When anglers search for a fishing guide in your area, what’s the first thing they see? Most likely, it’s a list of Google Business Profiles — those handy boxes at the top of the search results showing local charters, star ratings, and reviews. If you want your guide service to show up at the top of that list, customer reviews aren’t just helpful — they’re essential.
Why Reviews Matter for Fishing Charters & Guide Services
Reviews Directly Influence Where You Rank
Google pays close attention to how many reviews your charter has and how positive they are when deciding who ranks in that local pack. It’s not just about having a five-star average — a steady flow of fresh reviews signals to Google that your business is active, popular, and trustworthy. That’s a big deal for local SEO, especially in competitive areas where dozens of charters are competing for the same visitors.
Reviews Build Trust & Drive Bookings
Beyond SEO, reviews are some of the most powerful marketing tools you have. Anglers booking a trip — whether they’re locals or visiting from out of town — almost always check reviews before making a decision. A charter with dozens of glowing, recent reviews will always look more appealing than one with only a handful (or none at all).
If you’re not actively asking for reviews, responding to them, and showcasing them on your website and marketing, you’re leaving money on the table — and making it easier for competitors to outrank you and win more bookings.
Key Takeaways for 2025
- Google Reviews are the #1 priority for local SEO and trust-building.
- A consistent flow of recent reviews helps boost rankings — reviews from years ago don’t carry the same weight.
- Anglers actively check reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, and sometimes Facebook when choosing a guide.
- Responding to reviews (good and bad) shows professionalism and improves your reputation.
How to Ask for Reviews & Get More of Them
Don’t Be Shy — Happy Anglers Love to Share
Most of your customers are more than happy to leave a great review — they just need a little nudge. The key is to ask at the right time, in the right way, and make it quick and easy. The best time to ask? Right after the trip, while the excitement of the day is still fresh.
Keep It Simple — Direct Links Work Best
The easier you make it, the more likely you are to get reviews. Set up a dedicated page on your website with quick links directly to your Google, TripAdvisor, and Facebook review pages. After each trip, text or email that link to your customers with a friendly message like:
Thanks again for fishing with us today! We’d love to hear about your trip — your review helps other anglers find us. You can leave a quick review right here: [link]. Thanks for your support!
Use Booking & Follow-Up Tools
If you’re using online booking software (like FareHarbor, Tripworks or similar platforms), see if they offer built-in review request emails. Automating this step can save you time and keep those reviews rolling in without extra effort.
Reviews Are a Numbers Game
Not every happy customer will leave a review — and that’s okay. The key is to consistently ask, so even if only 1 out of 3 anglers follows through, you’re still building a solid stream of new reviews. Over time, that adds up to a powerful reputation and better SEO visibility.
Quick Tips for Getting More Reviews
- Ask in person — a quick “Would you mind leaving us a review?” goes a long way.
- Follow up with a text or email — especially for multi-day trips or larger groups.
- Make it easy — one link to a page with all your review platforms.
- Offer gentle reminders — especially for regular customers who’ve never left a review.
- Be consistent — ask every trip, every time.
Where Reviews Matter Most for Fishing Charters
Not All Review Platforms Carry the Same Weight
For fishing charters, where your reviews appear matters almost as much as what they say. While there are dozens of review websites out there, only a few really move the needle when it comes to local SEO, trust-building, and attracting new bookings.
Here’s where you should focus your energy in 2025:
1. Google Reviews — The Top Priority
If there’s one place to focus your review efforts, it’s Google. Reviews directly influence where your charter ranks in local search results, especially in the Google Map Pack (those top three listings that show up for searches like “fishing charters near me” or “Key West tarpon fishing guide”).
The more positive, recent reviews you have, the better your chances of showing up at the top — and the easier it is for new customers to trust you and book.
2. TripAdvisor — Key for Tourist-Driven Markets
In popular fishing destinations (like the Florida Keys, Outer Banks, or Alaska), TripAdvisor still matters. Many vacationers search TripAdvisor before they ever hit Google, especially if they’re planning their entire trip through the platform. If you operate in a tourist-heavy area, maintaining a strong presence and encouraging reviews here helps attract travelers who may not know your name — but are looking for a highly-rated guide.
3. Facebook — Secondary, But Still Valuable
Facebook reviews may not influence SEO the same way Google does, but they do build trust — especially for local customers or repeat clients who follow your page. If you’re active on Facebook, reviews can be a natural extension of that community. Consider adding a Reviews or Recommendations section to your page, and gently nudge your followers to leave feedback after their trips.
Focus Your Time Where It Counts
You don’t need to chase reviews on every platform — focus on the biggest players that directly influence SEO, trust, and bookings. Google should always be priority number one, followed by TripAdvisor if you’re in a tourist-heavy market, and Facebook for building community trust.
