1/2 Day Fishing

94% (18) 1 - 12 People 4 Hours From $1,300
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

About Your Trip

Water Type

Deep Sea

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

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

The Florida Keys offer one of the most diverse fisheries in the world. We use many different techniques to target a variety of gamefish. What we do throughout the day depends largely on the guest's preference, the time of year, and the conditions at hand. This means that no trip is exactly the same.

Our trips almost always begin with catching live bait. We either throw a cast net on live pilchards, sabiki herring, sardines,...

About Your Trip

The Florida Keys offer one of the most diverse fisheries in the world. We use many different techniques to target a variety of gamefish. What we do throughout the day depends largely on the guest's preference, the time of year, and the conditions at hand. This means that no trip is exactly the same.

Our trips almost always begin with catching live bait. We either throw a cast net on live pilchards, sabiki herring, sardines,
and ballyhoo, or pull pinfish traps in the summer months. Catching fresh live bait takes time but is almost always well worth it. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the bait catching process!

Weather, tides, currents, water clarity, and target species, are all factors in determining where we fish. We are often able to do world-class fishing within 6 miles of the dock, and our standard full day trips usually stay within 20miles.

We use a variety of different fishing tecniques and usually switch it up throughout the day. In the cooler months we do alot of live chumming, drifting, kite fishing, and live bait "bump" trolling for pelagics such as; Tuna, Sailfish, King Mackrel and Wahoo. We sometimes have the opportunity to use artificial lures or fly fish for them. We have good reef and wreck fishing all year round. Bottom fishing, free lining, jigging, and deep dropping can produce many hard fighting and good eating fish such as; Mutton Snapper, Black Grouper, Yellowtail snapper, Red Grouper, Amberjack, African Pompano, etc..

Long Range Trips:

We do offer some premium long range trips such as; Dry Tortugas bottom fishing,Far gulf wrecks, and Gulf Shrimp boats. These trips are highly weather dependent and can be anywhere from 40-85miles from the dock. Pricing for long range trips varies, and is often a set price plus fuel.
Amenities

Water Type

Deep Sea

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 included for this trip.

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.

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 7 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

4 hours
1 Person
$1,300.00
2 People
$1,300.00
3 People
$1,300.00
4 People
$1,300.00
5 People
$1,300.00
6 People
$1,300.00
7 People (two boats)
$2,600.00
8 People (two boats)
$2,600.00
9 People (two boats)
$2,600.00
10 People (two boats)
$2,600.00
11 People (two boats)
$2,600.00
12 People (two boats)
$2,600.00
Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide John

John D.

Independent Guide 20 years of exp.
Laid-back
Instructional
Beginner Oriented
Adventurous
Quality
Talkative
I'm Captain John, and I was born and raised in Key West and grew up fishing and diving these waters. I truly enjoy sharing my backyard with my guests! My knowledge and passion for the water led me to fulfill my dream of becoming a fishing guide. Join me and I'll show you an excellent Keys fishing adventure!

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide John

John D.

Independent Guide 20 years of exp.
I'm Captain John, and I was born and raised in Key West and grew up fishing and diving these waters. I truly enjoy sharing my backyard with my guests! My knowledge and passion for the water led me to fulfill my dream of becoming a fishing guide. Join me and I'll show you an excellent Keys fishing adventure!
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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
goliath grouper
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
bbq

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
goliath grouper
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
bbq
What’s your favorite band?
almond brothers
What’s your favorite movie?
capt ron
What’s your favorite sports team?
florida gators
What’s your drink of choice?
beer
What was your last halloween costume?
nerd
What do you want for Christmas this year?
new boat
How did you get started guiding?
mating on charter boats
What makes you different from other guides?
I'm from the island and grew up on the water
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Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.
You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.

About Your Boat

Boat photo for 1/2 Day Fishing
1/5
Boat Type
Center Console
Boat Manufacturer
INVINCIBLE
Year Built
2017
Boat Length
33'

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Center Console
Boat Manufacturer
INVINCIBLE
Year Built
2017
Boat Length
33'
Boat Restroom
Yes
Engine Manufacturer
Yamaha
Total Horsepower
598
Number of Engines
2
Additional Amenities
Plently of seating, Toilet (head), Stereo System, T-top (provides a decent amount of shade), Tower for sightfishing, Big livewells, Lots of drystorage for belongings
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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Deep Sea

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 included for this trip.

