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Early Bird Charters is a family run business in Bermuda with over 30 years of experience run by Captain Jim West and wife, Melanie Fiander West.  Together they offer sustainable deep and reef-sea fishing charters, swimming and exploring charters, and sunset cruises.  Looking to have your trip photographed? Check out Melanie’s photography packages that can be added on.

History of Early Bird Charters

EBC’s 42-foot double-ender boat, Troubadour, was rebuilt by Jim’s Dad, Captain Blake West between 1980 and 1982. Cap’t Blake had her pulled up from the water, where she had been submerged for a few years. Going back to the 1930s, Troubadour a motor sailing yacht. Troubadour is now run by a Ford 125 horsepower diesel engine and cruises up to 8.5 knots; ensuring a steady and relaxed voyage.

September 1937. John Roosevelt and his bride went fishing aboard Capt. Christianson’s “Troubador”

September 1937. John Roosevelt and his bride went fishing aboard Capt. Christianson’s “Troubador”

“Anyone who knows the Wests knows that fishing is not just an occupation for them; it is a way of life, and the father-and-son team commit to sustainable fishing practices, including using only hook and line to reel in their catches. ”
— Gaby Boyer, The Bermudian

DOCK location

Troubadour is moored at Bailey's Bay Dock in Hamilton Parish, where most charters depart from.  We are also able to pick up guests at Grotto Bay Dock.  For other locations, it is recommended that you book a local taxi to take you to Bailey's Bay Dock.

 

Photo Gallery

Tournaments & AwArds

2021: Blue Marlin World Cup Participant

2016: Best of Bermuda Award: Fresh Local Fish - Jim & Blake West

2014: 48th Annual Wahoo Tournament: Largest 12lb. Test - Jim West

Articles

"2016 Best of Bermuda" from The Bermudian

"Splash: #16 - Reel in a Fish" from The Bermudian

"Telling Stories with a Camera" from The Royal Gazette

reviews

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TERMS & AGREEMENT

Charters are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis.  Given the nature of the business, a charter may be cancelled or rescheduled by Early Bird Charters due to poor weather.  These decisions are made solely by Early Bird Charters.  To officially reserve a date for a charter, a 20% initial payment and signed waivers are required. With groups of two or more, a 20% gratuity is added to the invoice for the deckhands.  Deposits are non-refundable unless the captain cancels the charter for poor weather. 

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When “de byes” from @sy_windquest take over “Troubadour” = Good Times & Positive Vibes… (A special thanks to @sseeaanny for the shots!) Fair Winds to our new sailor friends; we’ll see you guys next time! . .
We now know what “tuckernucking” means. Many thanks to the @tuckernuck crew - particularly @stevieejeff - & @shallonhunter - for booking a charter for their photo shoot. Many thanks to Melanie - @fianderfoto - for connecting the dots
Fun in the sun! Thanks for booking @hannahclare18 ! . . . #bermuda #bermudafishing #bermudafishingcharter #deepseafishing #wahoo #fishinginbermuda #gotobermuda #earlybirdchartersbermuda #outhere #fisherman #commercialfishing #charterfishing #letsgof
A stunning image of our gal, “Troubadour” by David Mayne! Thanks for sharing! . . . #classicboat #fishingboat #commercialfishing #bermuda #bermudafishing #earlybirdchartersbermuda #gotobermuda #deepseafiahing #wahoo
Wahooooo! That was fun! . . . #bermuda #bermudafishing #fishingcharter #gotobermuda #letsfish #islandvibes #bluesea #getonthewater #funinthesun #freshfish #cleanfish #wahoo #deepseafishing #reeffishing #seetheotherhalfofbermuda #seastheday #tightlin
One of the most stunning photos of our gal, Troubadour, Cap’t Jim, and some longtails! Special thanks to @lauriezuill for the shot! . . . #bermuda #bermudafishing #fishingcharter #gotobermuda #wearebermuda #islandvibes #bluesea #getonthewater
Winter Fishing in Bermuda = ✅ Special thanks to Erin & Tommy for booking a charter with us; we had a blast! . . #bermuda #bermudafishing #fishingcharter #gotobermuda #bermudadreaming #wearebermuda #ahhbermuda #islandvibes #bluesea #getonthewater
Back home after a long day on the water & greeted with a stunning sunset - such a good feeling! 🎣 Looking to go fishing? Drop us a line! . . . 📸 @fianderfoto . . . #bermudafishing #bermuda #fisherman #fishingrod #letsgofishing #earlybirdcharte

Terms & Agreements

Charters are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Given the nature of the business, a charter may be canceled or rescheduled by Early Bird Charters due to poor weather, which is decided only by Early Bird Charters. To officially reserve a date for a charter, an initial payment + signed waivers are required. For your convenience, a 20% gratuity will be added to the invoice for groups of two or more.  For Holidays, an additional 20% is added on to the invoice regardless of group size.

 

©Early Bird Charters, 2023.  |   Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Trip Advisor | Photography & Web Design by Fiander Foto