About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Andy Downs

Andy Downs

Independent Guide
Talkative
Laid-back
Instructional
Beginner Oriented
Comfortable
Quality
If you're looking for a laid-back yet highly professional fishing experience in the backcountry waters of Islamorada, Captain Andy is your guy. With years of experience and a calm, welcoming approach, he specializes in trips for all ages and skill levels—whether you're a serious angler chasing a bucket list catch or a family looking to get the kids on their first fish.

Captain Andy runs a 24’ Lake & Bay bay boat powered by a 350HP Mercury Verado, designed for a smooth and fast ride through the pristine waters of Everglades National Park, the Gulf of Mexico, and the nearshore flats of Islamorada. Top-tier tackle, live and artificial bait, and even fly gear are all included—just show up and fish.

With a focus on small groups and personalized attention, Captain Andy delivers a true Florida Keys experience in one of the most iconic fisheries in the world.

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Andy Downs

Andy Downs

Independent Guide
If you're looking for a laid-back yet highly professional fishing experience in the backcountry waters of Islamorada, Captain Andy is your guy. With years of experience and a calm, welcoming approach, he specializes in trips for all ages and skill levels—whether you're a serious angler chasing a bucket list catch or a family looking to get the kids on their first fish.

Captain Andy runs a 24’ Lake & Bay bay boat powered by a 350HP Mercury Verado, designed for a smooth and fast ride through the pristine waters of Everglades National Park, the Gulf of Mexico, and the nearshore flats of Islamorada. Top-tier tackle, live and artificial bait, and even fly gear are all included—just show up and fish.

With a focus on small groups and personalized attention, Captain Andy delivers a true Florida Keys experience in one of the most iconic fisheries in the world.
Scroll for more

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
Massive Sawfish
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Probably grill steak tips on my charcoal grill
What’s your favorite band?
Hank Williams Jr, CCR, David Allan Coe, Jamie Johnson
What’s your favorite movie?
Christmas Vacation

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
Massive Sawfish
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Probably grill steak tips on my charcoal grill
What’s your favorite band?
Hank Williams Jr, CCR, David Allan Coe, Jamie Johnson
What’s your favorite movie?
Christmas Vacation
What’s your favorite sports team?
Boston Bruins
How did you get started guiding?
Got hired by an Islamorada local and worked under his tutelage for 5.5 years
What makes you different from other guides?
I guess it would be having patients, being a bit more laid back and not being another salty, grumpy guide.
Scroll for more

Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing

100% (2) 1 - 8 People 4 - 8 Hours From $700
Half Day Charter
Half Day Charter
Half Day Charter
Half Day Charter
Half Day Charter
Half Day Charter
Half Day Charter
Half Day Charter
Half Day Charter
Half Day Charter
Half Day Charter
Half Day Charter
Half Day Charter
Half Day Charter
Half Day Charter
Half Day Charter
Half Day Charter

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

We fish in the pristine tranquil emerald waters of the Everglades National Park, as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Islamorada’s near shore waters. Our Boat is a 24’ Lake & Bay bay boat powered by a 350HP Mercury Verado outboard engine to get you to our fishing spots comfortably, fast and safely. We use top of the line equipment and tackle, as well as live bait and artificial baits and lures. We also...

About Your Trip

We fish in the pristine tranquil emerald waters of the Everglades National Park, as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Islamorada’s near shore waters. Our Boat is a 24’ Lake & Bay bay boat powered by a 350HP Mercury Verado outboard engine to get you to our fishing spots comfortably, fast and safely. We use top of the line equipment and tackle, as well as live bait and artificial baits and lures. We also fly fish. All top of the line gear and bait is included in the cost of your trip.

4hr Trip

Great for an intro to the backcountry! This is the trip for you if you want to explore the backcountry, inshore, and Gulf waters in the Islamorada area. You'll go after a variety of species like Tarpon, Redfish, Trout, Bonefish, Jack Crevalle, Permit, Snook, Spanish Mackerel, and even Shark. All the fishing equipment will be provided, so just bring snacks, drinks, a camera, sunglasses, and some sun protection, and get ready to explore the pristine waters of Islamorada.

6hr Trip

A little more in depth than the half day. Go on a 6-hour trip for your chance to explore the waters of the Everglades National Park. Expect to go after Trout, Tarpon, Bonefish, Redfish, Jack Crevalle, Snook, Spanish Mackerel, Permit, and even Shark with a lot of fishing opportunities available. Your captain will provide all the fishing gear, as well as bait. You should bring snacks, drinks, a camera, sunglasses, and sunblock. This is the trip for you if you're a more experienced angler, so come and enjoy great fishing!

8hr Trip

Be able to explore the full potential of the Everglades National Park. Book this trip to spend a whole day exploring the waters of the Everglades National Park and Florida Bay. It allows for the most flexibility in your fishing. The target species include Trout, Tarpon, Bonefish, Redfish, Jack Crevalle, Snook, Spanish Mackerel, Permit, and even Shark. All the fishing gear will be on board, just bring some snacks, drinks, a camera, sunglasses, and some sun protection, and get excited about your newest fishing adventure!
Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 days before the trip.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Scroll for more

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
Boat photo for Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
Boat photo for Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
Boat photo for Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
Boat photo for Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
Boat photo for Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
Boat Type
Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Lake & Bay
Year Built
2010
Boat Length
24'

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Lake & Bay
Year Built
2010
Boat Length
24'
Boat Restroom
No
Engine Manufacturer
Mercury
Total Horsepower
350
Number of Engines
1
Additional Amenities
Plenty of dry storage. Big drink/snack cooler. Two live wells. T-top for shade. Satellite radio with Bluetooth capability.
Scroll for more

Recent Reviews of Emerald Water Charters

5.0
based on 1 review

Kevin

Verified Review

Andy was great! Got us on the fish and had a ton of laughs. Strongly recommended

Kevin

Verified Review

Andy was great! Got us on the fish and had a ton of laughs. Strongly recommended
Scroll for more

Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Cut Bait Fishing
Drift Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Sight Casting

Types of Fishing

Need a Place to Stay?

Emerald Water Charters Photo Gallery

Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
September 5th, 2024
Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
September 9th, 2024
Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
September 5th, 2024
Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
September 9th, 2024
Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
September 5th, 2024
Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
September 9th, 2024
Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
September 5th, 2024
Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
September 9th, 2024
Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
September 5th, 2024
Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
September 5th, 2024
Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
September 9th, 2024
Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
September 9th, 2024
Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
September 5th, 2024
Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
September 5th, 2024
Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
September 5th, 2024
Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing
September 5th, 2024
Islamorada, Florida
Book Now