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.

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 7 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
  • 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

Everything Else to Know

All tackle, licenses, and bait are included. I will have a cooler with ice and bottled water. customer is responsible for bring their own lunch, snacks and whatever they would like to drink other than water. beer and wine is allowed, however liquor is not. Recommend bring sunscreen (not the spay kind), appropriate clothing for the conditions, and polarized sunglasses
You're all set! You don't need to buy a license for this trip.
We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).
Cancel for free up to 7 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 7 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.
In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

Reviews

4.6
based on 8 reviews

Jacob

Verified Review

August 7

My families trip with Captain John was awesome. John is a humble, hardworking, easy going, chill, dude and fit right in with our families vibe. He was great with our 5 year old son and answered all of his many fishing questions. John made it clear that between the time of year and conditions that day we would have to really work at it to get anything. That’s exactly what we did and we ended...

Jacob

Verified Review

August 7

My families trip with Captain John was awesome. John is a humble, hardworking, easy going, chill, dude and fit right in with our families vibe. He was great with our 5 year old son and answered all of his many fishing questions. John made it clear that between the time of year and conditions that day we would have to really work at it to get anything. That’s exactly what we did and we ended up catching a good amount of fish. Most importantly our 5 year old son, who is obsessed with fishing, had the time of his life and caught fish he’s never seen before. 5 stars, highly recommend. If you have a small group this is the charter to go on!
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Trip: Full Day Private Fishing Charter

Kelly

Verified Review

June 30

Capt John was top notch!! Our planned morning trip hit a snag due to bad weather…But John was honest and informative suggesting that we should hold off a few hours…so we did. Our afternoon ended up being an awesome fishing encounter. We would highly recommend…thank you Capt John!!!

Kelly

Verified Review

June 30

Capt John was top notch!! Our planned morning trip hit a snag due to bad weather…But John was honest and informative suggesting that we should hold off a few hours…so we did. Our afternoon ended up being an awesome fishing encounter. We would highly recommend…thank you Capt John!!!
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Trip: Morning 1/2 Day Fishing Charter

Karl

Verified Review

June 21

We had a great time on our first family fishing trip. We brought enthusiasm, and very little experience. John was a great teacher for all of us, and took us to several good spots in Lake Passage. We caught shark, black grouper and enough snapper to feast on for days. The fine folks at Hurricane Hole cooked it up for us and it was amazing!!

We would definitely book another trip with John!!

Karl

Verified Review

June 21

We had a great time on our first family fishing trip. We brought enthusiasm, and very little experience. John was a great teacher for all of us, and took us to several good spots in Lake Passage. We caught shark, black grouper and enough snapper to feast on for days. The fine folks at Hurricane Hole cooked it up for us and it was amazing!!

We would definitely book another trip with John!!
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Trip: Morning 1/2 Day Fishing Charter

Mark

Verified Review

November 24

Fantastic!! Even though the rain got us

Mark

Verified Review

November 24

Fantastic!! Even though the rain got us
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Trip: Morning 1/2 Day Fishing Charter

Deanna

Verified Review

July 28

Our charter with Captain John was incredible! He was very professional but also personable! We enjoyed everything about the fishing trip! We had a beautiful day & caught several large dolphins! Will definitely rebook with Capt. John the next time we are in Key West!

Deanna

Verified Review

July 28

Our charter with Captain John was incredible! He was very professional but also personable! We enjoyed everything about the fishing trip! We had a beautiful day & caught several large dolphins! Will definitely rebook with Capt. John the next time we are in Key West!
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Trip: Morning 1/2 Day Fishing Charter

Patrick

Verified Review

May 26

Captain John was simply incredible! I have been fishing my entire life and know a great guide… Captain John is the real deal. He took the time to understand what we wanted to catch and then nailed it… put us on exactly what we wanted all day long. He was friendly, engaging and fun. We will be back to fish w Captain John again!!

