Four of us booked TSP Charters for a marsh fishing trip out of Venice, LA on June 18. Several times during our back and forth emails I told the Captain we were most interested in speckled trout above all other species. He emailed me late the night before that wind might be a problem, but “we’ll try!”. Wind was not a problem, but we went straight for redfish and we caught a mixed bag—mostly reds, but the assorted sheephead, croaker, stingray, even a crab, etc. with no speckled trout in sight. Our fishing trip was cut short due to a line of thunderstorms approaching and we headed in with some fish. I both respect and expect the guide that keeps an eye on the weather and makes good decisions. This has never been an issue. I don’t know for sure, but I’m fairly certain that I’m allergic to lightning.

The trip was not without its shortcomings, however. When we got to the first fishing spot and were making introductions my son mentioned that he was a junior high principal, to which our guide responded, “So, you’re an overpaid baby sitter.” I have since learned that our good Captain has a tendency toward name calling and insults. The other thing I found most disconcerting was that whenever we stopped to fish we had to deal with ankle deep water in the back of the boat where we were standing. Every time the boat was moving and up on plane this water went away.

There were several more uncomfortable instances during this trip, but these three items were paramount:

-Ignoring our request to seek out our species of choice.

-Belittling my PhD son’s occupation—indicating a total lack of respect.

-Some serious questions about the wisdom of putting 5 of us in a boat that had only seats for 3, including the skipper, that took on water while at rest. Please understand that none of us were in fear for our lives due to the water in the boat, it was more of an inconvenience than anything.

There were other instances that were no big deal by themselves, but seemed to mount as the morning progressed, but you have the high points.

I don’t question our guide’s knowledge and ability. He had live bait, baited our hooks, landed our fish, told us where to cast, and generally was adequate in that department.

I booked this trip because of the high reviews of previous parties, and paid several hundred dollars (plus a generous tip) over the going rate in order to give my sons a trip to remember. I believe the folks who gave TSP charters high review marks did, in fact, have a great time, were treated respectfully, and caught speckled trout. I’m mystified as to what went wrong this time.

I use chartered guides as often as I can from Delacroix to Cocodrie and am not new to this game. In light of the way our trip went, I think one star out of five is proper, but you folks can change it to 2 if you feel it’s warranted.