Crusader Charters LTD

Crusader Charters LTD is a specialist sea angling charter operating from the Barbican in Plymouth, focused on giving anglers access to productive wrecks, reefs and offshore marks while maintaining a clear emphasis on safety and responsible fishing.

The operation is built around a purpose-equipped charter vessel, Crusader, set up for serious sea anglers who want more than a simple sightseeing trip and who value time spent over proven grounds for species such as blonde rays, conger, pollack, cod, bass and a range of sharks.

For many visitors, the main appeal lies in the breadth of fishing options available, from short inshore sessions to full–day offshore adventures, as well as seasonal blue shark and Bluefin tuna experiences that attract dedicated big–game enthusiasts.

Crusader Charters positions itself as a provider of varied sea fishing trips, with specific outings for wreck and reef fishing, banks and species hunts, and big–game sessions for shark and tuna that cater to both visiting anglers and local regulars.

The team promotes itself as offering one of the widest ranges of charter options from Plymouth, aiming to suit different skill levels, target species and budgets, which is particularly useful for anglers who want to plan trips around tides, seasons and personal goals rather than fitting into a rigid one–size–fits–all schedule.

Alongside standard reef and wreck days, Crusader Charters also organises specialist trips focused on large pelagic species, including catch–and–release Bluefin tuna and blue sharks, giving UK anglers access to big–fish experiences that historically required travelling abroad.

A core attraction for many customers is the chance to combine traditional bottom and drift fishing with the opportunity to encounter larger predators, with the business highlighting previous seasons where hundreds of tuna were tagged, some approaching very substantial sizes, under structured tagging programmes.

The charter is also associated with wildlife–orientated trips where conditions allow, with some outings giving guests the chance to see dolphins and seabirds alongside the usual fishing, which adds an extra dimension for mixed groups and families who may not all be committed anglers.

One of the most distinctive offerings from Crusader Charters is its summer shark–swim experiences, which are marketed to confident, open–water swimmers who want to enter the water under the supervision of guides and rescue swimmers while the skipper and crew manage the vessel and chum slick.

These trips focus mainly on blue sharks, with occasional encounters with other pelagic species such as porbeagles and threshers, and are run under a strict catch–and–release ethos where sharks are kept in the water whenever possible and recorded for research databases.

For anglers who prefer to stay on deck, there are also dedicated shark fishing charters where the emphasis is on bait presentation, drift control and playing fish efficiently so they can be released in good condition, something that appeals to those who value ethical sport alongside memorable captures.

Crusader Charters explicitly states a 100% catch–and–release policy for pelagic sharks, with tagging work carried out in collaboration with established programmes such as the Pat Smith Database and NOAA, which may reassure conservation–minded visitors looking for a responsible operation.

Bluefin tuna trips are run within the framework of CHART seasons, and the crew has experience tagging large numbers of tuna over multiple years, which in practice gives paying anglers the benefit of refined techniques, proven marks and a clear understanding of how to safely handle powerful fish at the side of the boat.

To support these specialist trips, Crusader Charters offers training and coaching for anglers interested in Bluefin tuna, drawing on staff with CHART experience, a Sport England–qualified angling coach and a qualified teacher, and providing instruction on rigging heavy tackle, knot tying, harness use and safe boat handling during fights.

The charter also caters for more traditional ground and reef fishing, where anglers can expect mixed–bag days targeting species such as rays, gurnard, whiting, codling and pollack, with the crew preparing retained fish by dispatching, cleaning and storing them in an on–deck ice hold for those who want something to take home for the table.

Feedback from regular customers often mentions that the boat is well laid out for angling, with sufficient deck space for multiple rods, practical facilities on board and a set–up that feels geared towards serious fishing rather than general leisure cruising.

Some anglers highlight specific catches, such as sizeable blonde rays landed on night trips, describing these outings as particularly memorable given the mix of nocturnal fishing, heavier tackle and the possibility of multiple quality fish in a single session.

Comments from long–term visitors suggest that Crusader has built a loyal following over many years, with some anglers returning for over a decade and emphasising the combination of a capable boat, productive grounds and a skipper who consistently works to find fish rather than simply drifting over obvious marks.

Another strength often mentioned is the atmosphere on board, where crew members, including the skipper and deck hands, are described as approachable and enthusiastic, which can make a significant difference on longer trips when anglers may be tired, weather conditions change and fishing becomes more demanding.

