10 marketing tips to reel in more fishing charter customers this season

You know how to find the fish, but finding more customers? That can feel like uncharted waters.

After working with hundreds of fishing charters, we’ve heard the same story again and again: your calendar is either fully booked or frustratingly empty, with little in between. The good news? You don’t need a massive budget or a marketing degree to fill those empty slots.

At FareHarbor, we’ve helped fishing charters from Alaska to the Florida Keys grow their customer base using simple, proven strategies — no marketing jargon required. Whether you’re looking to boost last-minute bookings or get ahead of the busy months, this guide will show you exactly how to stand out from the competition and keep your calendar full.

Here are 10 practical marketing tips to help you reel in more customers this month — and build a business that keeps growing, season after season.

1. Optimize for local SEO

Most travelers search with local intent (think “fishing charters near me” or “[city] fishing trips”). If your Google Business Profile and website are optimized for these terms, you show up when it matters most — when someone is ready to book.

Make sure they find you first by:

• Claiming and completing your Google Business Profile (GBP) with photos, hours, and contact info.
• Using location-based keywords like “deep sea fishing [your city]” on your website, tour descriptions, and blog posts.
• Listing your business on local and state tourism sites, fishing directories, and local business listings.

Pro tip: Update your GBP regularly with photos of recent trips and use Google Posts to promote availability or specials.

2. Collect and showcase customer reviews

Reviews build trust faster than any marketing message. Travelers rely on recent, positive feedback to make booking decisions. The easier you make it for happy customers to leave reviews, the more likely future bookers are to choose you.

• Ask every guest to leave a review on Google, TripAdvisor, or Yelp before they leave the dock. 
• Highlight standout reviews on your website, social media, or email newsletters.
• Respond to all reviews — thank customers for positive ones and address any negative feedback professionally.

Pro tip: QR codes are your guest’s boarding pass to quicker reviews.  Use them on your boat or at check-in to make leaving a review quick and easy.

3. Post consistently on Instagram

Fishing is visual, and travelers want to see the experience before booking. Active social media builds excitement, shows social proof, and keeps your business top of mind when someone is planning their trip.

• Share photos and videos of the action, boat updates, and customer highlights.
• Tag your location and use relevant local hashtags (like #DestinFishing or #AlaskaCharterTrips) to reach nearby travelers.
• Repost guest photos (with permission) to build community and trust.

Pro tip: Create an Instagram Story Highlight called “Catches” or “Happy Guests” to showcase your best moments.

4. Build and use your email list

Email lets you stay connected to travelers long after their trip. It’s one of the few channels you own — not controlled by social media algorithms — giving you a direct line to promote specials, share updates, and encourage repeat bookings.

• Offer a small incentive, like a discount or free guide, to collect emails on your website or at check-in.
• Send monthly updates with trip photos, fishing reports, and booking reminders.
• Promote early bird specials or last-minute availability to drive bookings.

Pro tip: Personalize your emails with the customer’s first name and mention the type of trip they took to boost engagement.

5. Run seasonal promotions

Limited-time offers create urgency and help convert “maybe later” into “book now.” Highlighting specials during key holidays or months taps into traveler motivation and helps fill your calendar early.

• Launch “book early and save” deals or bundle packages with gear, lunch, or fish cleaning.
• Promote themed trips for holidays like Father’s Day, Memorial Day, or the Fourth of July.
• Share these promos on your website, social media, and email campaigns.

Pro tip: Offer gift cards or holiday vouchers for people looking to give fishing trips as a present.

6. Partner with local businesses

Travelers often book multiple activities. By partnering with hotels, restaurants, and local shops, you tap into their customer base and build referral partnerships that bring in highly qualified leads who are already in-market.

• Connect with hotels, tackle shops, restaurants, or resorts to share referrals and create package deals.
• Offer incentives for referrals, like a discount or free add-on service.
• Share each other’s brochures, social media posts, or website links.

Pro tip: Host a local “meet the captain” night or dockside event in partnership with nearby businesses to network and promote your charters.

7. Get active in Facebook groups and forums

Travelers and fishing enthusiasts trust peer recommendations. Showing up in local groups as a helpful expert builds awareness and trust — without needing to spend a dime on advertising.

• Join Facebook groups or online forums related to fishing or travel in your area.
• Share helpful tips, answer questions, and participate in conversations — not just sales pitches.
• Position yourself as the friendly expert who’s ready to help visitors have a great time on the water.

Pro tip: Use your personal profile to build connections, then share your business page or website when appropriate.

8. Use video to tell your story

Video captures attention like no other content. It builds excitement, shows what makes your experience unique, and helps set clear expectations. Plus, social media platforms prioritize video content, giving you more reach.

• Film short videos of big catches, boat tours, customer reactions, or behind-the-scenes moments.
• Post on Instagram Reels, Facebook, YouTube, or your website.
• Add a short “What to Expect on Your Trip” video to your booking page to set clear expectations.

Consider using drone footage to add to both your website and social media. Don’t have a drone or know how to operate one? Hire a local professional or partner with an influencer who has great drone footage.

Pro tip: Vertical videos (9:16 ratio) perform best on social media like Instagram and Facebook.

9. Leverage online travel agencies (OTAs) and resellers

OTAs and resellers already have massive audiences. Listing your trips there helps you reach travelers who might not find your website on their own, filling open spots and reducing wasted capacity.

• Connect with platforms through our API Partner Directory to reach more bookers.
• FareHarbor Distribution Network (FHDN) allows you to connect with resellers and affiliates to expand your reach with one simple contract. 
• Keep your listings up-to-date with photos, descriptions, and availability.
• Brush up on healthy channel mix practices. 

Pro tip: Set up last-minute availability on these platforms to capture travelers looking to book the same day or next day.

10. Track what’s working and adjust

Marketing isn’t “set it and forget it.” Tracking your results helps you double down on what works and stop wasting time on what doesn’t — so you get better results without working harder.

• Use website and social media analytics to track which channels bring in the most traffic or bookings.
• Review your email open and click rates to see which messages resonate.
• Adjust your strategy based on data, doubling down on what works, and experimenting with new ideas.

Pro tip: Set a reminder to check your analytics once a month to stay on top of your marketing performance.

Reel in more bookings with confidence

Marketing your fishing charter doesn’t have to be complicated — it just needs to be consistent.

Start by picking two or three tips from this list to try this month. Whether it’s updating your Google Business Profile, posting your daily catch on Instagram, or connecting with resellers on FHDN, every small step brings you closer to a fully booked calendar.

Need help getting more customers? Book a free demo with FareHarbor to see how our tools and team can help your business grow this season.