homemeet our guidesthe fishingfish speciesfaq's
We're sure you've plenty of questions to ask. We've tried to cover them all here, but if you've any other concerns, please contact your guide. He'll be more than happy to address any concerns you might have.  The typical cost of a trip averages around $450  for a full day of fishing and $350 for a half day. Please contact your guide directly for his fees. Thanks! FKFG
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1. What does it cost?
Typically the cost reflects the length of day on the water. Most guides will fish either a 4, 6, or 8 hour day. On average the cost is about $350 for a 4 hour day, $400 for a 6 hour day and $450 for a "full" day. The cost is for two anglers. The boats are small and typically two's company and three's a crowd. However there are some forms of fishing that three anglers may participate in. An additional charge of $75-$100 may be charged for a third angler. Sometimes two young children and an adult are fine for the normal rates. Please consult your guide directly for his rates. These rates include your fishing license, tackle, rods, flies and a cooler with ice. All you need is what you would like to eat or drink.
2. Can I split a charter with someone?
We occasionally get requests to split a charter if I can find another party seeking the same.  Most anglers look forward to fishing with a buddy or by themselves, getting all the "shots". We have found it difficult to be able to do.
3. How many people can fish from your boat?
We normally fish only two anglers at a time on our skiffs. The boat is small and not conducive to fishing three anglers, especially if fly fishing or sightfishing for bonefish, tarpon, permit or redfish on the flats. Three people may hamper our ability to get into the shallow water and do our intended job. If you just have to have a third person, whether fishing or not, an additional charge of $75 is added to the above rates. Best to hire a second boat, and bring along a fourth angler.
4. What kind of fishing do you do?
As a group, we can fish many different ways.  Some are shallow water specialists, specializing in SIGHTFISHING the flats for bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook and redfish on fly or light tackle. Others may utilize live bait in channels for snook and tarpon.  For those with children and those looking to fish for easier targets, we can venture out into the Everglades National Park for easier species to catch such as seatrout, jacks and ladyfish. Please follow this link for more fishinginformation.
5. What does it include?
The cost is for one or two anglers per boat, all licenses, bait and tackle and flies. You are responsible only for your lunch and liquids. Sunscreen, wide brim hat and polarized glasses (in an amber or brown tint) are also a good idea.
6. Do I have to bring my own tackle?
No, the guides in the Florida Keys are some of the best equipped in the world! All have all first quality equipment available to use for free. G-Loomis, Sage, Billy Pate, Daiwa.  Bring a favorite rod if you like, but discuss it with us  beforehand so that I can give you some recommendations.
7. Do I have to bring lunch?
You need only to bring lunch and liquids for yourself. We do not expect you to provide it for us. If it is arranged beforehand, we can do a Key's shore lunch and take a break from the heat at one of the many restaurants that dot the mainland.
8. I am bringing my spouse, and there is concern for a rest room.
Hey Ladies,  no problem!  At approximately 11:30 or so,  we can take a break and head to shore for a stop at a marina or take a break at a restaurant for lunch.
9. How do I contact you?
Please contact your guide directly here. captains
10. Where are you located?
We are located in the Islamorada an Key Largo area. The Upper Keys. it is approximately two hours from the Fort Lauderdale Airport, one and half hours from the Miami international Airport, and two hours from Key West Airport.  Please discuss your departure marina with your guide directly.
11. What Marina do you leave from?
Some of the guides are "trailer guides" leaving from different areas, others may be based in marinas. Tavernier Creek Marina, World Wide Sportsman, Bud and Mary's are all located in the Islamorada area. Please contact your guide for final departure plans.
12. What time do we start fishing?
Fishing time starts at agreed upon departure time, which is usually 7:30 am. Sometimes we may make other arrangements (i.e.: tarpon trips, cold weather, hot weather, inclement weather) We may leave earlier if tarpon fishing. When you call on  the evening before our charter, we can confirm the time and place of our departure.
13. How do I book a trip?
We will require a $100 deposit for each day chartered. Call your guide, let him know the day(s) you would like to fish.  While on the phone I'll give you an address to send the deposit to. Personal checks, cashiers and travelers checks are fine.  Please note: We are unable to process a credit card for any remaining balance after your charter.
14. I am arranging a trip on short notice, less than one week, do I need to send a deposit?
No, it probably won't make it down here in time anyway.  If you book a charter with me that is less than one week from the departure date, and I have not received a deposit from you, YOU MUST call me the evening before the charter so that I know you have arrived and will be at the dock in the morning.  I suggest to do this as well even if you have sent a deposit.
15.I thought I'd just call you when I arrive in the Keys to book a trip. Should I do this?
We don't recommend it, especially if you'd like to charter with us. The better guides are booked months in advance especially during peak season and if you call us last minute, most of our guides are probably booked as well. You'll see in some cases, our guides are booked months in advance.