Less experienced anglers tend to appreciate guidance with rigs, bait presentation and playing fish, and there are accounts of the crew actively helping newcomers to sea angling gain confidence over the course of a day, which is important for mixed groups where not everyone arrives with the same level of skill.

For many potential customers, the reputation of the skipper is crucial, and Crusader Charters benefits from a skipper who is frequently described as highly knowledgeable about local waters, able to read conditions and make timely decisions about when to move, change methods or alter the plan to give the best chance of a result.

The skipper’s ability to spot wildlife at range, such as dolphins and bird activity on the surface, is also mentioned in some accounts and adds to the perception that guests are fishing with someone who is actively engaged with what is happening around the boat rather than simply following a fixed route.

On the positive side, several anglers remark on days where the combination of thoughtful positioning, bait supply and tactical changes produced steady action and notable catches across the group, reinforcing the idea that Crusader Charters can deliver productive sessions when conditions and angler input come together.

However, there are also criticisms that potential customers should weigh, particularly around bait policy and the variability of catch rates, which are inherent in sea fishing but can still be frustrating when expectations have been set differently in advance.

One negative account describes a situation where anglers were told that bait would be caught during the trip rather than brought along, only for the group to struggle to catch sufficient bait fish while others on board who had brought their own supplies were better prepared, leading to a poor day and a sense of wasted time and money for those who relied solely on bait from the boat.

This highlights an important point for future visitors: while bait–catching can be part of the experience, it is sensible to clarify ahead of time whether you should bring your own bait, especially if you are travelling some distance or are relatively new to deep sea fishing and do not have a backup plan.

As with any charter, catch results will vary and no operator can guarantee fish, particularly with species such as Bluefin tuna and sharks, where weather, water temperature and fish behaviour can change quickly, so expectations should be realistic even when previous seasons have produced impressive numbers of tagged fish.

There is also the practical consideration that some of the more ambitious offshore trips are long days at sea and can be physically demanding, especially for those unused to boats, so potential customers should consider their own fitness and sea–legs before committing to big–game or extended offshore sessions.

From a customer–service perspective, Crusader Charters maintains an active presence through booking platforms and social media, sharing fishing reports, availability updates and photos of recent trips, which helps anglers judge whether current conditions and target species match what they are hoping to do.

Being listed on specialist charter directories and gaining recognition from review platforms gives the operation additional visibility and suggests a degree of consistency over time, although as with all user–generated feedback, individual experiences can still vary from trip to trip.

Prospective customers considering sea angling charters with Crusader can take confidence from repeated references to a professional attitude on board, structured safety practices and a crew that appears comfortable managing groups of mixed ability, from seasoned boat anglers to relative newcomers.

At the same time, it is sensible for anglers to take an active role in planning their day by confirming what is included in the trip price, discussing target species and methods, and clarifying any questions about bait, equipment and experience levels to avoid misunderstandings once at sea.

Those interested in fishing boat hire for private groups will find that Crusader offers whole–boat bookings for longer wreck and mid–channel trips, allowing parties to tailor the day around shared goals, whether that is a social species hunt, a focused big–fish attempt or a structured coaching session on a particular technique.

For individual anglers, there are advertised places on specific dates, including tuna and shark trips when in season, which can be a practical way to join a serious charter without needing to organise a full group, though these places can be limited and are often taken quickly once prime dates are announced.

In terms of value, many returning customers feel that the combination of experienced crew, access to productive grounds, and the possibility of memorable encounters with large fish justifies the cost, particularly for those who prioritise quality time afloat and the chance of standout catches over simply choosing the cheapest option.

Potential drawbacks include the inherent risk of slow fishing days, the need for clear communication around bait and tactics, and the physical demands of longer offshore trips, all of which mean that Crusader Charters is best suited to customers who understand the realities of sea fishing charters and are prepared to work with the crew for the best outcome.

For anglers seeking a charter that offers a mix of traditional wreck and reef work, conservation–minded shark sessions and structured Bluefin tuna opportunities, Crusader Charters LTD presents itself as a serious option, combining experienced skippers, varied itineraries and a strong track record in specialist UK fishing charters while still carrying the normal uncertainties that come with any day spent at sea.