Early Bird Charters
Early Bird Charters
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Full view

About
Early Bird Charters is a family-run business in Bermuda with over 30 years of fishing and boating experience. Cap't Jim West offers a variety of private charters either aboard "Troubadour" (the vintage 42' custom-built double-ender fishing vessel) or "Imagine" (the 35' Marlego Center Console). Private charters include deep and reef-sea fishing, daytime boating trips, sunset cruises, and wedding charters!
Hamilton, Bermuda
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Early Bird Charters
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsContribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
20 reviews
Excellent
20
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Joanne H
2 contributions
Aug 2021
Saturday, August 28, I bordered the Troubadour, with Capt. Jim and Mate Callum..little did I know this would be one of the best experiences ever. Capt. Jim was beyond amazing and so very concerned about me and that I was ok and having a great time.
Capt. Jim took the time to teach, explain and share his knowledge of boating, the Bermuda water, and fishing throughout the whole day.
What intrigued me the most was not only Capt. Jim's knowledge...but how when I was reeling in a fish before even seeing the fish he could tell me what was on the line... every time...totally blew my mind.
We caught a boat load of fish! I learned a lot, had a lot of laughs, and finally had the opportunity to fish in Bermuda!
I can't wait to go fishing in July 2022, with Capt. JIm!!
Capt. Jim took the time to teach, explain and share his knowledge of boating, the Bermuda water, and fishing throughout the whole day.
What intrigued me the most was not only Capt. Jim's knowledge...but how when I was reeling in a fish before even seeing the fish he could tell me what was on the line... every time...totally blew my mind.
We caught a boat load of fish! I learned a lot, had a lot of laughs, and finally had the opportunity to fish in Bermuda!
I can't wait to go fishing in July 2022, with Capt. JIm!!
Written 4 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Joanne ~ thank you for your awesome review! We had such a great time with you and your crew on board during BOTH of our charters. We look forward to seeing you on board again! - Cap't Jim
Written 29 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter L
1 contribution
Nov 2020
We did a 3/4 day charter and caught a bunch of fish. Captain Jim and his mate Callum did all the work and Jim was very clear laying out our fishing options. As a result we did some wreck fishing where we caught ourselves silly and then we went to the ocean for bigger fish. It was pretty rough that day but we still managed to catch Wahoo and Tuna. This was certainly a day that our family will remember and we will fish again with Captain Jim on our next visit.
P.S. Just fyi I forgot to mention Jim is a great guy as well as a top notch Captain!
P.S. Just fyi I forgot to mention Jim is a great guy as well as a top notch Captain!
Written 24 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello! Thank you so much for your kind review; we really appreciate it! We had an awesome time with you and your family on the boat. We hope to see you next time you're in Bermuda! - Cap't Jim
Written 30 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael W
Austin, TX33 contributions
Dec 2022
Have used Jim West & Early Bird on two occasions now. Outstanding young man, Bermuda native, fascinating family story as the Troubadour was his fathers boat and still in use although new engine coming soon. He is very knowledgeable of the reefs, tides, safety. Wife is a professional photographer so you can two gems in one here. I will be back for my third trip to fish with Jim in 2023. Very responsive, very well priced., excellent communications, access, etc.
Written 28 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, Michael ~ Thank you SO much for your 5-STAR Review; we really appreciate it! We always have a great time with you guys on board. So kind of you to also mention Melanie's photo business, Fiander Foto; thank you. We look forward to your next trip down to go fishing! - Cap't Jim
Written 29 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tour37788670115
Nashua, NH12 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Jim and James were awesome, my son was catching fish non-stop. Couldn't ask for more. Jim and James gave my son and I an experience we won't forget. Keep doing what you do Jim, making fun happen.
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brett G
2 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Captain Jim was professional, friendly and a true expert at getting us some big Amberjack. We had a rare triple…three fish on at one time. The boat was absolutely beautiful, has character and is very comfortable. Overall an awesome experience and we will be back!
Written 23 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello! Thanks so much for your great review. I'm so glad to hear you and your crew enjoyed the fishing charter. We had a wonderful time having you all out on the boat. We hope to see you four on your next trip down! Cheers, Melanie & Jim West | EBC
Written 23 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ghiggins
St. Michaels, MD5 contributions
Dec 2019
Sunday December 29
We had a great day fishing aboard Troubadour. This was our second trip and it was just as much fun as the first.
