What’s Included in a Bali Fishing Charter? A Full Breakdown
When you book a Bali fishing charter we want you to feel confident about every detail before the boat pulls away from Serangan. Whether you’re a first‑timer planning a half‑day Bali fishing trip or a seasoned angler eyeing a full‑day deep sea fishing Bali expedition, the package we offer is designed to let you focus on the fight, not the logistics. Below is a line‑by‑line look at everything that comes standard, plus a quick note on the few extras that sometimes pop up.
The Boat and Its Core Equipment
Our 20‑foot catamaran, The Madu, is built for stability in the South Bali swell. Every charter includes:
- Rod and Reel Packages – Two 7‑foot spinning rods for inshore jigging, a 9‑foot heavy‑action rod for trolling, and matching reels (spinning and conventional) tuned for tuna, mahi‑mahi and wahoo.
- Lines and Leaders – Braided mainlines (30‑50 lb test) with fluorocarbon leaders (15‑30 lb) stored in a dedicated spool locker.
- Trolling Gear – Downriggers, outriggers and a set of 30‑kg lead‑core sinkers for chasing yellowfin tuna.
- Jigging and Bottom‑Fishing Gear – A selection of metal jigs (4‑6 in) and soft‑plastic swimbaits, plus circle hooks for snapper and grouper.
All gear is maintained by our crew and inspected before each departure, so you never have to bring your own rods unless you prefer a personal setup.
Bait, Lures and What We Use on the Water
We stock a rotating inventory based on the season and the target species:
- Live Bait – Small sardines, anchovies and cut bait for tuna and wahoo.
- Frozen Bait – Pre‑portioned mackerel chunks for giant trevally and dogtooth tuna.
- Artificial Lures – Top‑water poppers, metallic jigs, and soft plastic minnows that have proven effective on the reefs off Nusa Penida.
If you have a favorite lure, let us know ahead of time; we’ll gladly add it to the box.
The Crew – Who’s on Board and What They Do
A typical charter runs with three crew members:
- Captain (me, I Made Surya) – 15 years navigating the currents around Serangan, Benoa Harbour and the offshore banks. I handle navigation, safety briefings and the final “pull” on the line.
- First Mate / Guide – Certified marine biologist who can identify species, suggest the best techniques for the day’s conditions, and keep the catch‑and‑release process smooth.
- Deckhand / Cook – Assists with gear, prepares fresh water, and whips up a simple lunch while you’re reeling in the big one.
All crew members hold the required Indonesian fishing licenses and are trained in basic first aid and CPR.
Food, Drink and Comfort
A half‑day charter (4 hours) includes:
- Cold Drinks – Bottled water, soft drinks and a small cooler of ice‑cold beer for the adults.
- Snacks – Fresh fruit, mixed nuts and crackers to keep your energy up between casts.
A full‑day charter (8 hours) adds:
- Lunch – Grilled chicken or fish (your catch, if you prefer) with rice, salad and a fruit dessert.
- Additional Beverages – A second cooler stocked with the same options plus a few energy drinks for the longer haul.
All meals are prepared on board in a compact galley; we keep the kitchen clean and the smells pleasant for those who prefer a “no‑cooking‑while‑fishing” experience.
Licences, Permits and Legal Stuff
The price of a charter already covers:
- Fishing License for the Vessel – Issued by the Bali Marine Authority, valid for the duration of your trip.
- Catch Documentation – Our crew fills out the required log sheets for any commercial‑size fish you keep, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
If you plan to keep a large pelagic species (e.g., a 30‑kg yellowfin tuna), we’ll guide you through the export paperwork; otherwise, most catches are released back to the reef.
What’s Not Included – Optional Extras
While the core package is comprehensive, a few items are billed separately:
| Item | Typical Cost | When You Might Want It | |------|--------------|------------------------| | Additional Bait Packs | [PRICE] per 5 kg | If you’re targeting a specific species that needs extra live bait. | | Professional Photography | [PRICE] per hour | For high‑resolution action shots you can share on social media. | | Special Dietary Meals | [PRICE] per person | Gluten‑free, vegan or halal options beyond the standard menu. | | Extended Hours | [PRICE] per hour | When the weather cooperates and you want to keep fishing past the scheduled finish. |
We always discuss these possibilities during the pre‑trip briefing so there are no surprises.
Safety Gear and Environmental Practices
Your safety is built into the charter:
- Life Jackets – One per passenger, fitted and inspected before launch.
- First‑Aid Kit – Stocked with bandages, antiseptic, and basic medication.
- Marine Conservation – We practice catch‑and‑release for undersized fish and use barbless hooks when possible. The crew also collects any floating debris encountered during the trip.
How We Handle Payments and Cancellations
- Deposit – 30 % of the charter fee is required to lock in your date.
- Balance – Paid on the day of departure, cash or card accepted.
- Cancellation Policy – Full refund up to 48 hours before the scheduled start; partial refund after that, as per our standard terms.
“Explore our half‑day and full‑day Bali fishing trips”
FAQ
What should I bring on a Bali fishing charter?
A hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a change of clothes, and any personal medication. Your fishing license (if you have one) is optional; we provide the required permits.
Can beginners join a deep sea fishing Bali charter?
Absolutely. Our first mate walks you through the basics of trolling and jigging, and we keep the gear simple for new anglers.
Is there a limit on how many fish I can keep?
Yes. Indonesian regulations set size and bag limits for each species. Our crew will explain the limits before we set sail.
Do you offer family‑friendly trips?
We do. The half‑day charter is ideal for kids; we provide smaller rods and teach basic casting techniques in a safe, shallow area before heading offshore.
Ready to Cast Off?
If you’re curious about how a Bali fishing charter works and want a hands‑on experience without the hassle, we run both half‑day and full‑day trips out of Serangan. Drop us a line, and we’ll tailor the day to your skill level, target species and appetite for adventure.
Fish these waters yourself
We run private charters out of Serangan every day — all-inclusive, hotel pickup, you keep the catch.