call on a Friday evening, ask for Carol and tell her you're fishing with the Capts! If you need a brochure for them, let me know, or fill out a brochure request on our website and add the word VISTA to the memo section!

 
March 16 2008
 

Calling all New England Anglers!
    I hope you all haven't forgotten about our Marathon Trips...? I was checking numbers today and noticed that our Marathon trips seem to be lacking fishermen!! This is almost unheard of! In past seasons, these 5-5 trips sold out more quickly than overnight departures.  Marathon trips offers the best and most fishing that one can fit in a day. It puts the areas seldom visited by dedicated day boats well within your reach, and gives you plenty of added fishing time in the bargain. Depending on the conditions and time of year, you can expect to fish anywhere from the south end of Stellwagen to the eastern edge of Jeffries Ledge. These trips target cod, pollock, haddock, and everyone's favorite - cusk. $95 a person, STERN spots available on ALL Marathons as of today! How can you pass this up??? Marathon dates are: Friday, May 30th; Wednesday, July 9th; Wednesday, July 30th; Wednesday, August 13th; and Tuesday, August 26th! All Marathons leave at 5am and return at 5pm. Maybe you're thinking "who wants to get up that early?" But remember that everyone who books gets a bunk, so you can sleep the whole ride out! Click the date of your choice and book NOW!  
Happy Fishing!
 
Alana Rich, Office Manager
Yankee Capts Offshore, Inc.
For reservations call 305-923-3926
www.yankeecapts.com

March 9 2008

Greetings Anglers both North and South!
    First off, New England Reservations seem to be going very well! I know I speak for Capt. Greg as well when I say that I'm glad to see that lots of you have taken full advantage of our online reservations system. It's quick, easy and efficient and the simplest way to be sure you get the rails you want when you want them.
    Secondly I want to thank everyone for "re-signing up" for the brochures. Last weeks minor faux pas only effected saved addresses in my email; please rest assured no reservations were effected. A word of advice to all: apple juice and laptops do not mix! I will make sure everyone gets their brochures as soon as possible!
    I know that the weather the last few weeks has been back and forth and I want to thank everyone who did end up getting cancelled for their patience as we sorted through refunds and transfers. If anyone still has not gotten back to me about either a refund or a transfer, please remember to do so soon. All of you who did request a refund, please keep an eye on your credit card statements to be sure the charge-backs go through and let me know if there are any problems. All those waiting for a check refund should receive that money as soon as possible, as Capt. Greg has been given your billing information.
    This coming week we have 2-Day Tortugas trips leaving on both Wednesday and Friday nights, with plenty of elbow room available on each of them. Surprisingly, the story is the same for the 3-Day Mutton Marathon next week, leaving on the 19th. That trip is just over half capacity.
    A few of you have been asking about stern spots and the update is that I officially have no stern spots available for the duration of our Key West season. Pulpit positions seem to all be reserved now as well. Remember though, there really is no spot that truly is better than another. It's just a fishing urban myth.
   Thanks for looking. Much more to come!
 
Alana Rich, Office Manager
Yankee Capts Offshore, Inc.
For reservations call 305-923-3926
www.yankeecapts.com

 

March 3 2008

Greetings Anglers!
         A quick message to all those awaiting brochures: New England Brochures are out! Anyone who was on the mailing list prior to January 1st will receive soon or should have received already our multi-page color brochure! I am awaiting a case myself, so that I can distribute them as more requests come in.
        Today the office had a minor technological malfunction, and it has come to my attention that some addresses on our brochure mailing list may have been lost. My past mailing list is still in tact, but if you visited our website within the last couple weeks to sign up for a brochure, please sign up again! I apologize for this inconvenience, but I do want to ensure that everyone receives their brochure as soon as possible!
       Also, a quick apology to anyone who tried to call in at the noontime hour today, as my computer went down just as a few of you were trying to get through. I hope I was able to get back to all of you. If you still have questions, need to make a reservation or would like to request a brochure, I am back up and running and will be open for the remainder of the day. If, in the future, you have trouble getting through, don't forget that all Yankee Capts related information can be found right here on our website and that booking your trip is right here at your fingertips!
    

Have a great day!

Alana, Office Manager
305-923-3926
info@yankeecapts.com

February 20 2008 

A quick note for New England Anglers!
    Quite a few of you have called inquiring on places to stay in close proximity to our new dockage location. I have recommended to many of you to stay at the Vista Motel.They are very close to Rose's Marine, offer terrific rates, a heated pool, and an ocean view. Visit www.vistamotel.com for more information.
    Many of you have asked for alternative options in case of a lack of availability and I thought maybe a direct link to a full listing of hotels would be helpful. The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce website offers a full list of all local hotels and motels with links to each of their subsequent websites:
 
    As we are no longer docking right next door to the Gull Restaurant, I also thought a direct link to local downtown eateries might be helpful as well. We will now be docking at Rose's Marine, which is on Main St., a direction shot to many great little restaurants. Whether you're looking for local seafood or a great burger or Mexican, the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce website links you to many restaurants both here in town and in nearby Rockport and Manchester:
 
Key West Anglers!
    Don't think I've forgotten about you! I don't frequently get requests about information on where to stay and what to eat while in Key West, but in case these accommodations interest you while in the Keys, check out the Key West Chamber website. For a full business directory for hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts and inns, as well as some of the areas best dining experiences, visit http://www.keywestchamber.org/.
 
