After many years of fishing aboard the original Carolina Princess, the boat was sold and relocated to New York. The business itself was also sold to a younger family from New York with extensive fishing experience. Tyler and Jessica now operate the business and do a great job taking care of both the operation and their customers.
The replacement boat is a 55-foot vessel. While it is smaller and a bit slower than the original, it is very comfortable and serves as an excellent fishing platform. The cabin is top notch, and Captain Tyler has two very good deckhands, Raffy and Sammy, who both work hard to take care of you and your catch. I highly recommend tipping appropriately—around 20% at minimum. They truly work for it.
I recommend booking the full-day trip. Reservations can be made online or by phone. A $25 deposit is required and is applied toward the ticket price upon arrival at the office. One thing I especially like is that you choose your fishing spot when purchasing your ticket at the office. Nobody leaves gear on the dock the night before to reserve spots. The system works very well. You can bring your own equipment or use theirs. Spare rods are stored upstairs. The ride is very comfortable, and they usually limit trips to around 35 fishermen, so there is plenty of elbow room. The boat has one restroom, which is kept very clean. The crew often trolls on the way out and back, giving customers an additional chance to catch fish during the ride.
Bring your own food and drinks. The boat does not have a galley, but there is a microwave available for use. Bait is provided, usually Boston mackerel and cut squid. The deckhands will collect your fish and place them on ice. If you are using your own equipment, they will also help set up the proper rigs for the trip.
Light tackle setups can be used at the stern positions, although there are no rod holders for them—only for the heavier bottom rigs. Captain Tyler will occasionally fish alongside customers to test the bite. He is very knowledgeable and dedicated to putting fish on the boat. The return trip is comfortable as well, and the approach back to shore is very scenic. When the boat returns to the dock, the crew passes around the tip box before everyone unloads. The fish are distributed by your numbered ticket. Simply hand your ticket to the crew, and they will give you your catch. Ice is available at the office upon request. I really think you will enjoy this family-run operation. Photos of customers and their catches are routinely taken as fish are reeled in, and you can usually find them later on the Carolina Princess Facebook page. I plan on supporting this boat often because it provides a wonderful overall experience.
If you are prone to motion sickness, I strongly recommend getting a prescription motion-sickness patch ahead of time. It is a great option to help ensure you have an enjoyable trip.
Tight lines, and I’ll see you on the “new” Carolina Princess.
-Don Beierwaltes
