Every charter captain dreams of a full calendar made up of direct, full-fare bookings. No middleman. No commissions. Just you, the customer, and the trip.
But let’s get real: booking sites aren’t going away.
Whether you love them or hate them, OTAs (online travel agencies) like TripShock and others play a massive role in how travelers discover and book fishing charters, tours, and coastal adventures. The question is — are you using them to your advantage, or are they using you?
That’s exactly what we tackled in this week’s podcast episode with Greg Fisher — founder of TripShock, CEO of WaveRes, and co-host of the Awkward Watersport Guys podcast.
Why “Direct” Bookings Aren’t Really Free
It’s easy to think that a direct lead equals zero cost. But that’s not true. Between your website, ads, SEO, and social media — you’re paying one way or another to acquire customers.
Greg lays out how captains need to think about customer acquisition costs the same way any real business does. The myth of “free bookings” is what keeps too many guides from seeing the bigger picture.
When Booking Sites Help (and When They Hurt)
Booking sites can be a powerful way to get in front of new customers fast. They spend big money on ads and SEO — money most individual captains don’t want to (or can’t) spend.
The key is knowing when OTAs should be part of your strategy… and when they’re taking too big a bite out of your profits.
Reviews: Your Ticket to Freedom
One of Greg’s strongest points: your reviews matter more than anything.
The more verified reviews you collect — whether on Google, TripAdvisor, or booking platforms — the easier it becomes to:
⚓ Rank higher in search results
⚓ Build direct trust with future customers
⚓ Reduce dependence on OTAs over time
It’s the long game. But it’s the game every serious captain needs to play.
🎧 Listen to Greg’s full story here →
