Chelsea Charters – 48' Willis Craft 

4.8
(155 reviews)
 
Federally permitted
 83413 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036, United States–

Chelsea Charters – 48' Willis Craft 

Islamorada, FL, United States
–
48 ft
6
4.8
(155 reviews)

Chelsea Charters welcomes you down to the Florida Keys and invites you out for an action-packed day on the water. Take on tasty reef fish and hard-fighting pelagic predators with an experienced crew and an awesome boat. Charter fishing doesn't get any better than this!

The 'Phoebe' is a 48' Buddy Davis Custom Express which was expertly restored in 2017. She is powered by twin Cummins 450 HP engines and is licensed for up to 6 guests per trip. The vessel boasts a large, air-conditioned interior with a stereo and spacious seating where you can sit and relax. There's also a private bathroom with a clean, functioning marine toilet on board.

The Phoebe is equipped with quality fishing equipment, all of which is maintained on a regular basis. She has outriggers for the best trolling spreads and her large cockpit also has a fighting chair to let you take on big game beasts like Marlin and Sailfish.

The boat is captained and owned by Captain Frank Drudi. With over 20 years of fishing expertise and countless hours at sea, Capt. Frank has the skills and the drive to give you a fun, productive day out. Your first mate, Jason, will be happy to fillet and bag your catch once you get back to the dock.

The productive waters of Islamorada hold a large variety of migratory pelagics and other great fish. During your trip, you can target Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Snapper, Grouper, Sharks, Sailfish, and more. The crew of Phoebe caters to anglers of all ages and skill levels, regardless of if you're just starting out or have been on the water your entire life.

All fishing equipment is provided, including both live and artificial bait and licenses for everyone onboard. Snacks and drinks are also included, so just bring your sunscreen, your camera, and plenty of energy for the day ahead!

Chelsea Charters welcomes you down to the Florida Keys and invites you out for an action-packed day on the water. Take on tasty reef fish and hard-fighting pelagic predators with an experienced crew and an awesome boat. Charter fishing doesn't get any better than this!

The 'Phoebe' is a 48' Buddy Davis Custom Express which was expertly restored in 2017. She is powered by twin Cummins 450 HP engines and is licensed for up to 6 guests per trip. The vessel boasts a large, air-conditioned interior with a stereo and spacious seating where you can sit and relax. There's also a private bathroom with a clean, functioning marine toilet on board.

The Phoebe is equipped with quality fishing equipment, all of which is maintained on a regular basis. She has outriggers for the best trolling spreads and her large cockpit also has a fighting chair to let you take on big game beasts like Marlin and Sailfish.

The boat is captained and owned by Captain Frank Drudi. With over 20 years of fishing expertise and countless hours at sea, Capt. Frank has the skills and the drive to give you a fun, productive day out. Your first mate, Jason, will be happy to fillet and bag your catch once you get back to the dock.

The productive waters of Islamorada hold a large variety of migratory pelagics and other great fish. During your trip, you can target Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Snapper, Grouper, Sharks, Sailfish, and more. The crew of Phoebe caters to anglers of all ages and skill levels, regardless of if you're just starting out or have been on the water your entire life.

All fishing equipment is provided, including both live and artificial bait and licenses for everyone onboard. Snacks and drinks are also included, so just bring your sunscreen, your camera, and plenty of energy for the day ahead!

Frank Drudi
Captain
Frank Drudi

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Evening shark fishing
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 4:00 PM
Barracuda (Great)
Tarpon
Shark (Nurse)
US $700
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Trip (AM)
In high demand Last booked: 4 days ago
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $1,200
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 12:00 PM
US $1,200
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $1,600
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Trip
In high demand Last booked: 4 days ago
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $1,800
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Extended Full Day Trip - Swordfish
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
10 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $2,400
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 5 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.8
155 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (198)

What anglers say

94%
Great experience
97%
Family friendly
98%
Friendly captain
98%
Good boat
92%
Recommended
93%
Caught fish

All reviews (155)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 155 reviews
Jon Santos
Jon Santos
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great afternoon trip
Half Day Trip (PM) on July 31, 2026 • 6 adults

We went out with Capt Frank and crew for a four hour trip in the afternoon. Started catching a bunch of yellow tail snappers right away. Also caught a mutton snapper, almaco jack, jack crevalle, bonita, and a nurse shark! Super fun to battle with those bigger fish! Frank knew just where to go - seemed like the fish whisperer - he knew where the hungry fish were so we’d get some bites! Had a few big ones get away too. Zach and Ivy were awesome mates too, keeping the rods baited and in the water, making sure we caught as many as we could! Very knowleagable and personable! Fun to fish with and talk to.

Reported catch:
Mutton Snapper
Red Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Frank Drudi
Response from Captain

Thank you Jon. We appreciate the great review.

Kyle Davie
Kyle Davie
us
Texas, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
A Great Day on the water
Half Day Trip (PM) on July 6, 2026 • 3 adults

We had an incredible experience on our 1/2-day charter with Captain Frank and Mate Steven! Two of us were brand new to deep sea fishing, and they made the entire trip fun, relaxing, and easy from start to finish. They were patient, knowledgeable, and always ready to help, making sure everyone had a great time. We caught several fish, learned a lot, and created some amazing memories out on the water. If you’re looking for a great fishing charter with a fantastic crew, we highly recommend Captain Frank and Mate Steven. We can’t wait to book another trip!

Reported catch:
Yellowtail Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Frank Drudi
Response from Captain

Thank you for that great review and for choosing to fish with us. I appreciate it.