How to Respond to Reviews (Good and Bad)
Every Response is Part of Your Marketing
When someone leaves a review — whether it’s a glowing 5-star or a tough 1-star — how you respond matters just as much as the review itself. Potential customers read these responses to get a sense of how you handle your business. Are you friendly and professional? Do you care about customer experiences? Every response is a chance to showcase your personality, professionalism, and passion for what you do.
Positive Reviews — Show Appreciation & Personality
When you get a great review (and you will if you’re running a solid operation), don’t just leave it sitting there. Take a minute to say thanks and make it personal. Even a simple reply like:
Thanks so much for fishing with us, Mike! That tarpon fight was one for the books — hope to have you back aboard next season!
This kind of response feels authentic, shows you remember your customers, and adds a personal touch that makes others want to book with you.
Negative Reviews — Stay Calm & Professional
Even the best charters get the occasional bad review — it happens. Whether it’s due to weather, tough fishing conditions, or a misunderstanding, the key is to respond professionally, not defensively. A good response might look like:
We’re sorry to hear you didn’t have the experience you were hoping for. We take all feedback seriously and would love the chance to chat and see how we can make things right. Please reach out to us directly at [phone or email].
This kind of reply:
- Shows future customers you care about every guest’s experience.
- Keeps the tone positive (no arguing online — ever).
- Sometimes even encourages the unhappy customer to revise or remove their review.
Timely Responses Boost SEO Signals
Google sees engagement with reviews as a positive sign. Regularly replying (especially to Google Reviews) helps show Google that your business is active, attentive, and responsive — all small signals that contribute to better local rankings over time.
Quick Response Tips
- Reply to every review — good, bad, or neutral.
- Personalize your replies — mention the trip, species, or a funny moment.
- Stay professional, even if the review feels unfair.
- Invite offline conversations for complaints — don’t argue online.
- Respond quickly — within 24-48 hours if possible.
How to Showcase Reviews Across Your Website & Marketing
Reviews Aren’t Just for Review Sites
Getting a great review on Google, TripAdvisor, or Facebook is awesome — but don’t let it just sit there. Reviews are some of the most persuasive content you have, and they should show up everywhere potential customers are making decisions about your charter.
Add Reviews to Key Pages on Your Website
Sprinkle your best reviews throughout your website, especially on:
- The Homepage — Give visitors immediate proof you’re the real deal.
- Charter Pages — Add species-specific reviews or ones tied to particular trips.
- About Page — Let happy customers help tell your story.
Pro Tip: Embedding live Google reviews (using tools like EmbedSocial or a direct Google API feed) adds fresh content to your site, which is a subtle SEO win. Google loves to see pages that update regularly — even if it’s just pulling in new reviews.
Use Reviews in Social Media Posts
Every now and then, turn a standout review into a quick social post. A photo from the trip paired with a customer’s words creates authentic, shareable content — and helps remind your followers why they should book with you.
Example:
“Another happy angler! 🎣 Thanks to Mark for this awesome feedback after his first tarpon trip with us. We’ll see you next year for round two!”
Build a Dedicated Testimonials Page
If you’ve got a deep collection of reviews, consider creating a Testimonials page where visitors can scroll through highlights. This helps for SEO (especially if you optimize it for searches like “Key West charter fishing reviews”) and gives hesitant customers one more reason to book.
Quick Tips for Showcasing Reviews
- Feature 2-3 reviews on your homepage for instant credibility.
- Add species or trip-specific reviews to your main charter pages.
- Rotate fresh reviews onto your site each season.
- Share glowing reviews on social media with photos from the trip.
- Consider a dedicated Testimonials page for SEO & trust-building.
Final Takeaways
Reviews are a Charter’s Secret Weapon — On and Off the Water
Whether you’re running backcountry trips in the Keys, chasing reds on the Gulf Coast, or targeting trophy halibut in Alaska, customer reviews are one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolbox. They help you rank higher on Google, build instant trust with new customers, and showcase the unforgettable experiences you create every day.
Make Reviews a Habit, Not an Afterthought
If there’s one thing to remember, it’s this: consistently asking for reviews and responding to them is just as important as posting to social media or updating your website. Every review helps you stand out in local search, makes your business look more active and reputable, and helps turn curious anglers into booked customers.
The best part? Happy customers are almost always glad to help you out — you just need to make it easy, ask at the right time, and show your appreciation.
Key Takeaways
- Google Reviews are the most important for SEO and local visibility.
- TripAdvisor matters for destination markets, especially with tourists.
- Facebook helps build trust with locals and regulars.
- Ask for reviews consistently — right after trips, with follow-ups if needed.
- Showcase your best reviews across your website and social media.
- Respond to every review — good or bad — to show professionalism.
Make customer reviews part of your everyday routine, and you’ll see the difference — in your rankings, your reputation, and your bookings.