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In our analysis of 20,000 fishing charter reviews from across the United States, we aimed to uncover the traits anglers value most in their captains.
Considering anglers spend nearly the entire day with the captains on the water, our study focuses on the essential aspects of captains' personalities and skills.
Our research shows that the most frequently mentioned trait is knowledgeability. 35% of the reviews praised the captains' deep knowledge of fish species and the best fishing spots. Additionally, we identified 37 traits, with friendliness and patience, especially towards children, standing out.
Interestingly, regional preferences emerged: In Sarasota, FL, anglers particularly valued informative captains, while in San Diego, CA, hard-working captains stood out as a key trait. These insights suggest that while some qualities are universally appreciated, others are more region-specific.
To uncover these insights, we employed a combination of manual review and natural language processing techniques to analyze the content of reviews. This approach allowed us to accurately identify and quantify the traits mentioned by anglers.
To compare all cities, we organized the traits into seven classes: knowledgeable, friendly, communicative, patient, professional, educational, and energetic. Learn more about trait classification in the Methodology section at the end of the page.
We ranked 74 destinations from 16 coastal states by their knowledgeability rate. The city with the highest mentions tops the list, while the one with the fewest is at the bottom.
Each city features badges that highlight its top traits, along with ai-generated images that reflect these traits, a detailed description, and a chart of the categories.
Additionally, we awarded badges to cities that excelled in specific categories such as “#1 Friendly”, “#1 Educational”, and others.
Explore the list or select a city from the dropdown to see details.
Cape Coral, FL ranks #1 in the U.S. for mentions of captains knowledge in reviews. Here, captains' expertise is mentioned 49% more frequently than the national average. Additionally, reviews highlight communication skills 9% more often, with anglers noting the captains' pleasant demeanor. However, opinions about the captains' energy levels are mixed; they are mentioned 24% less often than average.
Big Pine Key, FL, is ranked #1 in the U.S. for mentions of captains' professionalism in fishing reviews. It is highlighted 28% more often than the national average. Furthermore, anglers mention captains' knowledge 36% more frequently than usual, particularly appreciating their expertise in different fish species. They also praise the captains' ability to educate, noting this quality 24% more often than average for its informativeness. However, opinions on their friendliness vary, with such mentions occurring 50% less often than average.
In Bradenton, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 36% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their expertise in fishing spots. However, opinions on energy are mixed; it's mentioned 31% less frequently than the average.
In Port St. Joe, FL, anglers mention the Captains' knowledge 35% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their expertise in fishing spots. Educational skills are mentioned 63% more often than average, noting that Captains are informative. Additionally, friendliness is brought up 42% more often, with particular reference to the family-friendly atmosphere. However, opinions on professionalism are mixed, as it is mentioned 14% less frequently than the average.
In Rotonda, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 32% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their understanding of fish species. The captains' educational skills are mentioned 40% more often, especially their informative nature. Anglers also highlight the captains' professionalism 20% more than the average, noting their experience. However, opinions on communication are mixed; it is discussed 15% less frequently than average.
In Islamorada, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 30% more frequently than the national average. They appreciate the expertise in fish species. Professionalism is mentioned 23% more often, highlighting the captains' experience. Additionally, energy is brought up 5% more frequently, particularly regarding their hard work. However, opinions on friendliness are mixed; it's mentioned 22% less frequently than the average.
In Marco Island, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 27% more frequently than the national average. For example, they appreciate the expertise in fish and fishing spots. Patience is mentioned 12% more often than average, highlighting that captains are patient with children. Additionally, friendliness is brought up 7% more often, particularly with regard to their family-friendly approach. However, opinions on energy are mixed, as it's mentioned 18% less frequently than the average.
In Savannah, GA, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 26% more frequently than the national average, particularly their understanding of fish species. Educational skills are mentioned 18% more often than average, especially in regard to the captains' education. Anglers also highlight their communication 5% more than the average, noting that it is particularly nice. However, opinions on friendliness are mixed; mentions of friendliness are 11% less frequent than the average.
In Sarasota, FL, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 26% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their understanding of fish. Their educational skills are also noted more positively, being 24% above average. Additionally, patience is mentioned 11% more often, especially regarding captains' patience with kids. However, opinions are mixed on energy, with mentions 30% less frequent than average.
