Hillbilly Hookers Charters
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Hillbilly Hookers Charters

State licensed
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(196 reviews)
• Angler's Choice
Map of Stock Island, FL, United States
Shrimp Road 7001
Stock Island, FL, United States
Trips & prices
Targeted species
What's included
Boat info
Reviews
Contact captain

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 38 Fountain center console, built for versatility and comfort. She’s powered by 3 powerful 350 HP Mercury 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 unexpected.

  • Fishing License
  • Live Bait
  • You Keep Catch
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks
  • Toilet
  • Child Friendly
  • Ice Box
  • Rods, reels & tackle

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
    US $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!
    Types of fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Heavy Tackle
    Spinning
  • Private trip
    Half Day – Reef/Wreck Fishing (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    US $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!
    Types of fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Heavy Tackle
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Reef/Wreck
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,100
    This 6-hour window provides plenty of opportunities venture farther from Key West to target grouper, snapper, porgie, african pompano and other bottom fish.
    Types of fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Jigging
    Heavy Tackle
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
  • Private trip
    Half Day Offshore
    In demand! Last booked: 4 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,100
    This trip is for anyone who has limited time but still wants to try for mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo and sailfish. With a limited time we will run till we find optimal conditions and target these species. The time of year dictates the species we can target offshore.
    Types of fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Kite Fishing
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Offshore
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,300
    A 6 hour trip targeting pelagic species such as mahi, tuna, wahoo, sailfish, marlin. Pelagic fish targeted depend on what is in season at the time. We will use different techniques depending on species targeted. Run and Gun for mahi, live bait tuna, troll for wahoo, fly kites for sailfish, troll for white and blue marlin.
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Kite Fishing
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Marlin (Blue)
    Blue Marlin
    Marlin (White)
    White Marlin
    Sailfish
    Sailfish
    Wahoo
    Wahoo
    Tuna (Albacore)
    Albacore Tuna
  • Private trip
    Full Day Reef/Wreck
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,300
    Eight hours gives you more time to run to more distant reefs and wrecks that see less pressure. We will target red grouper, black grouper, mutton snapper, red snapper, african pompano, porgie, yellowtail snapper. Depending on the time of year what species we will target and the depth at which we will target them.
    Types of fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Heavy Tackle
    Spinning
  • Private trip
    Full Day Offshore
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,500
    8 hours offshore gives us a lot of options as to which pelagic species we can target, they included mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo, marlin and swordfish. Depending on the time of year which species we are able to target. We use a several different techniques depending on species targeted. Live bait, trolling gear, kites and electric reels are some things we use to target these fish.
    Types of fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Kite Fishing
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
  • Private trip
    Dry Tortugas Family Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $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
    In demand! Last booked: 2 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $2,500
    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.
    Types of fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Heavy Tackle
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
There are 6 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Hillbilly Hookers Charters

Hillbilly Hookers Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $900 per group - Half Day – Reef/Wreck Fishing (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $900 per group - Half Day – Reef/Wreck Fishing (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,100 per group - 3/4 Day Reef/Wreck (6 hours)
  • US $1,100 per group - Half Day Offshore (4 hours)
  • US $1,300 per group - 3/4 Day Offshore (6 hours)
  • US $1,300 per group - Full Day Reef/Wreck (8 hours)
  • US $1,500 per group - Full Day Offshore (8 hours)
  • US $2,250 per group - Dry Tortugas Family Trip (10 hours)
  • US $2,500 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

Meet the Captain

Andrew Mercer
Stock Island, Florida, United States
ID & license verified
196 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since April 2019
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
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
Report listing

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 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% 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.

Stock Island Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 196 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (284)
Great Day!
Great Day!
Fishing with Andrew
+281
Angler rating
185
5
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Appropriate for children
97%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
96%
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Showing:
5 of 196 reviews
Lawrence A.
Miami, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

3/4 day with the Family.

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Reef/Wreck on September 3, 2023
We had a really great time for six hours riding on the hillbilly hookers. Captain, Andy and his son were great. Anytime we...
Lawrence A. recommends Hillbilly Hookers Charters
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Tammy T.
Stony Creek, VA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Perfect day of fishing

VERIFIED   Full Day Reef/Wreck on August 18, 2023
We had an amazing time on the Hillbilly Hooker charter. Andrew the Captain was extremely patient and knowledgeable and helped...
Tammy T. recommends Hillbilly Hookers Charters
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Julia F.
Winterville, NC
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Tortugas trip with Andrew

VERIFIED   Full Day – Dry Tortugas Fishing on August 5, 2023
Our family of five thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the Tortugas and beyond with Andrew and his first mate Cal. It was a full...
Julia F. recommends Hillbilly Hookers Charters
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Roger F.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Day!

VERIFIED   NEW  3/4 Day Reef/Wreck on April 10, 2024
It was my first time fishing Florida waters and the captain gave me a great day on the water catching a variety of fish. ...
Roger F. recommends Hillbilly Hookers Charters
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Paul B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great day on the water

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Reef/Wreck on January 2, 2024
Captain Andrew and Noah were great. We were chasing fish all day and had a lot of success. On Andrew’s recommendation, we...
Paul B. recommends Hillbilly Hookers Charters
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