Charter Fishing Trade Associations

Alaska Charter Association (ACA)

Statewide trade association for Alaska’s charter-for-hire sector (six-pack boats, lodges, guides). Advocates on halibut/salmon allocations, publishes regulatory updates, and includes NACO benefits for full business members. Estimated about 180 charter and allied business members.

https://alaskacharter.org/ Membership: 180

American Sportfishing Association (ASA)

National trade association for the recreational fishing industry (including for-hire/charter interests). Runs ICAST and leads federal/state advocacy, data, and member programs. Record 2024 membership grew to almost 900 organizations.

https://asafishing.org/ Membership: 900

Chesapeake Area Professional Captains Association (CAPCA)

Professional association of USCG‑licensed captains around the Chesapeake Bay/Atlantic coast. Many members operate charter and tour vessels; CAPCA offers jobs board, training, and a public “hire‑a‑captain” service. About 300 members.

https://www.capca.net/ Membership: 300

Charterboat Association of Puget Sound (CAPS)

Regional association of charterboat owners/operators on Washington’s Puget Sound, representing salmon, halibut, bottomfish, and crabbing charters; engaged with WDFW and legislators. Public member roster indicates roughly two dozen boats.

https://www.capscharters.com/ Membership: 25

Coastal Bend Guides Association (CBGA)

Nonprofit guides’ trade group for the Texas Coastal Bend (Aransas Pass–Port Aransas–Rockport region). Promotes high professional standards, conservation, and policy engagement; operates a guide directory and drug-testing consortium. Membership not publicly disclosed; regional directories suggest on the order of 100 active guide members.

https://cbga.org/ Membership: 100

Destin Charter Boat Association (DCBA)

Historic association representing Destin, Florida’s for‑hire fleet and community events (e.g., Seafood Festival/Fishing Rodeo). Advocates on fisheries and promotes the fleet. Active boats registered for the Rodeo suggest a large membership base.

https://www.hookedondestin.com/ Membership: 70

Florida Guides Association (FGA)

Statewide association of professional guides advocating conservation, best practices, and science‑based management while protecting access and business interests; provides member listings and lobbying. Membership size not posted; directory activity indicates low hundreds.

https://florida-guides.com/ Membership: 200

Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association (FKFGA)

Since 1956, a Keys‑based guides’ trade association focused on preserving Keys fisheries and supporting guides (e.g., with the Guides Trust Foundation). Runs community events and policy advocacy. Member counts not posted; long‑standing, sizable guide network.

https://fkfga.org/ Membership: 150

Golden Gate Fishermen’s Association (GGFA)

Northern/Central California coalition of CPFV (charter/passenger fishing vessels) and marine recreational anglers; advocates on state/federal fishery issues and promotes the region’s fleet. Represents boats from the CA‑OR border to Monterey.

https://www.ggfa.net/ Membership: 40

Homer Charter Association (HCA)

Homer, Alaska fleet association—advocates before IPHC, NPFMC, and Alaska BOF; promotes responsible policy and stewardship for halibut, salmon, and rockfish charters. Membership not posted; active local fleet participation.

https://www.akhomercharterassociation.com/ Membership: 60

Lower Keys Guides Association (LKGA)

Lower Florida Keys for‑hire guides’ trade group promoting conservation, access, and working‑waterfront livelihoods. Represents nearly 90 professional guides plus 150+ angler members (~240 total).

https://lkga.org/ Membership: 240

Louisiana Charter Boat Association (LCBA)

Trade association protecting and promoting Louisiana’s charter‑for‑hire sector; provides marketing, policy advocacy, and member benefits. The association cites over 300 captains.

https://louisianacharterfishing.com/ Membership: 300

Maine Association of Charterboat Captains (MACC)

Maine’s statewide charter‑captain trade group; helps the public find vetted captains and represents members on management issues. Site notes “over 80” charter operations in the directory.

https://www.mainechartercaptains.org/ Membership: 80

Maryland Charter Boat Association (MCBA)

Chesapeake Bay‑focused association of professional charter captains in Maryland providing a captain directory and representing members’ interests in Annapolis and beyond. Largest such coalition on the Bay; exact membership not posted publicly.

https://www.marylandcharterboats.com/ Membership: 200

National Association of Charterboat Operators (NACO)

National association representing charterboat owners/operators (fishing, sailing, diving, eco‑tours), providing a Washington, DC policy voice and member benefits. Historical Congressional Record cites about 4,100 members; current figure not publicly posted.

http://www.nacocharters.org/ Membership: 4,100

Nor‑Cal Guides & Sportsmen’s Association (NCGASA)

California nonprofit representing professional guides, businesses, and 2,500+ sportsmen; works on fisheries policy and access throughout Northern California.

https://ncgasa.org/ Membership: 2,500

Rhode Island Party & Charter Boat Association (RIPCBA)

State association representing party and charter boats in Rhode Island; publishes a charter directory and engages on access/regulations. News coverage has cited 57 member boats (historical reference).

https://rifishing.com/ Membership: 57

Sportfishing Association of California (SAC)

Trade association for California’s sportfishing/passenger charter fleet—advocates before CDFW, USCG, NMFS, Mexico, and others; provides compliance resources and promotes tourism. SAC cites 150+ member businesses.

https://www.californiasportfishing.org/ Membership: 150

Stellwagen Bank Charter Boat Association (SBCBA)

New England for‑hire charter association centered on Stellwagen Bank; forums, education, and unified advocacy to preserve access and sustainable bag limits for clients and captains. Membership size not posted; active regional network.

https://stellwagenbank.org/ Membership: 50

Westport Charterboat Association (WCBA)

Washington coastal fleet association founded in 1957; represents 20 inspected charter vessels and 10 booking services out of Westport targeting salmon, albacore, halibut, lingcod, and rockfish.

https://www.charterwestport.com/ Membership: 20