Reel Smart Charters

Last Updated: May 22, 2026

Agreement to Terms

By accessing our website at smartfishingsiestakey.com or submitting a booking request, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our website or services.

The Services

Reel Smart Charters provides private inshore and nearshore fishing charter services operating out of Sarasota, Florida. Our services include half-day, full-day, and specialty fishing trips for private groups of up to 6 passengers.

Booking and Reservations

Booking Request

Submitting a contact or booking form on our website does not constitute a confirmed reservation. Your trip is confirmed only after:

Direct communication with Captain Jon

Agreement on trip date, time, and type

Receipt of your deposit payment

Deposit

A 50% deposit is required to secure your charter date. The remaining balance is due on the day of the trip prior to departure.

Payment

We accept payment by cash, Venmo, Zelle, or credit card. Payment details will be provided by Captain Jon directly during the booking confirmation process.

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

Cancellations by Client

Cancellations made 7 or more days before the trip date will receive a full refund of the deposit

Cancellations made less than 7 days before the trip date will forfeit the deposit

No-shows on the day of the trip will forfeit the full deposit and remaining balance

Weather Cancellations

Reel Smart Charters reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any trip due to unsafe weather conditions at the sole discretion of Captain Jon

In the event of a weather cancellation by Captain Jon, you will receive a full refund of your deposit or the option to reschedule at no additional charge

Weather cancellations are determined on the morning of the trip

Light rain does not constitute a weather cancellation — trips operate in light rain conditions

Rescheduling

You may reschedule your trip one time at no charge with at least 48 hours notice

Rescheduling requests with less than 48 hours notice are subject to Captain Jon's availability and discretion

Passenger Requirements and Responsibilities

Age and Health

Passengers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian

Passengers are responsible for disclosing any medical conditions that may affect their ability to participate safely in a fishing charter

Reel Smart Charters reserves the right to refuse service to any passenger who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Conduct

All passengers agree to:

Follow all instructions given by Captain Jon at all times

Treat all equipment with care and respect

Behave in a safe and responsible manner on the vessel

Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fishing regulations

Reel Smart Charters reserves the right to terminate a trip early without refund if any passenger engages in unsafe, illegal, or disruptive behavior.

Seasickness

Reel Smart Charters is not responsible for seasickness. No refunds will be issued due to seasickness. Passengers prone to motion sickness are encouraged to take appropriate medication prior to departure.

Fishing Licenses

Florida fishing licenses are included in the cost of all charter trips for all paying passengers. This license covers recreational saltwater fishing from a for-hire vessel in Florida waters.

Equipment and Gear

Reel Smart Charters provides all fishing equipment, tackle, live bait, ice, and bottled water. Passengers are welcome to bring their own tackle. Passengers are responsible for any damage to equipment caused by negligence or misuse.

Catch Policy

Catch and Release

Reel Smart Charters operates under a conservation-first philosophy. Captain Jon may recommend releasing certain fish to protect local fish populations.

Fish Cleaning

Fish cleaning is included for kept fish within legal size and bag limits. All fishing must comply with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations.

No Guarantee of Catch

Fishing is a recreational activity that involves natural variables beyond our control. Reel Smart Charters makes no guarantee that you will catch fish. No refunds will be issued due to low catch rates.

Liability and Assumption of Risk

Assumption of Risk

Fishing charters involve inherent risks including but not limited to rough water conditions, exposure to sun and elements, physical activity, and contact with fishing equipment. By booking a charter with Reel Smart Charters, you acknowledge and voluntarily assume all such risks.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Reel Smart Charters and Captain Jon shall not be liable for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, cost, or expense arising from participation in our charter services, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Personal Belongings

Reel Smart Charters is not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings, electronics, clothing, or other items brought aboard the vessel.

USCG Compliance

Captain Jon holds a valid United States Coast Guard (USCG) Captain's License. All operations comply with applicable USCG regulations for passenger-carrying vessels. The vessel carries all required safety equipment including life jackets for all passengers, first aid kit, flares, fire extinguisher, and VHF radio.

Photography and Media

Photos and videos taken by Captain Jon or Reel Smart Charters staff during your trip may be used for promotional purposes on our website and social media. If you do not wish to be photographed, please notify Captain Jon before departure. Photos taken by passengers may be shared freely.

Website Use

Accuracy of Information

We strive to keep pricing, availability, and trip information accurate on our website. However, we reserve the right to correct errors and update information at any time without prior notice. Confirmed pricing is established during the booking process directly with Captain Jon.

Intellectual Property

All content on this website including text, images, logos, and graphics is the property of Reel Smart Charters and may not be reproduced without written permission.

Privacy

Your use of our website and services is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms of Service by reference. Please review our Privacy Policy at smartfishingsiestakey.com/privacy-policy.

Governing Law

These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising under these terms shall be resolved in the courts of Sarasota County, Florida.

Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to update these Terms of Service at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the website. Your continued use of the website or services after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms.

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

Reel Smart Charters Captain Jon Phone: (941) 424-7913 Email: [email protected] Website: smartfishingsiestakey.com Sarasota, Florida

These Terms of Service govern the use of smartfishingsiestakey.com and all fishing charter services provided by Reel Smart Charters.