The 65-foot fishing boat Eureka could signal the start of a new idea.

Owners Allen DeSilva and Dean Jones plan to charter the vessel on a per head basis -- instead of the current $800 to $1,000 per day most charter boat owners charge.

The 21-ton vessel, with a 21 foot beam, will start generating revenue in April on a per person fee schedule of $60 per person for a half day trip, Mr.

DeSilva said. That includes bait and tackle. The boat will also offer, for a fee, fish cleaning.

A 630 mile voyage, lasting 67 hours, behind her, the Eureka cruised into Bermuda this week from Ocean City, Maryland.

The Eureka , known as a "head fishing boat,'' offers "more affordable fishing,'' Mr. DeSilva said.

Mr. DeSilva said head fishing is very popular elsewhere -- there are more than 500 head fishing boats registered in New Jersey alone -- but this will be the first in Bermuda's waters.

Aboard the Eureka , you keep what you catch. Currently, anglers often agree to leave a portion of the day's catch behind. That fish is often sold to local markets.

As part of the new venture, Mr. DeSilva and Mr. Jones, who already own the Mako 4 charter fishing boat, are incorporating a limited liability company called Eureka Fishing Ltd. and hiring crew.

The 500-horsepower Eureka , powered by GM diesel engines and built in 1960 in North Carolina, was completely refitted six years ago.

The Eureka will start service April 1 next year, a month before the Mako 4 , said Mr. DeSilva, a charter boat operator for 20 years.

US Coast Guard rated for 120 passengers, it will take up to 70 people from Albuoy's Point for half day trips departing at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. and be back at the dock at noon and 5 p.m. respectively. Owners will also offer four hour night fishing outings two times a week.

Owners believe the new boat will appeal to visitors, especially cruise ship passengers.

As well as opening up the service to smaller groups or individuals looking to angle, owners are also hoping families will find the Eureka a great idea, he said.

"If you ask people, after they leave Bermuda what they wish they could have done, I bet many say they wish could've gone fishing. Now they can. The Eureka will pick up those people.'' On their last two seasons he said: "We had one of our best years ever last year'', but in the prior year, hurricanes hurt the business.

IDEAL ANGLE -- Dean Jones, left, and Allen DeSilva, right, will use the Eureka for fishing tours next season. The owners cruised her into Bermuda waters on Tuesday.

FISHING FSH