Chrissy Pappas
Chrissy Pappas
us
Colorado, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
4 hour afternoon trip!
Half Day Trip (PM) on December 29, 2025 • 4 adults

We had a great time with Captain Dru and Zach. We left around 2 pm for a 4 hr trip. They found the perfect spot and we caught 26 snappers! We tried for some bigger fish and ended up reeling in some hefty sharks, which was super fun for our son. Zach is a great first mate and helped us all keep the reels baited and the fish coming in. He filleted all of our fish after the trip. The boat was comfortable and we enjoyed watching the sun set on the bow. such a great trip and would recommend these guys !

Reported catch:
Yellowtail Snapper
Frank Drudi
Response from Captain

Thank you again for fishing with is and the super review. We certainly appreciate it.

Chris Potts
Chris Potts
Repeat angler
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2024
3 trips
5.0
Verified
wonderful experience!!
3/4 Day Trip on July 13, 2026 • 3 adults

They took us on last minute when the original charter had to cancel due to engine problems. Captain and mate were both amazing. Caught lots of fish, if we weren't on the bite, he didn't waste time moving. Loved that music was playing. we ad a blast!! Thank you for helping making memories!

Reported catch:
Mutton Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Frank Drudi
Response from Captain

Thank you Chris

Randy Knowles
Randy Knowles
Repeat angler
us
Texas, US
Member since 2026
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Fantastic Day in the Keys!!
Full Day Trip on June 28, 2026 • 2 adults

Dru and Zach were Great! They look put us on the fish all day long. We caught Yellowtail, Red Snapper, and Mahi.

Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Red Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
+1
Frank Drudi
Response from Captain

Thanks again Randy.

FAQs about Chelsea Charters – 48' Willis Craft

Chelsea Charters – 48' Willis Craft offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $700 per group - Evening shark fishing (3 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,600 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $1,800 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
  • US $2,400 per group - Extended Full Day Trip - Swordfish (10 hours)
When you book a trip with Chelsea Charters – 48' Willis Craft, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • Air conditioning
  • Fighting chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Flybridge
  • Live bait well
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Chelsea Charters – 48' Willis Craft include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Caught during the trip)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • First mate (20% gratuity not included in trip price)
  • Fishing license
Chelsea Charters – 48' Willis Craft offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing (Up to 28 miles)
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
Chelsea Charters – 48' Willis Craft offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Kite fishing
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Chelsea Charters – 48' Willis Craft include:
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grouper (Snowy)
  • Marlin (Blue)
  • Sailfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Shark (Mako)
  • Snapper (Mutton)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snapper (Vermilion)
  • Snapper (Yellowtail)
  • Wahoo

Your captain

Frank Drudi
Frank Drudi
Islamorada, Florida, United States
1 Fishing Report
155 Customer reviews
Typical response within 2 hours
Member since October 2014
Captain Frank Drudi has been running charters for over two decades and has been fishing since he was old enough to hold a rod. As the owner-operator of Chelsea Charters, Capt. Frank takes it upon himself to make sure that every trip aboard his vessel is fun, memorable and preferably bountiful. Let him show you just how good the fishing in the Keys really is.
Our Team
Zachary C.
Zachary C.
Captain
Frank Drudi
Frank Drudi
1
reports
155
reviews
2014
member since
~3h
response
Captain Frank Drudi has been running charters for over two decades and has been fishing since he was old enough to hold a rod. As the owner-operator of Chelsea Charters, Capt. Frank takes it upon himself to make sure that every trip aboard his vessel is fun, memorable and preferably bountiful. Let him show you just how good the fishing in the Keys really is.
The crew
Zachary C.
Zachary C.
Captain

The fish you can target

Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Snowy Grouper
Snowy Grouper
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
Sailfish
Sailfish
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Mako Shark
Mako Shark
Mutton Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Wahoo
Wahoo
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Snowy Grouper
Snowy Grouper
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
Sailfish
Sailfish

Real catches by this captain

  • Great Trip
    Trinidad M.
    Trinidad M.
  • Great afternoon trip
    Jon S.
    Jon S.
  • wonderful experience!!
    Chris P.
    Chris P.
  • A Great Day on the water
    Kyle D.
    Kyle D.
  • Fantastic Day in the Keys!!
    Randy K.
    Randy K.
  • Awesome time!
    Krystal W.
    Krystal W.
  • Experienced captain and crew, big boat and caught a ton of fish!!!
    Michelle K.
    Michelle K.
  • 4 hour afternoon trip!
    Chrissy P.
    Chrissy P.
  • put us on fish in the slow season
    Matt B.
    Matt B.
  • WHAT A DAY! 🐟🐟🐟
    Evan S.
    Evan S.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
48 ft
Year built
1966
Restored in
2017
Boat manufacturer
Willis Craft
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Cummins
Powered by
2 x 450HP
Max cruising speed
25 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Kite Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Air conditioning
Fighting chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Flybridge
Live bait well
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Outriggers
Ice box
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Caught during the trip
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
First mate
20% gratuity not included in trip price
Fishing license

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 14 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 14 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
No min. age, life jackets supplied
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash
 Visa
 Mastercard
 American Express
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3.5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Islamorada right now

Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Marlin (Blue)Marlin (Blue)
SailfishSailfish
Shark (Blacktip)Shark (Blacktip)
Snapper (Mutton)Snapper (Mutton)
Snapper (Vermilion)Snapper (Vermilion)
Snapper (Yellowtail)Snapper (Yellowtail)
WahooWahoo

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Chelsea Charters – 48' Willis Craft
Chelsea Charters – 48' Willis Craft
Federally permitted
4.8
(155)
48 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
4 hour trip • 6 persons
US $1,200