About Your Trip

Water Type

Deep Sea, Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner

Weather

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

About Your Trip

Catch More fish! A full day allows us more time to go further, try more techniques, target more species, and ultimately catch more fish. A full day usually leaves the dock around 7:30 a.m. and returns around 3:30 p.m. However, these times may vary depending on the time of year, conditions, and customer preference.

His vessel, a 28' center console (built by Latitude Tournament Boats), is a true "hybrid" fishing machine. This means that on a nice day, you can comfortably fish offshore reefs, wrecks, and Gulfstream currents. You also have the option to fish backcountry channels, inshore wrecks, and nearshore patch reefs if the wind picks up. On a full day, we might have the opportunity to target multiple species both in the deep and the shallow.

Captain John specializes in light tackle fishing. This means he'll match the rod and reel outfit to the size fish you're targeting to make for the best overall angling experience. If you would like to fly fish, the captain can accommodate you. However, you must bring your own fly fishing equipment. Expect to target Amberjack, Barracuda, Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Grouper, and more, depending on the length of your trip. Evening Tarpon trips are also offered.

Live bait makes a big difference. Pilchards, pinfish, herring, ballyhoo, and blue crabs are some of the varieties you are likely to find in the livewell. Catching bait is part of the charter, and while it may take some extra time, your captain knows it makes the difference between a fantastic fishing trip and one that's just okay. Your fishing license is included. Bring sunblock (non-spray), sunglasses, a hat, snacks, and drinks.

Book your trip and hit the water today!

Amenities

Water Type

Deep Sea, Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner

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 kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 2 days before the trip.

Boat Restroom

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

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Pricing Matrix

	8 Hours
1 Person	$1,200.00
2 People	$1,200.00
3 People	$1,200.00
4 People	$1,200.00

Pay 20% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Guide

John D.

Independent Guide 19 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!

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

Start Location & Lodging Options

Key West, Florida

Areas Fished

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Full Day Private Fishing Charter

Boat Type: Center Console
Boat Manufacturer: LTB (latitude tournament boats
Year Built: 2022
Boat Length: 25'

Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Deep Sea, Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner

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 kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 2 days before the trip.

Boat Restroom

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

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 the current month (April).

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

Artificial Lure Fishing
Bottom Fishing
Cut Bait Fishing
Deep Dropping
Drift Fishing
Fly Fishing
Heavy Tackle Fishing
Jigging
Kite Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Live Bait Fishing
Sight Casting
Trolling
Topwater Fishing

Everything Else to Know

Reviews

4.6

based on 8 reviews

Jacob

Verified Review

August 7

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!

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!!!

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

Trip: Morning 1/2 Day Fishing Charter

Mark

Verified Review

November 24

Fantastic!! Even though the rain got us

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!

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

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

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.

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 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.

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!

Full Day Private Fishing Charter

About Your Trip

About Your Trip

Pricing Matrix

You're in good hands

Reserve Your Trip

You're in good hands

About Your Guide

About Your Guide

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

Start Location & Lodging Options

About Your Boat

About Your Boat

Trip Details & Amenities

Target Species

Techniques

Everything Else to Know

Reviews

Response from John:

Response from Captain Experiences:

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Wishlist

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About Your Trip

About Your Trip

Pricing Matrix

You're in good hands

Reserve Your Trip

You're in good hands

About Your Guide

About Your Guide

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

Start Location & Lodging Options

About Your Boat

About Your Boat

Trip Details & Amenities

Target Species

Techniques

Everything Else to Know

Reviews

Response from John:

Response from Captain Experiences:

First Time Booking with Us?

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