Experience of a Lifetime!
You know when you book an Air&BnB or an excursion and you have a slight apprehension due to the uncertainty of what the host guarantees? I will tell you this upfront, book with confidence.
Let me explain…
I’m going to do my best, but to capture the
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essence of what we experienced, in simple written word, is nearly an impossible task.
Our guided fishing trip really started out like any other excursion. We met early morning, dockside at the “Bait House”. The host gave very clear and concise directions to our link up, what to expect and recommendations on what to bring along. The day before our trip, the staff reached out directly to ensure everyone was on the same page.
We had (6) in our party. (3) adults and (3) kids. We packed our own lunches, drinks, adult beverages and snacks. This kept the guides fully engaged on fishing and not preoccupied preparing some spoiled kids’ lunch on the water.
We also packed along warming layers and rain/wind gear.
Our cadre of guides consisted of a captain/primary guide (Luke) and deckhand/assistant guide (Ben). Both were very cordial, professional and entertaining with their banter and dialogue.
The boat was a 33’, fiberglass, Suzuki twin-engine, center console workhorse that appeared to be specifically designed for guided fishing. The live-well was fully packed with ice to preserve our harvested fish. (3) large bean bags were provided to lounge on while underway. The boat had been fitted with modern electronics for navigation, communication and fishing. Very nice, reliable, comfortable and safe vessel.
Upon boarding we got a quick brief and were given ample storage space for all the gear we brought. This was key as everything must be stowed while underway.
Our initial boat ride was 24 miles off the shore of Clearwater, FL. The ride was teeming with wildlife.
As the sun came up, the city skyline disappeared into the horizon until you couldn’t see anything but ocean in every direction. It was magnificent.
From start to finish, our guides were very organized on the boat. Gear, tackle, cabin, live bait, ect. all well organized and serviceable. As situations changed, they communicated clearly what they needed from us. Personnel management to balance the vessel and alleviate excessive listing, along with keeping the deck open to allow freedom of movement was well executed.
The equipment provided was better than adequate. All of the gear was well maintained and prepped for use. From rigging and baiting to removing the fish and cleaning/prep, the guides handled every aspect of the equipment very well.
My wife wanted to accomplish (2) things. She wanted to harvest fish for our family dinner that night, and catch the biggest fish. Both were achieved.
We caught A LOT of fish.
We began fishing for large Amber Jack, however the guide identified that the bite was slow so we shifted gears to catch our daily harvest. We slammed a bunch of amazing fish. Porgy, Hogfish, Red Snapper, Grunt and others. We also caught some fun interesting fish like: Lizard fish, Remora (suction cup fish) and blow fish. Some were even reused as bait for the huge Amber Jack we caught later in the day.
After catching plenty of fish for dinner, we moved back to our original location for another run at the large Amber Jack (AJ); an artificial reef of an intentionally sunken ship.
Fishing in about 80’ of water, we quickly hooked into our first AJ. After locating the targeted species, the guides quickly switched gears in an epic display of professionalism and mastery of their craft in order to draw out the largest AJs.
The communication between the guides and their actions was impeccable. One man on the rod, the other in full support. As the guide asked for a certain type/color of bait fish, the other pulled it from the livewell and began to toss the same baitfish overboard. When that particular bait was unsuccessful, they moved onto another type. This was system repeated several times until they found the right bait. It was really cool to see. Very fast, deliberate and accurate fishing.
Once we had the right bait, it was like the AJs were “switched on”. Shortly we were pulling monster AJs in the boat. Huge fish the size of both of a grown man’s legs.
After an exciting run of pulling in several huge AJs, we were down to our last baitfish. What I’m about to tell you just can’t really capture how awesome this last cast truly was.
Now, earlier in the day we had an AJ get bit by a shark. We got it in the boat and it had some teeth marks and a gushing blood. It was crazy cool. However, this last cast set into motion a series of events that we’ll certainly remember for the rest of our lives.
The line was cast and immediately hooked up. My wife was fighting this monster AJ (Yes, the biggest fish of the day) for several minutes. As the AJ was retrieved and became closer to the boat (so close we could see it) two HUGE sharks swam right to it taking a gigantic bite out of the AJ.
When I say “bite” I mean a literal shark-head-shaped-bite. A cartoonish bite. Like, imagine what you would see on a Saturday morning cartoon. The bite was so clean and the exact round shape of the jaws of a shark. It was remarkable.
As it got up to the boat, guide Ben (in an epic display of reluctant courage mind you) reached down and pulled up this AJ. Even the pictures just don’t do this experience justice. My wife, grabbed this fish holding it right in the bitten area like a savage. She was so excited! We were all excited.
As we unhooked the AJ, the guides tossed it back out and a full-on shark feeding frenzy erupted. Multiple sharks attacking this AJ in just the most amazingly violent display.
This was straight up, no BS, some National Geographic sh!t.
When the AJ was pulled in, nothing remained but a huge sardine head.
The Gulf gave us a show we’ll never forget and it was all due to the expertise, fast thinking and relentless efforts of our guides.
As if our experience wasn’t enough, our ride back was filled with dolphins, sea turtles and a host of other incredible wildlife.
The guides cleaned and prepared all of our harvested fish. They even labeled them by name so we knew what types they were.
Our family loves the outdoors, and we have a saying when we venture out, “Don’t expect anything”. The fishing trip that day took everyone by surprise as to how incredible it unfolded.
If you are looking for an amazing experience on the water, book with confidence because we had the experience of a lifetime.
We had a great time! Thank you both
Fantastic day Luke and Brett were fantastic. They paid special attention to my youngest grandson and he had a blast. I would highly recommend them 10 stars and we can’t wait to book again for bigger and better experiences
What an awesome trip! Captain Brad is super knowledgeable and was a great help with not only the typical trivia questions but tips and tricks on techniques and your style of fishing. He was willing to work with me on getting a variety of fish but also taking the time
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to get a tarpon, which was well worth the wait. He was a great coach during the long battle and would've lost it if it weren't for him.
The boat was great and would work well for a smaller group.
Overall was a fantastic trip. Ill be sure to book Captain Brad again next time I'm in the area.
We had a great fishing trip in Clearwater Florida. Our captains (Brett and Luke) were very nice and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend Brett and Luke. They put us on some King Mackerel that fought like crazy. It was a lot of fun. Ask for Captain Brad.
Brad is a very friendly and experienced captain. He said he would put us on some fish and did exactly that.
Had an awesome time. Brad is knowledgeable and super friendly.
A great trip! We had a great time with Captain Brad! Appreciated the one-on-one assistance with our son and their focus to make sure we were able to pull in a couple of good size fish. We have already shared his name with people we met while
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in Florida and will definitely try to book another trip the next time we are in the area!
