Chelsea Charters – 48' Willis Craft 

4.8/5 (133 reviews)
 
Federally permitted
 83413 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036, United States

Chelsea Charters – 48' Willis Craft 

 
Federally permitted
4.8/5 (133 reviews)
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83413 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL, United States

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!

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.8/5
out of 5 stars from 133 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
4.9/5
Experience
4.8/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (162)

WHAT A DAY! 🐟🐟🐟
Great captain and crew
Great captain and crew
+159

Angler rating

116
6
2
2
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

93%

Appropriate for children

97%

Friendly captain

98%

Satisfied with the boat

98%

Recommend this charter

92%

Caught fish

91%

Showing 1 - 5 of 133 reviews
Showing: 5 of 133 reviews
Todd Page
Todd Page
5.0
Verified
Amazing Trip
Full Day Trip on August 8, 20255 adults
Had an amazing trip with this charter, meeting place was an easy find, boat was clean, crew was friendly and helpful to beginners. Captain Drudi was a phenomenal captain showing real effort and skill. The first mate was amazing as well! Overall we did 2 full day trips and caught the fish we wanted to! Definitely recommend this charter to anyone looking for a fun trip, beginners to experienced fishermen!
Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Snowy Grouper
Yellowtail Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Response from Captain
August 10, 2025
Todd , Thanks for the awesome review and choosing to go with us. We certainly appreciate a two day trip.
0
Evan Somano
Evan Somano
5.0
Verified
WHAT A DAY! 🐟🐟🐟
Full Day Trip on August 10, 20256 adults
Drew and Zach make a great team, they kept me and boys on fish and knew exactly what to do when to do it. From keeping the boat out of the way to the perfect cast placements. I’ve been fishing since I was 6 and this is how it’s done. Thanks again gents, till next time. Fish caught: Tuna (limit), Mahi, Jacks
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Response from Captain
August 12, 2025
Thank you Evan you guys were a pleasure to fish with.
0
Miriam Scharf
Miriam Scharf
5.0
Verified
Great Captain and excellent deck hand
Full Day Trip on May 8, 20252 adults
Caught a bunch of different earring fish... Snapper, triple tail. Tuna, and mahi. Was a great day of fishing. Didn't catch a huge one, but we were very satisfied with what we landed. Zach the deckhand was very knowledge and personable. He put us on the right bait and we landed a ton of fish while the other boats, around us, weren't catching anything. Overall, the day was great and boat was very nice and clean.
Response from Captain
May 24, 2025
Thank you Miriam. We appreciate you choosing to fish with is and the great review.
0
Thomas Pavlik
Thomas Pavlik
5.0
Verified
Great time for all
Full Day Trip on July 14, 20254 adults
Trolling wasn’t producing much action so Captain Frank changed it up to bottom fishing at the Hump and everyone caught huge amberjack and grouper. We had a great time and would definitely go out again.
Response from Captain
July 15, 2025
Thanks again Tom. Nice job on the bottom fish.
0
Mathew Richards
Mathew Richards
5.0
Verified
Great trip, Great crew, Great environment
Full Day Trip on November 9, 20252 adults
Capt frank kept us on the fish all day. First mate Zach kept the lines baited and tended to the entire time. Absolutely no slack on this boat. Definitely would recommend.
Response from Captain
November 16, 2025
Awesome review. Thanks again Matt
0

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
December 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Half Day Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $1,100
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 12:00 PM
US $1,100
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
6 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $1,500
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
8 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $1,700
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 $2,200
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.8/5
out of 5 stars from 133 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
4.9/5
Experience
4.8/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (162)

WHAT A DAY! 🐟🐟🐟
Great captain and crew
Great captain and crew
+159

Angler rating

116
6
2
2
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

93%

Appropriate for children

97%

Friendly captain

98%

Satisfied with the boat

98%

Recommend this charter

92%

Caught fish

91%

Showing 1 - 5 of 133 reviews
Showing: 5 of 133 reviews
Todd Page
Todd Page
5.0
Verified
Amazing Trip
Full Day Trip on August 8, 20255 adults
Had an amazing trip with this charter, meeting place was an easy find, boat was clean, crew was friendly and helpful to beginners. Captain Drudi was a phenomenal captain showing real effort and skill. The first mate was amazing as well! Overall we did 2 full day trips and caught the fish we wanted to! Definitely recommend this charter to anyone looking for a fun trip, beginners to experienced fishermen!
Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Snowy Grouper
Yellowtail Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Response from Captain
August 10, 2025
Todd , Thanks for the awesome review and choosing to go with us. We certainly appreciate a two day trip.
0
Evan Somano
Evan Somano
5.0
Verified
WHAT A DAY! 🐟🐟🐟
Full Day Trip on August 10, 20256 adults
Drew and Zach make a great team, they kept me and boys on fish and knew exactly what to do when to do it. From keeping the boat out of the way to the perfect cast placements. I’ve been fishing since I was 6 and this is how it’s done. Thanks again gents, till next time. Fish caught: Tuna (limit), Mahi, Jacks
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Response from Captain
August 12, 2025
Thank you Evan you guys were a pleasure to fish with.
0
Miriam Scharf
Miriam Scharf
5.0
Verified
Great Captain and excellent deck hand
Full Day Trip on May 8, 20252 adults
Caught a bunch of different earring fish... Snapper, triple tail. Tuna, and mahi. Was a great day of fishing. Didn't catch a huge one, but we were very satisfied with what we landed. Zach the deckhand was very knowledge and personable. He put us on the right bait and we landed a ton of fish while the other boats, around us, weren't catching anything. Overall, the day was great and boat was very nice and clean.
Response from Captain
May 24, 2025
Thank you Miriam. We appreciate you choosing to fish with is and the great review.
0
Thomas Pavlik
Thomas Pavlik
5.0
Verified
Great time for all
Full Day Trip on July 14, 20254 adults
Trolling wasn’t producing much action so Captain Frank changed it up to bottom fishing at the Hump and everyone caught huge amberjack and grouper. We had a great time and would definitely go out again.
Response from Captain
July 15, 2025
Thanks again Tom. Nice job on the bottom fish.
0
Mathew Richards
Mathew Richards
5.0
Verified
Great trip, Great crew, Great environment
Full Day Trip on November 9, 20252 adults
Capt frank kept us on the fish all day. First mate Zach kept the lines baited and tended to the entire time. Absolutely no slack on this boat. Definitely would recommend.
Response from Captain
November 16, 2025
Awesome review. Thanks again Matt
0

FAQs about Chelsea Charters – 48' Willis Craft

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The fish you can target

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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
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