Florida Keys Fishing - Charter Opinions

[dvd]

We are spending Spring Break in the FL Keys at the end of March. We are staying just outside of Marathon. I am thinking about chartering a boat for some fishing for my son (8yrs) and myself. I have been researching on the internet but wanted to see if anyone here has had a good experience. Looking for a patient guide that is good with kids. I want my son to have a great time. If the fish cooperate that is only a bonus. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[BlueLundFishrman]

My buddy has been down there a couple of times. He says you can catch lots of fish off the bridges there too. I think he was around Islamorada. But he had also chartered a guide and rented a boat as well.

[Ufatz]

Islamarada is a serious sport fishing place. You will quite a few serious tarpon/bone fish guides but my guess would be they would not be too much interested in taking you and your son to just "fun fish". And they might charge more than you'd want to pay. Check around for a small "party boat"...or something similar. Do some web surfing about the area and maybe call a couple places. I'd try to set something up before you get there.

Have fun.

[BlueLundFishrman]

I believe they did they party boat too. They were fishing the Atlantic, some of the fish they went after permit, grouper, amberjack, mackeral, snapper. There were quite a few others as well.

[kensom]

We have used Vick Gaspeny out of Bud n Mary's marina several times for Tarpon in April/May- have always outfished all the other guides in the area....uses a smaller flats boat and fishes shallow water in and around the bridges. March might be too early for the big Tarpon but there are always the juvinile Tarpon (up to 70 lbs or so), Bonefish, and snook around. There are several party boats that will take you out for around $35 or thereabouts. The party boats will take you out 5-10 miles and reef fish...can usually pick up snappers and other small fish. Another option in Marathon is Sea Dog charters that will take smaller groups out for reasonable charter fees. Run by a Minnesota guy also

[kensom]

Oh and I almost forgot...a must see destination is Robbie's where you feed the Tarpon.....you pay a couple of bucks for a bucket of dead minnows and go out on the end of the dock and hand feed Tarpon that will be up to 100lbs or so. They will actually jump out of the water and take the minnows out of your hands.....best entertainment value anywhere in the Keys. They are located somewhere between Marathon and Islamorada if my remember correctly.

And don't miss the World Wide Sportsman store...part of Bass Pro Shops, and there is a great seafood joint next door where you can dine on a floating dock for reasonable rates.

Another must see is the Sunset celebration every sunset at Mallory Square in Key West......hundreds of people show up to see the sunset and a handful of street vendors sell their wares or put on little shows for you, like jugglers, tightrope walkers, etc. Another cheap entertainment option.

[MJCatfish]

Mike Biffel out of bigdawg1 dot com right out of Marathon.

He enjoys fishing on his days off from guiding. Tells you how passionate he is.

Fun guy you will have a great time with!

MJ

[fisherdog19]

What type of fishing are you interested in? Flats or deep water?

[dvd]

Thanks to all for the suggestions and keep them coming. I look forward to our trip and whatever fishing we can get in. I am thinking a half day charter and possibly a party boat as well. Whatever my boy would like to do. I am sure we will be messing around on the beach fishing at the condo as well in the evening.

[Ol_Bullhead]

Captain Pips on marathon he will tell you whats biting tried seadog got blowed and rained off ocean didn't see a fish