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
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