About Your Trip
Private light-tackle fishing on the patch reefs off Key West, aboard a 30-foot power cabin cruiser with a USCG-licensed local captain. Your group only - up to 6 anglers, no shared boat, no strangers on deck. This is casual, weekend-style fishing, not a tournament or serious-angler boat: 3 rods in the water at a time, and no live bait wells aboard - all bait is fresh or frozen. Choose 4, 6 or 8 hours; the
6- and 8-hour days give the captain room to move if the reef isn't cooperating.
What you'll catch. Yellowtail and mangrove snapper year-round, grouper in season, hogfish over the right bottom, and the occasional mahi when they're running. This is light-tackle patch reef and nearshore fishing, not a bluewater tuna run and not a flats poling trip - which is exactly why it works so well for mixed-ability groups, first-timers and families. Rods, reels, tackle, chum and frozen bait are included, along with an ice chest for what you keep.
How the day runs. We leave every trip from Perry Hotel & Marina on Stock Island - that's our only departure point, ten minutes from Old Town - and fish the patch reefs and nearshore structure the captain likes for that day's tide, wind and water clarity. If the reef is off, the captain adjusts - there's always a protected option in the Lower Keys, and knowing which one is the whole job.
Boat and comfort. Thirty feet, 2019, twin outboards, 400 total horsepower. Covered salon, enclosed marine head aboard, swim platform, Bluetooth stereo, cooler with ice and bottled water, fish finder, kill tank and iced fish storage, nine rod holders (we fish 3 lines at a time). It's a comfortable boat for a long day, which matters more than most people expect at hour five.
Licenses. No one in your group needs to buy a Florida saltwater fishing license for this trip - it's covered by the charter licence of the captain running your date.
Your captain. Mac is the owner of Six Fins - not a fishing guide - and built the operation around a crew of licensed local captains. Fishing trips are run by Captain Dustin Garland, a 50-Ton Master with a six-pack charter fishing license, or Captain Patrick Carter, a 50-Ton Master and certified snorkeling and fishing guide. Both hold the U.S. Coast Guard OUPV license - the federal credential required to carry passengers for hire.
What to bring. Food, drinks and snacks (please no glass), reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel and a photo ID. Beer and wine are fine in moderation; the captain stays sober and is responsible for the boat.
Good to know. Kids are welcome - tell us ages and swim comfort and the captain plans life jackets, depth and pace around the family. We also carry snorkel gear if you want a break from fishing. Cancel up to 7 days before the trip for a full credit. If the captain calls it for lightning, unsafe wind or small-craft conditions, you're covered by the weather guarantee - we don't run trips we shouldn't. A 20% tip is recommended and always appreciated.
301+ five-star reviews across our channels. Local Crew - Small Groups - Private Experiences. Beyond boat charters, Six Fins also runs guided jet ski tours.
Amenities
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.
Boat Restroom
This boat has a restroom.
Live Bait
Live bait is provided for an additional fee.
Location
This guide can be flexible with the departure location.
Weather
You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather
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 7 days before the trip.
Lunch
Please provide your own food / snacks.
