Dan did ask me if I wanted to retain any fish. I was aware that many captains did not but I also think it's a lot of what you make of the trip that may determine this. I wanted the trip to be an adventure, not just a fishing trip.

Since I was the sole occupant on board we pretty much did what I wanted to, one of the advantages. If you're with a party that all know each other I think the same would apply but first and foremost I didn't want a guide and mate that appeared to be slaves to my becon call, which was initially the situation I found myself in. I wanted someone to have fun with. When we hit fish I learned how to handle them so that we could all take turns fishing which was my goal, to have a blast and share in the adventure. I know that I am an exception to the rule with the trip I had but as I said, I think it is all pretty much what you make of it and the tone you set with the captain and crew. I'm pretty sure it's also the reason we returned at 8:30pm and not 3 or 4.