[soggy dog]

Going down to the Keys in middle to late March 2009 with a childhood friend of mine, who lives in Daytona. His father, who is no longer with us, used to take us fishing here in MD.

I've decided to lodge at the Holiday Isle Beach Resort & Marina because of the amenities. It'll be be just the 2 of us so I'm looking at the following charters for a few days of fishin' and having a good time. Charter Cpts. are a lot like Doctors IMHO, some know how to fish their A off but have bad "bedside manners."

Since it's just me and my friend we're going to have book "make up charters" as it's called in my kneck of the woods, or splurge and just charter the boat for the 2 of us.

Below are my choices of charters. Any info/advice on Cpts. would be greatly appreciated ;-)

- Dee Cee
- Gold Reserve
- Gotcha
- Tag 'Em
- Pirate's Choice

 

[Capt Frank]

Unfortunately, having fished many times in the Keys, since 1971, your characterization of the guides is dead on. Some of the great guides I knew are gone now. A good friend of mine left KW last year, he guided since the mid 80s. He prolly had the best comparison I heard. The ones that talked very little, took you out to the fishing spot, and acted like you were a pain in the azz, he called them yuppee guides. Then there was the talkative types, like him, always having a great time, fishing till you drop, telling fish tales, learning about the environment and fishery, catching fish, a real bonus. What I learned many years ago from my father, a charter Captain, for over 20 years, is that a poor fishing trip, is a trip that may or may not result in success in catching but bad company, whereas a great fishing trip may or may not result in catching a lifetime fish, but always a good conversation. You'll know when you've met the great guide, because, you'll step off the boat, with way more knowledge then when you came aboard. I do miss Larry Cohen, he was one of those guides. Now I still think Lenny Roberts is still guiding in Islamorada. I met Lenny many years ago at a fly show in College Park Md, he also does all types light tackle. Ive recommended Lenny, and people go back time after time. He is a fishing fanatic, which is prolly why he is successful. Like me he fishes 7 days a week whether guiding or not, he's just a nice dude. If he's not available, ask for a recommendation, I dont think he'll steer you wrong. If you talk to him, tell him Capt Frank from Punta Gorda sends his regards. Tight lines, Capt Frank
Capt. Len Roberts Index Page

 

[soggy dog]

Thanks Capt Frank,

 

[Al B]

Try Capt. Chris Barron on Stray Cats.

Florida Keys Tarpon Fishing Charters Florida Keys Tarpon Fishing Guides Florida Keys Offshore Fishing Guides

Helluva nice guy and can FISH.

 

[soggy dog]

Thanks Al B,

I'm definitely going to make some phone calls. I was recently informed that my friend is going to Iraq in April, who knows when we will be able to fish together again. The S is on now...:rockon::rockingreport::bigfish:

 

[jrhjr]

Holiday Isle

I think Bill Wert is still there,
or try George Clark or his son Key Largo Deep Sea Fishing, Backcountry Fishing Charters The Florida Keys Fishing Guides

 

[cocnavitch]

You may want to check out the guides/offsore capt.Some only give u a part of your catch.I went down that time last year and the offshore fishing was poor.You can get a capt no problem once you are there most boats are not fishing due to the ecomony.Alot of the boat have also moved out of Holiday Isle

 

[soggy dog]

Thanks to everyone for this valuable information. Unfortunately, my friend is now unable to take off work so I won't be making the trip this year I don't care to fish alone. I was hoping to post a :rockingreport: to this thread next month but I guess it wasn't meant to be this year.

Thanks Again and...