Double Six Charters

Double Six Charters is a small, skipper‑run fishing charter operation that focuses on relaxed, hands‑on sea angling experiences from the Lymington area. Rather than presenting itself as a large commercial outfit, it operates more like a friendly, knowledgeable skipper taking guests out on the water and sharing years of practical experience. For anyone interested in a charter that combines serious fishing with an easy‑going atmosphere, it offers an appealing balance between professionalism and personal attention.

The boat itself, Double Six, is described by guests as spacious and comfortable for small groups, with enough deck room for several anglers to fish at once without feeling cramped. This makes a difference on longer trips, where people appreciate being able to move around the deck, rig lines and play fish safely. The set‑up is geared towards recreational sea angling rather than crowded party trips, so those looking for a more focused day of sea fishing will likely feel well catered for.

A notable strength of Double Six Charters is the quality of the skipper’s tuition and local knowledge. First‑time visitors frequently remark that Ben, the skipper, takes time to explain techniques, rigs and local marks in a clear and patient way, which is particularly valuable for beginners or families trying boat fishing for the first time. Rather than simply dropping anchor and leaving guests to it, he routinely adjusts the plan, moves between spots and offers practical tips to improve catch rates.

For seasoned anglers, this guidance extends to trying different methods and locations over the course of a single trip. Reports mention being taken to several marks in one outing, switching tactics when needed, and making the most of productive fishing grounds relatively close to port. This reduces travel time and means more genuine time with a line in the water, which is exactly what many anglers hope for when booking a charter.

Another positive aspect is how accessible the trips are for people with limited or no gear. Double Six Charters offers hire equipment, and reviewers highlight the good standard of the tackle on board. Guests mention branded rods, reels loaded with braid and a selection of rigs and bait provided, which means that even those without their own fishing rod or tackle can still enjoy a productive day. For visitors who may be travelling light or trying sea angling for the first time, this can be a major advantage over charters that expect everyone to bring a full kit.

The focus on decent, well‑maintained gear also supports more serious anglers who might be particular about tackle. Having reliable spinning reels, strong braided line and appropriate rigs helps when targeting larger species or fishing in stronger tides. While the operation is not a retail tackle shop, the standard of the onboard equipment is closer to what anglers would expect from a specialist fishing tackle provider than from a budget charter.

Families appear especially well served by the way trips are run. Comments from guests with small children emphasise feeling safe and supported, with clear guidance and a steady, reassuring presence on deck. For parents considering a first sea fishing trip with younger members of the family, this sense of safety is crucial. Patience with novices, help baiting hooks and unhooking fish, and an emphasis on enjoyment over competition all contribute to a welcoming environment.

The atmosphere on board is frequently described as relaxed and friendly. While the primary focus is on catching fish, the skipper also makes an effort to keep the day enjoyable in other ways, whether through conversation, sharing local knowledge about the coastline or offering simple touches like making tea during the trip. These small details give the experience a more personal feel than some larger charter boats that can feel more transactional.

From a purely angling perspective, the location offers quick access to a range of productive marks. The waters off Lymington and the western Solent hold a variety of species, and Double Six Charters makes use of this by targeting areas where guests can expect regular bites rather than spending long periods under way. This is especially attractive for those whose main goal is to maximise active sea angling time rather than travel.

In terms of service, flexibility is one of the business’s most appreciated characteristics. Several guests mention that trips were arranged around their schedules, with the skipper tailoring departure times and the structure of the day to suit their needs. For groups with limited availability or those coordinating around holidays, this willingness to adapt can be a strong reason to choose a small operator rather than a larger, fixed‑schedule charter.

However, the size and style of the operation also bring certain limitations that potential customers should keep in mind. Double Six Charters is essentially a single‑boat, owner‑operated business. This means availability can be tight during peak periods, and short‑notice bookings may be harder to secure, particularly for larger groups wanting specific dates or times. Those planning a special deep sea fishing day or a group outing would be wise to arrange it well in advance.

The focus on relatively small groups, while positive for personal service, may not suit everyone. Anglers seeking large corporate or club‑style events might find that the capacity of the boat is more suited to families and small parties. On the other hand, for those who prefer more space and individual attention compared with big‑boat charters, this more intimate set‑up is a clear advantage.

Another consideration is that, like any sea‑based activity, weather and conditions play a significant role in the experience. While this is true for all charter boats, a smaller operation can be more heavily affected by last‑minute changes. Prospective customers should expect that trips might need to be rescheduled or adjusted when the forecast is poor, and should build in some flexibility where possible. This is a natural part of booking any fishing charter, but it is worth bearing in mind when making arrangements.

Compared with larger commercial charter fleets that may advertise a wide programme of species‑specific trips, competitions or long‑range wreck fishing, Double Six Charters appears to focus more on general, enjoyable sea fishing trips within a reasonable distance of home port. For many casual anglers and families, this is precisely what they want: a solid chance of catching fish, time on the water and clear assistance from an experienced skipper, without the intensity or cost of highly specialised expeditions.

Customer feedback consistently highlights the skipper’s attitude as a key strength. Terms such as helpful, very knowledgeable and highly recommended appear repeatedly in reviews, suggesting a strong track record of satisfied visitors. Clear instructions, plenty of help with tackle and a calm approach around less experienced anglers all contribute to a positive impression for those considering booking.

Safety is another area in which Double Six Charters appears to perform well. Guests with children mention feeling secure on board, and there is no indication of overcrowding or rushed, inattentive handling of passengers. For prospective clients, especially those new to sea fishing holidays or first‑time charters, this emphasis on safety and comfort should provide reassurance.

On the other hand, potential customers who are used to the facilities of large, purpose‑built charter vessels might find Double Six more modest in scale. While the boat is described as very nice and with plenty of room for its intended group size, it is still a small‑boat experience rather than a full‑service, multi‑deck operation. Those expecting extensive indoor spaces, catering or a wide range of onboard amenities should adjust their expectations accordingly and focus on the strength of the angling and personal service instead.

For anglers comparing options, it is helpful to view Double Six Charters as a specialist in friendly, small‑group sea angling rather than a general tourism provider. The emphasis is clearly on getting people onto good marks, providing quality tackle when needed and supporting both novices and experienced anglers with practical guidance. This positioning makes it particularly attractive to visitors who care more about effective fishing gear, bite‑filled drifts and personal tuition than about high‑capacity boats or packaged extras.

Overall, Double Six Charters offers a well‑regarded, highly personal charter service shaped by the skipper’s local knowledge and hands‑on approach. The strengths lie in attentive guidance, good equipment, comfortable space for small groups and a welcoming atmosphere for families and beginners. The main drawbacks stem from the natural limits of a single‑boat, small‑scale operation: restricted capacity, the need to book ahead, and a focus on straightforward sea fishing charter experiences rather than complex or highly specialised trips. For many prospective customers, particularly those looking for a relaxed day’s angling with a supportive skipper and reliable tackle, these trade‑offs will be more than acceptable.