Get ready for a Florida-style showdown and book your next fishing trip with Hillbilly Hookers! The best way to experience the Keys is with a local expert who knows all the best spots to put you on some remarkable fish. Captain Andrew Mercer invites you to join him on an island-hopping adventure while adding some weight to his boat!

The captain’s vessel is a 35’ Bluewater center console, built for versatility and comfort. She’s powered by 3 powerful 300 HP Suzuki engines and can easily cruise up to 40 knots, bringing you to some of the top fishing grounds in the area. The boat’s GPS and fishfinder will help you navigate the waters to make sure you’re at the right place at the right time.

Explore the world-famous Dry Tortugas Islands and go trolling for Mahi, Tuna, Sailfish, Wahoo, and Kingfish. You’ll also have a chance to drift or bottom fish over some of the most productive wrecks and reefs along the Keys to target various Snapper and Grouper species.

There’s also snorkeling equipment available if you’d like to take a break and go for a dip. This is a great way to experience a unique opportunity and swim with the fish! If you have your own spearfishing gear, feel free to bring it along and enjoy a fun underwater challenge! For everything else, you’ll be provided with top-quality rods and reels, as well as live and dead bait, and artificial lures.

Capt. Andrew is flexible and will customize your trip to best suit your preferences. If you want to do a combination of different types of fishing or focus on one style, just let him know and he’ll make it work. The most important thing is that you’re having fun and creating lasting memories!

Hillbilly Hookers Charters’ mission is simple: “It’s all about putting you on fish while putting a smile on your face.” Your license is already provided, so you can get right down to the fishing and a fun adventure ahead. Feel free to pack some snacks, drinks, and whatever else you need and get ready for the unexpe



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day – Reef/Wreck Fishing (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    $900
    Fish the vast nearshore reefs and wrecks surrounding Key West. This trip is great for all levels, from beginners to seasoned fishermen. Your targetted catch will vary between various Snapper species, as well as Grouper, Barracuda, Kingfish and more!
  • Private trip
    Half Day – Reef/Wreck Fishing (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    $900
    Get ready to explore the many reefs and wrecks that surround Key West. This trip is a great way to introduce beginners to the wonderful world of bottom and drift fishing. Seasoned fisherman and enthusiasts will also have their fair share of challenges as they try to outsmart some of these bottom tricksters. Your targetted species are Mangrove, Mutton, Yellowtail and Red Snapper, as well as Gag, Black, and Red Grouper. All these bottom-dwellers have one thing in common; they are absolutely delicious!
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    $1,100
    This 6-hour window provides plenty of opportunities to target a wider range of species. With this trip, you'll get to go farther offshore in search of Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Marlin. Once you've had your fill, you'll venture closer to the reef to hook a Snapper, Grouper, or plenty of other fish that like to feast upon these underwater structures. Let's go fishing and see how much weight you can add to the boat!
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    $1,300
    Eight hours gives you plenty of time to venture off further from the shore and try out several different techniques including trolling and bottom fishing. While you're out on the deeper waters, you'll target Tuna, Sailfish, and Mahi. Then, drift or bottom fish over reefs to try and reel in a Snapper or Grouper. Afterward, you'll be able to stop at a local sandbar or private island to relax after a long day of fishing. If you wanna keep fishing instead, then continue fishing and fill that cooler up!
  • Private trip
    Dry Tortugas Family Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    $2,250
    This trip is for the family who wants to go to the Dry Tortugas but are more interested in sightseeing, snorkeling, beach combing and mild fishing. The day generally consist of heading straight to the fort. Explore the fort and take in the beautiful scenery and the history it has to offer. We then typically head over to Loggerhead Key which has a pristine beach and amazing snorkeling. From there we can stop at a couple spots to catch some fish or head on back to Key West.
  • Private trip
    Full Day – Dry Tortugas Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    $2,250
    Go fishing around the world famous Dry Tortugas Islands. This is a vast region that lies 72 miles west of Key West and its productive waters are home to many different types of fish. Catches typically include various Snapper and Grouper species, Wahoo, Tuna and many more! Please note, this trip is designed for the "serious angler" as it is a 2.5-hour ride each direction with about 7 hours of solid, action-packed fishing.
There are 12 people looking at this charter.