Patrick

Verified Review

May 26

Captain John was simply incredible! I have been fishing my entire life and know a great guide… Captain John is the real deal. He took the time to understand what we wanted to catch and then nailed it… put us on exactly what we wanted all day long. He was friendly, engaging and fun. We will be back to fish w Captain John again!!
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Trip: Morning 1/2 Day Fishing Charter

Greg

Verified Review

November 30

Our charter with Captain John was fantastic! Despite the windy conditions, he managed to get us on fish in many different spots. John is very knowledgeable and a super fun guy! We will definitely be booking with Captain John again.

Shannon & Greg Johnson

Greg

Verified Review

November 30

Our charter with Captain John was fantastic! Despite the windy conditions, he managed to get us on fish in many different spots. John is very knowledgeable and a super fun guy! We will definitely be booking with Captain John again.

Shannon & Greg Johnson
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Trip: Morning 1/2 Day Fishing Charter

Brad

Verified Review

July 26

Nice boat and experienced guide but the trip was pretty short and you could tell he wasn’t stoked to be out with guests that day.
Soaked bait on the reef and managed to catch a few mangrove snapper. Captain offered an adjusted price to head back early
but with the paid barcode app there wasn’t much of that. Oh well, it was still
nice to be out on the water.

Brad

Verified Review

July 26

Nice boat and experienced guide but the trip was pretty short and you could tell he wasn’t stoked to be out with guests that day.
Soaked bait on the reef and managed to catch a few mangrove snapper. Captain offered an adjusted price to head back early
but with the paid barcode app there wasn’t much of that. Oh well, it was still
nice to be out on the water.
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Trip: Morning 1/2 Day Fishing Charter

Response from John:
When I accepted the trip from CE I didn't notice that in the notes the customer had requested inshore fishing. Normally this wouldn't be a problem but they happened to book on the first day of the mini lobster season opener (by far our busiest day on the water). There are so many boats on the water that going offshore is the only option. I contacted the customer as soon as I realized my mistake...

Response from John:

When I accepted the trip from CE I didn't notice that in the notes the customer had requested inshore fishing. Normally this wouldn't be a problem but they happened to book on the first day of the mini lobster season opener (by far our busiest day on the water). There are so many boats on the water that going offshore is the only option.

I contacted the customer as soon as I realized my mistake
and he said that they were easygoing , just wanted to catch fish and that reef fishing would be fine.

The day of the trip;

The trip was scheduled for a 7:30 departure and around 8:00am the customers hadn't showed up. I called them and they sounded very flustered and confused like they they may have been out a little too late.
They eventually showed up a about 8:30. An hour late to a four hour trip. The guys looked to be in pretty rough shape.

By this point the wind was picking up and there was a big squall line moving in slowly from the North. I tried to talk them in to canceling but they insisted on going anyway

In their review they mentioned "soaking " baits. There was no soaking. We stopped at a spawning site and caught our limit of 2-5lb mangrove snappers in about 30 min. They weren't able to get any of the bigger fish past the sharks (especially while holding the reel upside down).

It started getting pretty rough and we made a unanimous decision to head back to the dock before the squall line. Had mentioned that we could work something out with the price since they really only got less that an hour of fishing time in.

We got to the dock just as it started to rain. I took payment, and the guys thanked me for everything and ran to their car for cover. They didn't want to hang around for me clean the fish. When running to the car they also mentioned that the would Venmo me a tip which I never received

I was very surprised to see a bad review and I really don't think it was deserved. I run a professional operation and rarely have any problems with costumer satisfaction.
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Response from Captain Experiences:
Hi Brad - I'm sorry the trip with Captain John was cut short. If you give us a shout, we can make sure prices are adjusted on our end or give you a credit towards a future trip. I apologize for the inconvience and hope to make this right. Thanks!

Response from Captain Experiences:

Hi Brad - I'm sorry the trip with Captain John was cut short. If you give us a shout, we can make sure prices are adjusted on our end or give you a credit towards a future trip. I apologize for the inconvience and hope to make this right. Thanks!
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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.
We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.
Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!
In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.
Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.
After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.
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