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Chartering a Fishing Boat & Guide in the Florida Keys?

Ask Around
Can your friends recommend some one? Your hotel or resort may refer you as well. If not, check out web sites or better yet, go down to the local tackle shop or even the big marinas where the charter boat rows are (if there's a dock down here in the Florida keys, it usually has a charter boat on it) and talk to them yourself. They are usually back around 4:00pm or so and love to talk fishing with potential clients. There's different kinds of fishing and boats-you can go out on the flats in shallow water or way past the gulf stream. [Our fishing page covers these different types of fishing] Either way, it's an experience you won't forget.

What will you catch?
Check the fish season guide below, it's tough trying for a species out  of season. Be sure to tell the captain your level of experience so he can lay on the best trip - he wants you to have the best trip possible and will gladly show you the ropes and teach you how it all works.

What to Bring?
You won't need a fishing license, the boats have you covered. You will need to bring a soft sole pair of shoes that won't scuff up the deck or let you slip on your ****. Barefoot won't cut it. A pair of polarized sunglasses will let you see in the water better and cut down the glare. Some sun blocker - the Florida sun gets really intense on the water. Be sure to pack some chow and munchies as well as drinks, beer is usually ok. The boats have ice and coolers so keep the packing down to a minimum. A big billed hat works and maybe a cheapo slicker in case it rains, it can get really cool out there in the winter when you are out on the water, so a light jacket will work. Don't forget a camera and cooler to haul the fish home with.

Cost
 This varies, from up to around $700 per day for the big boys, and $400 for the flats boats. Half day charters are available and if you want to share a charter, that sometimes can be worked out to help hold the costs down. Before you go thinking this is a lot of money, try figuring out what the boat loan comes to, dock fees, fuel, first mate and equipment costs. Tips for the mate are appreciated, if he/she isn't any good, throw 'em overboard.