Early Bird Charters is a family run business in Bermuda with over 30 years of experience run by Captain Jim West and wife, Melanie Fiander West. Together they offer sustainable deep and reef-sea fishing charters, swimming and exploring charters, and sunset cruises. Looking to have your trip photographed? Check out Melanie’s photography packages that can be added on.
History of Early Bird Charters
EBC’s 42-foot double-ender boat, Troubadour, was rebuilt by Jim’s Dad, Captain Blake West between 1980 and 1982. Cap’t Blake had her pulled up from the water, where she had been submerged for a few years. Going back to the 1930s, Troubadour a motor sailing yacht. For over 40 years, Troubadour was run by Captain Blake’s father’s engine: a Ford Lehman 125 horsepower diesel engine, which cruised up to 8.5 knots. In 2024, Captain Jim and Melanie “retired” the Ford Lehman as it was well over 60 years old. Troubadour now runs on a Volvo Penta D4-175; now cruising up to 12 knots - ensuring a steady and relaxed voyage.
September 1937. John Roosevelt and his bride went fishing aboard Capt. Christianson’s “Troubador”
Tournaments & AwArds
2024: Best of Bermuda Award: Fishing Charter - Cap’t Jim & Melanie West
2021: Blue Marlin World Cup Participant
2016: Best of Bermuda Award: Fresh Local Fish - Jim & Blake West
2014: 48th Annual Wahoo Tournament: Largest 12lb. Test - Jim West
Articles
“Your Bermuda Bucket List: Summer Edition” from the Bermuda Tourism Authority
"Splash: #15 - Reel in a Fish" from The Bermudian
"2016 Best of Bermuda" from The Bermudian
"Telling Stories with a Camera" from The Royal Gazette
reviews
DOCK location
Troubadour is moored at Bailey's Bay Dock in Hamilton Parish, where most charters depart from. We are also able to pick up guests at Grotto Bay Dock. For other locations, it is recommended that you book a local taxi to take you to Bailey's Bay Dock.
Photo Gallery
Find us on TripAdvisor
TERMS & AGREEMENT
Charters are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. Given the nature of the business, a charter may be cancelled or rescheduled by Early Bird Charters due to poor weather. These decisions are made solely by Early Bird Charters. To officially reserve a date for a charter, a 20% initial payment and signed waivers are required. With groups of two or more, a 20% gratuity is added to the invoice for the deckhands. Deposits are non-refundable unless the captain cancels the charter for poor weather.