    I'm always here to help, never hesitate to call if you have questions! Happy fishing!
 
Alana Rich, Office Manager
Yankee Capts Offshore, Inc.
For reservations call 305-923-3926
www.yankeecapts.com

 

February 20 2008 

 

Greeting Anglers!

    I just wanted to quickly address an emailing issue that we seem to all be having. A lot of you have voiced concerns that you are not receiving our correspondence via email and there is a solution! Every time we send out an email of important information for you, our valued clients, we send it from info@yankeecapts.com. To ensure that you receive these emails, which could include news about trips you may have booked, tackle suggestions and advice, deposit reminders, weather warnings and commentary, or any other relevant and sometimes customer-specific information, we ask that you add info@yankeecapts.com to your account address book. Sometimes you have emailed me with specific questions and I am unable to reply because your accounts reject my response, returning it marked undeliverable. If your server recognizes my email address as being someone you know, then my emails will not get thrown in your junk mail folders or bounced back to the office as undeliverable. It may also be useful to add greg@yankeecapts.com to this list as well, as all confirmations automatically generated by online sales are sent from this account.
 
I am committed to keeping our lines of communication open. Email is the world's fastest form of communication and I want to be able to guarantee you that no emails go unanswered. With a little click of you mouse, you won't miss a message! Just a little helpful hint from Yankee Capts!
 
Alana Rich, Office Manager
Yankee Capts Offshore, Inc.
For reservations call 305-923-3926
www.yankeecapts.com

February 5 2008 Temperature

Hello Loyal Anglers!
 
    I wanted to take a minute to address another Frequently Asked Question pertaining to stern positions onboard the Yankee Capts. For many years it seems, the theory has evolved that the stern is the only place to fish. Both in Key West and New England alike, the answer to the eternal question "Where is the best place to fish" is the same:
    To quote Captain Greg directly: "Some people have the misconception that the "only" place to fish is on the stern. The only reason the stern may appear to catch more fish is the caliber of anglers that fish the stern at times. When the those same anglers are fishing anywhere else on the boat, the position they occupy suddenly becomes the "hot spot" to fish. Some of our best fishermen have their other favorite spots such as port side midship, by the starboard bit forward or up on the bow. The only time the stern has an advantage is when the tide is running aft. When the tide is running in any other direction, the stern is at a disadvantage."
    That all being said, part two of this question has recently become an issue of concern in the office. The question is this: "I have a voucher from a past trip, can it be used for the stern?" The answer is NO. NO vouchers can be used towards a stern position on any trip. On most vouchers, it is stated, in writing, that it cannot be used for positions 1-8 on the stern. This policy does and will apply regardless of what position you held on the particular trip from which your voucher came. Unless it is otherwise stated in writing, as some old vouchers do have the restriction waived, we cannot honor any voucher for a stern position.
    On our vessel, stern positions do not cost extra, because we do not feel it is right to charge an additional fee for a particular spot onboard. As Capt Greg quotes above, no position is truly better than another, it is about the caliber of the angler. Obtaining a stern position is a "first call, first served" opportunity. Those of you booking for Key West now know that very few stern positions, if any, are still available.
    Because a voucher is really just a gift from the Captain for an unfortunate early return or cancelled trip, it holds no cash value. Many other companies consider an early return simply bad luck, and offer nothing back for the inconvenience. Trips with them you are booking at your own risk. Anglers book with Capt. Greg because they know that they will get their money's worth, no matter what rail position they have.
   We know that as of now there are many different vouchers out there, as some were issued by Capt. Greg and some were issued by Yankee Fleet. Most have expiration dates, so it's only a matter of time before we weed through them all. In the future, all vouchers will be uniform, containing information about what trip you were on, how to redeem the voucher, and what kind of discount voucher is worth. Those of you on our 2008 Iron Man voucher have the newest version of a Yankee Capts voucher already, as it is the only one we have distributed this season. As always, the original copy of your voucher must be returned in order to validate it for any reservations.
   We kindly ask that you read over all voucher restrictions carefully and follow these policies, as they are designed in order to be fair to everyone. If you have any questions about a voucher you may have from a past trip, please feel free to contact the office. Thank you all for your understanding of this matter. It is with your support that our whole operation continues to be successful. Happy Fishing!
   

Alana Rich, Office Manager
Yankee Capts Offshore, Inc.
For reservations call 305-923-3926
www.yankeecapts.com


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