In Tampa, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 26% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their expertise in fishing spots. Patience is mentioned 12% more often, with captains noted for being patient with children. Additionally, educational skills are brought up 7% more often, especially in regard to their being good teachers. However, opinions on energy are mixed; it is mentioned 24% less frequently than the average.
In Clearwater, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 24% more frequently than the national average; they particularly appreciate their awareness of fish species. Patience is noted 16% more often than average, especially the captains' patience with children. Anglers also highlight friendliness 8% more than the typical rate, with a special nod to family-friendliness. However, opinions on the educational skills are mixed; they are discussed 25% less frequently than the average.
In Jacksonville, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 22% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their understanding of fish species. Anglers also highlight the captains' educational skills 40% more often than average, specifically noting their teaching abilities. However, opinions on the captains' energy are mixed, with mentions 39% less frequent than the average.
In Naples, FL, anglers mention captains' knowledge 22% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their expertise on fish species. Moreover, their professionalism is highlighted 22% more than the average, showcasing significant experience. However, opinions on their energy are mixed; mentions are 36% less frequent compared to the average.
Slidell, LA ranks #1 in the U.S. for mentions of captains' educational and communication skills. Here, educational skills are highlighted 119% more frequently, and communication skills are mentioned 20% more often than the national average. Additionally, captains in Slidell are praised for their knowledge of fish species, receiving 21% more mentions than average. However, opinions on their friendliness vary, with 23% fewer mentions than typical.
In Murrells Inlet, SC, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 19% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their understanding of fish species. Educational skills are also positively noted, being 15% above the average. Furthermore, communication is mentioned 14% more often, especially regarding the captains' demeanor. However, opinions are mixed on energy, with mentions 15% less frequent than average.
In Bonita Springs, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 17% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their expertise in fish. Patience is noted 27% more often, with Captains being patient with kids. Friendliness is brought up 10% more frequently, especially in terms of family-friendliness. However, opinions on professionalism are mixed, as it's mentioned 23% less frequently than the average.
In Homosassa Springs, FL, anglers mention the Captains' knowledge 17% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their understanding of fish species. Educational skills are highlighted 25% more often than average, especially the Captains' informative nature. Anglers also praise their professionalism 11% more than the average, noting their experience. However, opinions on energy are mixed; they are mentioned 25% less frequently than the average.
Niceville, FL ranks #1 in the U.S. for mentions of captains' friendliness in fishing reviews, receiving praise 67% more frequently than the national average. Anglers also highlight the captains' knowledge, which is mentioned 16% more often than average, especially for their understanding of fish species. The captains' patience, particularly with children, is noted 20% more frequently. However, opinions on their professionalism are mixed, with 15% fewer mentions than average.
In Rockport, TX, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 15% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their expertise in local fish species. Patience is also positively noted, being 35% above average. Additionally, educational skills are mentioned 21% more often, particularly noting the captains' informativeness. However, opinions on friendliness are mixed, with mentions 28% less frequent than average.
In Port Isabel, TX, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 15% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their expertise in fish species. Educational skills are mentioned 32% more often than average, with notes that captains are good teachers. Additionally, their energy is brought up 18% more often, particularly regarding their hard work. However, opinions on friendliness are mixed, as it is mentioned 10% less frequently than the average.
In Ingleside, TX, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 14% more frequently than the national average, particularly their knowledge of fish species. Educational skills are also noted more positively, being 89% above average. Additionally, energy is mentioned 43% more often, especially regarding the captains' hard work. However, opinions on friendliness are mixed, with mentions 44% less frequent than average.
In Orlando, FL, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 13% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their understanding of fish species. Their educational skills are also noted more positively, being 28% above average. Additionally, energy is mentioned 26% more often, especially regarding the captains' hard work. That said, opinions are mixed on friendliness, with mentions 21% less frequent than average.
In Charleston, SC, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 13% more frequently than the national average, particularly appreciating their familiarity with fishing spots. Communication is mentioned 5% more often than average, with special note given to the captains' friendliness. Anglers also highlight their patience, 1% more than the average, specifically their patience with children. However, opinions on professionalism are mixed; mentions of it are 12% less frequent than the average.
