Lincoln Brothers Fishing

Lincoln Brothers Fishing, located at 802 Shore Rd in Pocasset, Massachusetts, presents a complex picture for those seeking fishing charters on Cape Cod. While the company is operational and maintains extensive hours from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM seven days a week, a deep dive into customer feedback reveals a stark contrast between past successes and more recent, significant challenges. This creates a difficult decision for potential clients weighing the promise of a great day on the water against a documented pattern of serious service issues.

The Potential for an Excellent Fishing Experience

Looking back at the history of the service, there are accounts that paint a very positive picture. Some of the earliest available feedback highlights a company run by knowledgeable and professional captains. One client, a novice to fishing, reported an outstanding trip where the crew took the time to teach them everything they needed to know, resulting in a successful catch of five bass and a newfound passion for the sport. This suggests that, at its best, Lincoln Brothers Fishing can provide an accessible and rewarding introduction to sport fishing for beginners.

This sentiment is echoed in other older reports. A review from over a decade ago praised Captain Josh for a half-day trip that was focused on action rather than simply searching for trophy fish. The clients appreciated that their lines were kept busy for nearly the entire duration of the excursion, indicating a captain with a strong knowledge of local waters and a commitment to ensuring customers have an active and engaging experience. These historical accounts form the foundation of the company's appeal, promising a hands-on, productive Cape Cod fishing adventure.

Key Strengths from Past Reviews:

• Professional and Knowledgeable Crew: Captains were described as hard-working and skilled in their trade.
• Beginner-Friendly: Reports indicate a willingness to instruct novice anglers, making it a potential choice for families or first-timers.
• Focus on Action: The emphasis was on catching fish and providing an active trip, which is a major draw for any fishing enthusiast.

Significant Concerns Regarding Reliability and Communication

Unfortunately, the narrative surrounding Lincoln Brothers Fishing has shifted dramatically in more recent years. A recurring and alarming theme across multiple negative reviews is a severe breakdown in communication. Prospective and booked clients have reported extreme difficulty in getting in touch with the company. Common complaints include a voicemail box that is consistently full, preventing messages from being left, as well as a complete lack of response to numerous phone calls and text messages. This communication void appears to be a central point of frustration and the root cause of many subsequent problems.

This lack of communication extends to the most critical aspects of the charter business: trip confirmations and cancellations. Several customers have shared experiences of not receiving the promised 24-hour confirmation before their scheduled departure. This has forced them to repeatedly attempt to contact the captain, often without success until the last possible moment, if at all. One detailed account describes a customer sending 14 texts without a reply, only to be informed of a cancellation late the night before the trip due to a personal injury. While emergencies are understandable, the failure to communicate in a timely manner, especially when the captain was reportedly waiting at an ER for hours, was a major point of contention.

A Pattern of Last-Minute Cancellations and No-Shows

Beyond poor communication, a pattern of unreliability emerges from customer feedback. Trips have been cancelled for a variety of reasons, including wind, mechanical issues like a "blew a through hull," and the captain's personal health. While weather and mechanical failures are legitimate reasons for cancelling any boat tours for safety, the issue reported by clients is the lack of professional and proactive notification. In one instance, a customer traveling from Michigan for a charter found out about a mechanical issue only after receiving a cryptic text message just hours before the trip, followed by complete silence. To make matters worse, they reported that no one at the local harbor seemed to know about the Lincoln Brothers charter operation, adding to their disappointment and confusion.

Perhaps the most troubling reports are those of complete no-shows. One customer detailed a rescheduled trip where, after receiving no communication, they were advised by the captain's brother to simply show up at the dock at 5:00 AM. They arrived on time, but the captain was not there. After multiple unanswered calls, the captain finally called back at 5:45 AM, stating he doesn't usually leave until 6:00 AM and casually remarking, "I thought I called you." The trip was then cancelled anyway due to wind and the captain's lingering injury. These accounts suggest a level of disorganization that could easily ruin a planned vacation day.

Booking, Deposits, and Customer Service Issues

The problems are not limited to scheduling and communication; they also extend to financial matters, specifically the handling of deposits for these private fishing trips. Multiple customers who had their charters cancelled by the company reported significant difficulty in getting their deposits refunded. One client noted that weeks after a cancellation, and despite initial assurances that the deposit would be returned shortly, they had received nothing and their follow-up messages went unanswered, leading them to believe the money was a lost cause. Another frustrated customer, after multiple cancelled trips and poor communication, decided to forgo any further attempts to deal with the company and went directly to their bank to file a dispute to recover their deposit. This represents a major financial risk for anyone booking a trip.

The overall attitude towards customers has also been called into question. One review quotes the captain as saying certain dates are blocked on the website "because tourists suck." While this could be an off-hand comment, it reflects a level of unprofessionalism that is concerning for a business in the hospitality and tourism sector. The structure of the business itself has also been questioned, with one customer learning that the captain's brother, part of the "Lincoln Brothers" name, is no longer affiliated with the business and lives out of state. This may create confusion for customers and suggests the current operation may differ from its original setup.

Summary of Major Concerns:

• Severe Communication Blackouts: Full voicemail, unanswered calls, and unreturned texts are frequently reported.
• Unreliable Service: A pattern of last-minute cancellations and no-shows has been documented by multiple clients.
• Deposit Refund Issues: Customers have reported losing their deposits or having to resort to bank disputes to get their money back.
• Unprofessional Conduct: Concerning comments about tourists and a general lack of proactive customer service have been cited.

In conclusion, choosing to book a deep sea fishing trip with Lincoln Brothers Fishing appears to be a significant gamble. On one hand, the business has a history of providing enjoyable and successful fishing outings, particularly for beginners. On the other hand, the volume and consistency of recent negative feedback regarding communication, reliability, and financial dealings present a substantial risk. Potential customers should proceed with extreme caution, insist on clear, written communication regarding confirmation and cancellation policies, and be prepared for potential disruptions to their plans.