About the Captain

Andrew Mercer
Key West, Florida, United States
ID & License verified
173 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since April 2019
Captain Andrew Mercer holds a 200 Ton Masters license with a "Master of Towing." He started his career in the United States Coast Guard, stationed in Key West. Since 2002, he's been working and fishing the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, from Louisiana and Florida, all the way up to North Carolina. His mission is to put people on fish while having a great time out on the water. Capt. Andrew describes himself and his team at Hillbilly Hookers as "a laid-back operation that has a passion for the ocean." The crew is entertaining and their trips are always exciting, so book your excursion today and be sure to get hooked!

About this listing

Targeted species

Cobia Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Black) Black Grouper
Grouper (Gag) Gag Grouper

Boat specs

Bluewater (Center console) originally built in 2009, and restored in 2020. Powered by 3 300HP Suzuki engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 45 knots.

Length
35 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Nearshore Fishing
15-20 miles
Offshore Fishing
Up to 90 miles!
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Drift Fishing
Kite Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
GPS
Fishfinder
Flybridge
Live Bait Well
Multimedia System

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Water & ice
First Mate
Tips are much appreciated!
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 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.

Listing policies

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child Friendly
All ages welcome!
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.
Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% 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
PayPal
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 2% charge will apply.

Key West Fishing Calendar

Loading Fish Calendar!
Please Wait...

Customer reviews

Rating Summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 173 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (238)
Off the Hook Amazing Fishing Charter!!!
Off the Hook Amazing Fishing Charter!!!
Off the Hook Amazing Fishing Charter!!!
+235
Angler Rating
164
3
0
0
0
Anglers Claimed
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Catch intended fish
94%
Sort By:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 173 reviews
Shelby E.
Johnson City, TN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Off the Hook Amazing Fishing Charter!!!

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on February 21, 2023
This fishing charter went above and beyond exceeding all my expectations!!! We loved the boat and Captain Andrew and First...
Shelby E. recommends Hillbilly Hookers Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Shelby E. recommends Hillbilly Hookers Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Gary D.
Lenoir City, TN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Hillbilly hookers charter is an out standing charter service.

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on April 18, 2022
After catching bait in the morning and heading out to sea, on the second stop we caught four mahi-mahi. Not great big ones...
Gary D. recommends Hillbilly Hookers Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Gary D. recommends Hillbilly Hookers Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Carolyn W.
Lawrenceburg, KY
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full Day Trip with Captain Andrew of Hillbilly Hookers

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on September 5, 2022
We has a great day. Weather was perfect.  Caught Grouper and Yellowtail to bring home. Caught other fish that were catch...
Carolyn W. recommends Hillbilly Hookers Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Carolyn W. recommends Hillbilly Hookers Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Mark S.
Tampa, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

6 hour trip with Capt. Andrew and first mate Calvin

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on December 12, 2022
Excellent captain and crew kept me after a variety of fish trolling and bottom fishing. Caught a very large red grouper, large...
Mark S. recommends Hillbilly Hookers Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Mark S. recommends Hillbilly Hookers Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Scott M.
Riverview, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Family had a blast!

VERIFIED   Half Day – Reef/Wreck Fishing (AM) on November 17, 2022
Took my wife and son out on their first fishing adventure, sad the sea conditions weren’t the best, but Andrew made the best...
Scott M. recommends Hillbilly Hookers Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Scott M. recommends Hillbilly Hookers Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

FAQs about Hillbilly Hookers Charters

Hillbilly Hookers Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • $900 per group - Half Day – Reef/Wreck Fishing (AM) (4 hours)
  • $900 per group - Half Day – Reef/Wreck Fishing (PM) (4 hours)
  • $1,100 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • $1,300 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
  • $2,250 per group - Dry Tortugas Family Trip (10 hours)
  • $2,250 per group - Full Day – Dry Tortugas Fishing (10 hours)

When you book a trip with Hillbilly Hookers Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Flybridge
  • Live Bait Well
  • Multimedia System
  • Outriggers
  • Ice Box
  • Radar

Trips booked with Hillbilly Hookers Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks (Water & ice)
  • First Mate (Tips are much appreciated!)
  • Fishing License

Hillbilly Hookers Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore Fishing (15-20 miles)
  • Offshore Fishing (Up to 90 miles!)
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing

Hillbilly Hookers Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Drift Fishing
  • Kite Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Hillbilly Hookers Charters include:
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Black)
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • Sailfish
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snapper (Mutton)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snapper (Yellowtail)
  • Tuna (Albacore)
  • Wahoo