In Dauphin Island, AL, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 10% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their understanding of fish species. The captains' friendliness also receives positive attention, scoring 28% above average. Moreover, their patience is mentioned 7% more often, particularly in relation to their patience with kids. However, opinions on their educational skills are mixed, with mentions 44% less frequent than average.
In Port Aransas, TX, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 10% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their knowledge of fish. Educational skills are also more positively noted, being 37% above average. Additionally, patience is mentioned 27% more often, especially in regards to the captains' patience with kids. That said, opinions on friendliness are mixed, with mentions 18% less frequent than average.
In St. Petersburg, FL, anglers mention the Captains' knowledge 9% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their expertise on fishing spots. They also praise the Captains' educational skills, which are highlighted 1% more than the average for being particularly informative. However, opinions on the Captains' patience are mixed; it is discussed 20% less frequently than the national average.
In Fernandina Beach, FL, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 8% more frequently than the national average, praising their expertise in fish species. Friendliness also receives positive remarks, with mentions 20% above average. Additionally, educational skills are noted 15% more often, particularly regarding the captains' ability to educate. However, opinions on energy are mixed, with mentions 31% less frequent than average.
In Garden City, SC, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 7% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their awareness of fishing spots. The captains' energy is also positively noted, being 11% above average. Furthermore, communication is mentioned 8% more often, particularly noting the captains' pleasantness. However, opinions are mixed regarding their educational skills, with mentions being 11% less frequent than the average.
In St. Augustine, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 5% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their understanding of fish species. Communication is praised 12% more often than average, particularly regarding the captains' demeanor. Anglers also highlight the captains' professionalism 5% more than the average, citing their experience. However, opinions on friendliness are mixed, with mentions 26% less frequent than the average.
In Port Orange, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 5% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their expertise in fish. Additionally, energy is mentioned just as often as the average, indicating that the captains are hard-working. However, opinions on professionalism are mixed, as it is mentioned 10% less frequently than the average.
In Corpus Christi, TX, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 5% more frequently than the national average, particularly their understanding of fishing spots. Communication is highlighted 14% more often than average, notably the captains' pleasant interactions. Anglers also praise their patience 13% more than the average, with special mention of their patience with children. However, opinions on the captains' energy are mixed, as it is mentioned 11% less frequently than the average.
In Marathon, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 5% more frequently than the national average. For example, they appreciate the expertise in fish and fishing spots. Educational skills are mentioned 22% more often than average, noting that captains are informative. Additionally, professionalism is brought up 17% more often, especially regarding their experience. However, opinions on communication are mixed, as it is mentioned 7% less frequently than the average.
In Fort Walton Beach, FL, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 3% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their expertise in fish. Patience also receives more positive notation, being 24% above the average. Additionally, friendliness is mentioned 24% more often, particularly in terms of the captains' family-friendly approach. However, opinions on educational skills are mixed, with mentions 35% less frequent than average.
In Denison, TX, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 3% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their expertise in fishing spots. The captains' energy is mentioned 22% more often than average, with particular emphasis on their hard work. Communication skills are highlighted 4% more than the average, and noted to be especially pleasant. However, opinions on friendliness are mixed, with mentions 35% less frequent than the average.
In Key Largo, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 3% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their understanding of fish species. Energy is mentioned 18% more often, especially in regard to the captains' hard work. Anglers also highlight professionalism 18% more than average, particularly their experience. However, opinions on friendliness are mixed; it is mentioned 4% less frequently than the average.
In Wanchese, NC, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 2% more frequently than the national average, particularly their knowledge of fish species. Their energy is also positively noted, being 15% above average. Additionally, patience is mentioned 7% more often, especially the captains' patience with kids. However, opinions are mixed on professionalism, with mentions being 18% less frequent than average.
In Foley, AL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 1% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their expertise in fish. Additionally, friendliness is mentioned 30% more often than average, with captains being noted for their family-friendly demeanor. However, opinions on their educational skills are mixed, as they are mentioned 43% less frequently than the average.
In Merritt Island, FL, anglers mention the captains' expertise 1% more frequently than the national average, appreciating their knowledge of fishing spots. Energy is highlighted 5% more often, acknowledging the captains' hard work. Communication skills are also brought up 4% more frequently, with particular commendation for their pleasantness. However, views on patience vary, as it's noted 7% less often than the average.