We caught Wahoo, Tuna and Barracuda. Again, I am impressed with the constant work put in by the Captain and crew.
Repeat business is the best recommendation.
We had a great day fishing aboard Troubadour. This was our second trip and it was just as much fun as the first.
We caught Wahoo, Tuna and Barracuda. Again, I am impressed with the constant work put in by the Captain and crew.
Repeat business is the best recommendation.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for the rave review, Glenn! It was great having you all on board Troubadour again. We look forward to seeing you and your crew the next time you're in Bermuda! Cheers, Cap't Jim
Written 30 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael S
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Family
Had a great trip with early bird charters. Jim and Paul were great to fish with. Very knowledgeable and worked hard. Had a great time and will certainly look to fish with them again on our next trip to Bermuda
Written 4 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Michael! Thanks so much for your kind words and 5-STAR Review; we greatly appreciate it! We look forward to having you back on the boat during your next trip down! - Captain Jim
Written 12 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BeerME207
Portland, ME60 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
Wonderful 6 hour charter with Capt. Jim and Malik on the Troubadour. Originally a wooden vessel that his father rescued from the bottom of the bay, and rebuilt by hand is truly a beautiful vessel to fish from.
Easy pick up from the dock at the Grotto Bay Resort, accessible even if you are not staying at the property, which is important to note. Capt. Jim was there waiting when we arrived at 6:10 for our 6:30 departure. As soon as we passed the old railroad exiting the bay, were were hooked up with fish, talk about a great first impression.
Most of the day was spent trolling which gives you plenty of time to interact with the Captain and crew. Captain Jim is a role model of a fisherman, who works to preserve the fisheries and never takes more than is actually needed which is very respectable. While the weather wasn't the best for our trip, we were kept safe, hydrated, and fed.
Managed to reel in numerous Amber Jacks and Barracuda's during our time on board. Capt. Jim filleted everything on board in the pour rain while we stayed dry, providing us bags and ice to transport the catch properly when back on land.
Take his word, Barracuda is actually delicious to eat. Make the right choice and fish with Early Bird Charters!
Easy pick up from the dock at the Grotto Bay Resort, accessible even if you are not staying at the property, which is important to note. Capt. Jim was there waiting when we arrived at 6:10 for our 6:30 departure. As soon as we passed the old railroad exiting the bay, were were hooked up with fish, talk about a great first impression.
Most of the day was spent trolling which gives you plenty of time to interact with the Captain and crew. Captain Jim is a role model of a fisherman, who works to preserve the fisheries and never takes more than is actually needed which is very respectable. While the weather wasn't the best for our trip, we were kept safe, hydrated, and fed.
Managed to reel in numerous Amber Jacks and Barracuda's during our time on board. Capt. Jim filleted everything on board in the pour rain while we stayed dry, providing us bags and ice to transport the catch properly when back on land.
Take his word, Barracuda is actually delicious to eat. Make the right choice and fish with Early Bird Charters!
Written 5 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey there ~ thank you for the awesome review! It was great having you and the crew onboard - especially since you guys came down from Maine! That was a fun day out on the water with you all! Please feel free to reach out again on your next trip; it'd be great to see you all! Best - Captain Jim West
Written 30 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ninaghind
Lincoln, NE3 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
Our family had been fishing with Jim before and as always, the experience was great. We were out on the water for almost 9 hours and caught loads of tuna and other fish. He makes it a really personal and hands on experience. This also provides an awesome chance to see parts of the island that can only be seen from the water. Having the chance to go out on the water adds a whole other level to the magic of Bermuda.
Written 9 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WOW! Thank you for your amazing review! We're so happy to hear you enjoyed your trip; not just the fishing but also the views of the island. We hope to see you and your family again on your next trip to Bermuda!
Written 11 June 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jume
Port Colborne, Canada16 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
Absolutely amazing day with Jim and his crew. We were out for a private 1/2 day charter and Jim took us out to catch fresh bait...which got us big fish! 2 barracudas and 2 wahoos! What a thrill!!! Thanks Jim for an amazing day!
Written 6 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello! Thanks so much for your review! We had a great time with you both and hope to see you again soon!
Written 11 June 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.