HASSLE FREE; TAKING THE HEADACHE OUT OF ARRANGING PRIVATE FISHING CHARTERS.

Byline: Rich Hammond Staff Writer

Unexpected costs at the end of the trip. An unfriendly crew led by an inexperienced captain. Friends dropping out at the last minute, leaving you holding the bill.

Chartering a boat from the regional sport-fishing fleet for a private party trip can be a worthwhile and memorable experience, but the pitfalls are plentiful. Here's how to help make it as enjoyable for all as possible:

Once the decision to charter a boat has been made, a trio of questions must be answered by the prospective group of anglers in the early stages of planning, according to those in the know. Call them the three keys to success.

Number in party? ``As a chartermaster, the first thing I do is find out the group size, so I can match the group with the proper boat,'' said Dimitri Peros of Westlake Village, who organizes private charters for fellow members of the San Fernando Valley Saltwater Fisherman. ``If they only have 15 to 20 people, I'm not going to put them out on a big 80-foot boat when a 60-footer will do just fine.''

Wallet size? ``Second, I have to find out how much they are willing to spend,'' Peros said. ``They can get a really nice boat for $2,200 to $3,000, but they can also get away with spending $700 or so.''

Greenhorns or grizzled? ``Finally, the experience level is really important,'' he added. ``If it's a group of beginners, they don't care what kind of fish they catch. They are just saying, `Hey, let's go have fun, eat some dinner' . . . so they will be happy catching any kind of fish.

``It all depends on the hardiness of the fishermen. If they are people who do not fish regularly, I'm not going to send them out on an overnight trip or send them 60 to 80 miles off the coast. When that happens, everybody gets blue in the face and throws up, and everybody ends up wasting their money.''

For those without the luxury of having access to chartermasters, the next best - and most direct - option is to call several sport-fishing landings in the region and ask for information from the source.

Chartermasters stress the word ``several'' in order to get a grasp on the price range and helpfulness of the landings, as well as when charter boats are available.

For example, some landings require reservations up to six months in advance of the trip for the more popular boats. However, most request one or two months' notice.

``It's like buying a car,'' Peros said. ``You wouldn't just go to one dealership, walk in and say, `I want a Ford truck,' and buy the first one they show you. One guy could say, `I'll put your group of 20 on an 80-foot boat for $2,000,' and the next guy could say, `I've got a 60-foot boat for $1,000' - which would be much better for a group of 20.''

In dealing with landings, details are critical, particularly when it comes to additional - and often unforeseen - financial responsibilities.

``Communication with the landing is crucial, because the more things you discuss up front, the fewer surprises you have,'' said Tarzana's Michael Grossman, vice president of the Los Angeles Rod and Reel Club, who also charters boats for friends and other groups. ``Are the meals included or do you have to pay as you go? Do you have to pay for fish cleaning, and do they have facilities to keep the fish on ice?

``What is the last date to cancel the trip without a penalty? What is the penalty? What if the trip gets canceled due to weather, do you get your choice of dates to reschedule? Some landings will substitute boats and skippers without your consent, and you want to make sure a landing won't do that.''

``The biggest mistake people make is with tipping,'' Grossman said. ``You need to find out if it is included, because you don't want to stiff the captain and crew.''

Peros says that a reputable landing will make sure there are no surprises, especially for the first-timer.

One of the most important financial considerations has nothing to do with the landing or the boat but rather with the other anglers in the group. Chartermasters suggest getting the money up front, before people change their mind and leave the burden to the person who signed the contract.

Other aspects of selecting a boat, such as the effectiveness and congeniality of the skipper and crew, are difficult to determine before leaving the docks. Ask a friend for a recommendation, and there's nothing wrong with asking the landing for a reference.

More than anything, you want to feel comfortable with the captain and the crew. Often, how many fish are caught on the trip is secondary to the way the anglers are treated by the hired help.

``You can't predict the fishing, but if the captain and crew are bad, as well as the fishing, you're going to have a terrible day,'' Peros said.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of the business, boats are on the water so frequently, few groups have an opportunity to meet their skipper before the trip. But precautions can be taken.

``You might want to ask how long the captain and crew have been together,'' Peros said. ``It's important for the captain and deckhands to work together well, and usually it's a good sign when the skipper is also the owner of the boat, because he has a double incentive to make sure you have a good time.''

Skippers don't take the impacts of word of mouth lightly.

WHERE TO BOOK

Examples of single-day prices for privately chartered ocean sport-fishing boats from various landings and the minimum lead time needed to secure a reservation:

Marina del Rey Sportfishing: $450-$1,500, two months; [phone].

Redondo Sportfishing: $750-$2,550, one month; [phone].

L.A. Harbor Sportfishing: $900-$4,500, two months; [phone].

Long Beach Sportfishing: $550-$3,600, one month; [phone].

Port Hueneme Sportfishing: $450-$4,000, one month; [phone].

Cisco's Sportfishing (Oxnard): $600-$2,300, two months; [phone].

Capt. Hook's Sportfishing (Oxnard): $500-$1,500, two months; [phone].

Sea Landing (Santa Barbara): $530-$2,800, one month; [phone].

Tackle can be rented for those who don't have time to dust off their old fishing rods or put fresh line on the reels. Ocean-only fishing licenses - required for all anglers 16 and older - are available at most landings for about $7 for a single day and $19 for the year.

CAPTION(S):

Photo, box

Photo: no caption (fishing gear, boat, fish)

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer

Illustration: Lori Valesko

BOX: Where to book (see text)