Freeport, FL, is ranked #1 in the U.S. for mentions of captains' patience in fishing reviews. Here, captains are noted for their patience 42% more often than the national average, particularly when dealing with children. Their friendliness also stands out, being highlighted 56% more frequently, with specific praise for their family-friendly attitudes. Additionally, there is a slight increase in mentions of the captains' knowledge — 1% more than the average — highlighting their expertise in local fishing spots. However, their professionalism receives mixed reviews, mentioned 29% less often compared to the national average.
In Wilmington, NC, anglers appreciate captains' knowledge just as much as the national average. Additionally, they highlight the captains' energy 9% more than average, emphasizing their hard work. However, opinions on educational skills are mixed; these skills are mentioned 7% less frequently than the average.
In Pensacola, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 1% less frequently than the national average. However, anglers highlight the captains' energy 43% more than the average, noting that they are particularly hard-working. That said, opinions on educational skills are mixed, as they are written about 25% less than the average.
In Sandusky, Ohio, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 2% less frequently than the national average. However, they highlight the captains' educational skills as 50% above average, particularly noting their educational expertise. That said, opinions on communication are mixed; they are discussed 4% less frequently than the average.
In Galveston, TX, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 2% less frequently than the national average. However, friendliness is noted more positively, at 17% above average. That said, opinions on energy are mixed, with mentions 39% below average.
In San Diego, CA, anglers highlight the Captains' knowledge 3% less frequently than the national average. However, energy is noted more positively, being 24% above average. That said, opinions on friendliness are mixed, with mentions 5% below average.
In Kissimmee, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 4% less frequently than the national average. However, they highlight the captains' educational skills as 32% above average, which is particularly informative. That said, opinions on energy are mixed, with mentions about it 36% less frequent than the average.
In St. Martin, MS, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 5% less frequently than the national average. However, communication is mentioned 2% more often than average, with notes that captains are nice. That said, opinions on educational skills are mixed; they are mentioned 51% less often than the average.
In Morehead City, NC, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 5% less frequently than the national average. However, they highlight the captains' energy as 50% above average and particularly commend their hard work. That said, opinions on patience are mixed, with mentions 23% less frequent than the average.
In Atlantic City, NJ, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 6% less frequently than the national average. However, friendliness is mentioned 39% more often, with notes that captains are family-friendly. That said, opinions on energy are mixed; it's mentioned 42% less than the average.
On Hilton Head Island, SC, anglers mention captains' knowledge 6% less frequently than the national average. However, they highlight captains' friendliness 43% more than average, particularly noting that it is family-friendly. That said, opinions on energy are mixed, with mentions 23% less frequent than the average.
In San Francisco, CA, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 7% less frequently than the national average. However, their educational skills are noted more positively, being 44% above average. That said, opinions on friendliness are mixed, with mentions 7% below average.
In Destin, FL, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 8% less frequently than the national average. However, friendliness is noted more positively, at 15% above average. That said, opinions on educational skills are mixed, with mentions 23% below average.
In Manteo, NC, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 9% less frequently than the national average. However, anglers highlight the captains' friendliness 8% more than the average, noting that it is particularly family-friendly. That said, opinions on educational skills are mixed; mentions of this attribute are 38% less frequent than the average.
In Orange Beach, AL, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 14% less frequently than the national average. However, they note friendliness more positively, at 43% above average. That said, opinions on educational skills are mixed, with mentions 37% below the average.
In Key West, FL, anglers mention captains' knowledge 14% less frequently than the national average. However, they highlight captains' professionalism 18% above average, especially regarding experience. That said, opinions on communication are mixed, with mentions 35% less often than the average.
In Lorain, OH, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 14% less frequently than the national average, yet their educational skills are noted 60% more often, indicating that the captains are educational. That said, opinions on friendliness are mixed, with mentions being 18% below the average.
In Annapolis, MD, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 18% less frequently than the national average. However, they highlight the captains' friendliness 32% more than average, particularly noting that they are family-friendly. That said, opinions on the captains' educational skills are mixed; they are mentioned 38% less frequently than the average.
In East Dennis, MA, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 18% less frequently than the national average. However, friendliness is noted more positively, at 39% above average. That said, opinions on energy are mixed, with mentions 46% below average.
