Charter Boat Fishing Requirements and Steps to Become a Guide

It is an integral part of the Roambler Mission to help create more Fishing Guides in Pennsylvania, providing more access to our waterways and recreational fishing opportunities for people all across the Commonwealth. Fishing opportunities can be hard to access without a family member, a friend, or the guidance of a mentor. Listing your Charter Fishing Experience on the Roambler Platform is a great way to accept online bookings, find customers, and earn money working for yourself by sharing your love of fishing with others. If you are thinking about becoming a Charter Fishing Guide, there is no better time than now. Start working for yourself as a Guide and Host with a listing on the Roambler Platform.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission requires all Charter Fishing Guides to be permitted by law. Roambler requires all Charter Fishing Hosts to obtain the proper permits from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission before listing a Charter Fishing Experience on the Roambler Platform, and to share a copy of their permit via the document verification on their profile. We do not share this document publicly.

Steps to Become a Charter Fishing Guide via The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

1.Take and pass a Boating Safety Education Course to obtain your Certificate

2.Become CPR/First Aid Certified

3.Provide proof of Insurance with a minimum coverage for the amount- $250,000 occurrence and $500,000 aggregate. (This is not the cost of insurance but the amount to insure)

4.Purchase your Pennsylvania fishing license and any necessary permits for areas with special regulations.

5.Obtain Registration for your boat.

6.Share United States Coast Guard MMC Credentials ONLY if you are fishing Federal Waters.*

7.Send your Charter Boat/Fishing Guide Application to PFBC with documents from steps 1-6. This application can be found on the PFBC website.

8.After you obtain your Guide Permit you are ready to list your Charter Fishing Experience on the Roambler Platform. 

*FEDERAL WATERS ARE AS FOLLOWS: DELAWARE RIVER- UP TO TRENTON, SCHUYLKILL RIVER- UP TO FAIRMONT DAM, ALLEGHENY RIVER, MONAGAHELA RIVER, YOUGHIOGHENY RESEVOIR, LAKE ERIE, OHIO RIVER, SHENANGO RIVER, SHENANGO RESERVOIR.

Roambler requires all Charter Fishing Hosts to follow the fishing regulations and laws of the State of Pennsylvania. Please check with the local jurisdiction where you operate your service to verify any additional regulations that may govern fishing in that jurisdiction. Fishing licenses must be purchased by guests prior to the commencement of a booked fishing experience.