16. What is your cancellation policy, Do I get my deposit back?
 A deposit ensures we will be gainfully employed that day and that you are serious about your charter. Our policy is: All deposits received are held if scheduled trip is canceled without a 30 day verbal telephone notice. No exceptions.  Deposits for charters that are canceled in excess of 30 days will be credited toward a trip within one year from original departure date if original departure date can be rebooked.
17. What if the weather is bad? What is your refund policy then?
If the weather is dangerous, (lightening, tropical storms, etc.) we will gladly refund your deposit to you. We don't care to be out in that stuff ourselves and it would be hard for us to impress you with our fishing skills on days like that.  You can expect a breeze here of 10 to 15 mph. Most of the locations we fish are protected and sheltered from the rough seas even if it blows 20 or more.  If we've a day available later in the week (and better weather seems possible), and you are able to, we will try and accommodate you as best we can.
18. What can I expect to catch?
    Our job as a guide is to match ones angling expertise with their expectations. Sight casting for bonefish, tarpon or permit is angling at it's most demanding form. Although with the right conditions, we can usually show you plenty of fish, It is up to you to cast correctly to them. The more proficient you are before you make it down to fish, the better chance you have of hooking and landing your intended target. The most productive fly fisherman have their casting skills honed long before their charter. That way I they can learn to see the fish, learn how to properly strip the fly and set the hook. I will gladly work with you to help with your casting technique. There are other species that we can fish for that are much easier to catch and can keep much busier with IF you're just looking for action. It's really an issue of quality vs. quantity of fish caught. .
19. Children and bonefish. Huh?
  Children under the age of 15 tend to need a bit more action during the day, so we'll typically fish for easier species such as seatrout, snapper, jacks and ladyfish. The patience and focus needed while sightfishing for redfish, bonefish, permit or tarpon is rare indeed from a young person. (even some adults)  Bonefish and the like demand patience, cooperation and a calmness factor on the skiff to be productive.  Best to limit a bonefish charter with a child to a half day.
20. Where should I stay while I'm there? Can you make any recommendations?
    Here is a link to a few hotels for starters. There are plenty and the prices range greatly. hotels If you stayed in either town (Key Largo or Islamorada), you would not be far (at most, 20 minutes) from our fishing departure spot.  Also if you plan to stay in Key West, you are approximately two hours away. Marathon is approximately 45 minutes away.
21. What should I bring with me on my trip?
The boats are small and don't have lots of storage. Keep gear to a minimum. Here is a link to some common items you might want to carry with you. list of gear Feel free to bring a few self tied flies along, but remember, we'll have all tackle, leaders, hooks that are necessary. No need to bring that giant Abel tackle bag along.
22. How many fish can I keep to take home?
Here it is a guide's choice. Some are strictly release guide, returning everything back to the water. Others adhere to the state's rules and regulations. Contact your guide directly for his policy.
23. When is the best time to catch a bonefish, tarpon etc.?
Remember, while sightfishing, the weather plays an important role in our ability to find a species.
We've got to have the sun to see the fish. The chart below pertains to optimum conditions. (sunlight and water temperature)
species size lbs
 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
bonefish 6-12
3*
 4*
5
5
5
4
4
4
5
5
5
4*
tarpon 10-150
1
2
3
4
5
5
4
3
2
2
1
1
redfish 3-12
3
4
4
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
3
3
permit 3-45
2
2
4
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
3
snook 5-15 
3
3
4
4
5
5
5
4
4
4
3
2
seatrout 1-3
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
3
4
4
5
 1=scarce, 2=spotty, 3=we'll have to work for them, 4= available if conditions proper, 5=best months to pursue
*there may be cold fronts during this time which may slow the bonefishing/redfishing

24. Florida's rules and regulations-----
For an updated listing of catch limits visit the Marine Fisheries Organization
25.  Gratuities. (We've tried to hide it at the bottom)
    This is an issue we hate to discuss when my clients ask us at the end of a charter, "What's a normal tip?" We offer this as a suggestion when fishing with us or any other guide.  When clients ask us how much is it proper to tip your guide, we offer them this piece of advice. First and foremost, It is most important that you feel your guide has worked hard to put you in front of fish (even though it has been totally overcast or very windy). Has he done his job of explaining the process of casting, seeing and hooking fish?  Has it been an enjoyable experience out on the water? Most guides, including myself, tend to judge the quality of the experience and effort provided for the day by one's gratuity. We've received tips of $100 per day and those that have just walked off the boat. At the end of a day we tend not to look at checks written or a wad of cash handed to me to count, so as not to seem they are mandatory. We also understand the charter can be a year long savings experience for some. We can assure you, they are GREATLY appreciated. Here in the Florida Keys, where we've the highest cost of living in the state of Florida,  they certainly help out . IF you feel you'd fish with one of our guides again, here goes.  As a flexible guideline, full day $50-$75. half day, $30-$50.


info@flakeysfishingguide.com