In Hatteras, NC, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 19% less frequently than the national average. However, they highlight the captains' energy as 27% above average, noting that they are particularly hard-working. That said, opinions on educational skills are mixed; they are written about 25% less often than the average.
In Erie, PA, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 21% less frequently than the national average. However, professionalism is mentioned 23% more often, highlighting captains' experience. That said, opinions on educational skills are mixed, as they are mentioned 45% less than the average.
In Miami, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 21% less frequently than the national average. However, professionalism is mentioned 7% more often, noting that the captains are experienced. That said, opinions on patience are mixed, as it is mentioned 14% less than the average.
In North Myrtle Beach, SC, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 21% less frequently than the national average. However, opinions on energy are mixed; it's mentioned 20% less frequently than the average.
In Boynton Beach, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 22% less frequently than the national average. However, energy is mentioned 43% more often, indicating that the captains are hardworking. That said, opinions on educational skills are mixed, being mentioned 24% less than the average.
In Panama City, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 22% less frequently than the national average. However, patience is mentioned 17% more often, noting that captains are patient with kids. That said, opinions on educational skills are mixed, with mentions being 28% less than the average.
In Ocean Pines, Md., anglers mention the captains' knowledge 23% less frequently than the national average. However, they highlight the captains' friendliness, which is 34% above average, and particularly family-friendly. That said, opinions on energy are mixed; it is mentioned 20% less often than the average.
In West Palm Beach, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 27% less frequently than the national average. However, they highlight the captains' energy, which is 30% above average, as particularly hard-working. That said, opinions on friendliness are mixed; they are mentioned 21% less than the average.
In Surfside Beach, TX, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 28% less frequently than the national average. However, professionalism is noted more positively, being 10% above average. That said, opinions on educational skills are mixed, with mentions 52% less than average.
In Pompano Beach, FL, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 31% less frequently than the national average. However, they highlight the captains' energy as 35% above average, noting their exceptional hard work. That said, opinions on educational skills are mixed; anglers write about this aspect 20% less often than the average.
In Traverse City, MI, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 33% less frequently than the national average. However, educational skills are more positively noted, being 39% above average. That said, opinions on patience are mixed, with mentions 13% below average.
In Virginia Beach, VA, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 38% less frequently than the national average. However, they highlight the captains' friendliness 32% more than average, particularly noting that it is family-friendly. That said, opinions on their educational skills are mixed, with mentions 28% less frequent than the average.
In Little River, SC, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 38% less frequently than the national average. However, friendliness is mentioned 10% more often, noting that captains are family-friendly. That said, opinions on educational skills are mixed, as they're mentioned 37% less than the average.
In Fort Lauderdale, FL, anglers mention the Captains' knowledge 42% less frequently than the national average. However, they highlight the Captains' energy 23% above average, particularly noting their hard work. That said, opinions on friendliness are mixed, with mentions of it 29% less frequent than the average.
In Carolina Beach, NC, anglers mention the captains' knowledge 44% less often than the national average. However, friendliness is mentioned 33% more often, highlighting that captains are family-friendly. That said, opinions on their educational skills are mixed, with mentions being 40% less frequent than the average.
Kalaoa, HI, is ranked #1 in the U.S. for mentions of captains' energy levels in fishing reviews, at 51% above the national average. However, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 44% less frequently than average. Opinions on friendliness are mixed, with mentions 36% below average.
In Honolulu, HI, anglers highlight the captains' knowledge 55% less frequently than the national average. However, communication is positively noted, being 2% above average. That said, opinions on patience are mixed, with mentions 31% less frequent than average.
Our study analyzed 20,000 fishing charter reviews from 74 cities in 16 states across the United States to determine the traits anglers value most in their captains. Here's how we conducted our research:
Trait classification:
| Class | Trait |
|---|---|
| Communicative | accommodating, communicative, easy to talk, flexible, funny, humorous, nice, personable, polite, reliable, responsive |
| Educational | educational, informative, good teacher |
| Energetic | energetic, enthusiastic, hard-working, passionate |
| Friendly | age-friendly, beginner-friendly, child-friendly, family-friendly |
| Knowledgeable | knows about area, knows about fish, knows about fishing spots, knows about waters, knows about wildlife, knows about weather |
| Patient | patient with angler, patient with beginner, patient with kids |
| Professional | attentive, efficient, experienced, expert, professional, skilled |
