Join Captain Larry Wren on board his 37’ Merritt. She’s an offshore sportfishing boat, built in 1958 and restored in 2011 – like a fine wine she’s only gotten better with age. Her spacious deck allows for up to 6 anglers to fish at the same time in comfort, without tangling lines or bumping elbows. You’ll cruise comfortably across the water, thanks to her twin Cummins engines with 355HP each.

The fish species you’ll target with Capt. Larry are all offshore A-listers. Anglers looking to flex their hard-earned fishing muscles can hook up Amberjack or Mahi Mahi. If you’re a fan of trolling you can go after King Mackerel. You can also bottom fish for tasty Yellowtail Snapper and Grouper.

However, the main stars of the show are the big pelagic predators that First Choice Charters will take you after. Gorgeous Blue or White Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and Tuna are waiting offshore for the right angler to give them a fight. Kite fishing seasonally, Sailfish is a special treat! The captain also offers special Swordfishing trips where he’ll take you after them, with some light trolling on the way back.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sea wolf, Capt. Larry knows exactly how to assist you! He holds a Blue Star certificate issued by the National Marine Sanctuary making him an expert on the local ecosystem and responsible angling practices. Capt. Larry has guided guests on amazing fishing trips for the past 15 years and offers premier customer service.

There’s no minimum age for kids on trips with First Choice Charters. Vests for kids under 6 years old should be provided by the parents. Please let the Capt. know about any special needs guests before the trip.

So, if you’re looking for an epic fight to write home about or just a relaxing charter for the entire family, book a trip with First Choice Charters and see for yourself why Florida has the sterling fishing reputation it does.

Captain Larry and his team are fully vaccinated with Pfizer



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $975
    Spend 4 hours sport fishing. You will fish the closest waters in Islamorada. This area is home to Snapper, Barracuda, and Sailfish during the winter months. A great first-time or family activity. ***NOTE: No Mahi 1/2 day trips: May through October
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip
    In demand! Last booked: 16 hours ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $1,400
    If 4 hours of fishing isn't enough, add 2 more and enjoy excellent fishing for a little bit longer! You can target sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Swordfish, Wahoo, Barracuda, and many others! You will fish between 10 and 20 miles away from the dock. Note: 20% tip payable to the captain after the trip.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $1,600
    Spending an entire day fishing the bountiful waters off the coast of Florida may sound like a dream, but it's reality! You'll go after Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Barracuda, and whatever else takes the bait. You will head out between 3 and 40 miles offshore. Note: 20% tip payable to the captain after the trip.
  • Private trip
    Full Day – Offshore Deep Droping!
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Sep 1
    US $1,900
    Fish the deep reefs (500 to 1000 feet). Deepwater fish is the best-eating! This trip utilizes modern electric reels or hand crank to catch the fish from the bottom. This trip can be combined with offshore trolling for mahi.
    Targeted fish
    Tilefish
    Tilefish
    Grouper (Scamp)
    Scamp Grouper
    Grouper (Snowy)
    Snowy Grouper
  • Private trip
    Full Day Fish – Kite Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Nov 1 - Apr 1
    US $1,900
    Ever wanted to be on the boat with the kites in the air? We offer seasonal kite fishing specialty trips. This trip is geared towards sailfishing and is available from November through April. The thrill of watching the billfish eat the bait! Conditions dictate availability. Google eyes will be included along with freshly caught bait in the day.
    Targeted fish
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Sailfish
    Sailfish
    Wahoo
    Wahoo
    Shark (Blacktip)
    Blacktip Shark
    Bonito
    Bonito
    Mackerel (Atlantic)
    Atlantic Mackerel
  • Private trip
    Extended Swordfishing Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    12 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $2,000
    This trip will take you 28 miles offshore after the prestigious Swordfish. The boat is equipped with electric reels to help you reel the big beasts in! During the summer months you can troll for Mahi Mahi and Tuna on your way back from the trip. ** 20% tip payable to the captain after the trip ** *10% Fuel Surcharge*
There are 7 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about First Choice Charters

First Choice Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $975 per group - Half Day Trip (4 hours)
  • US $1,400 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $1,600 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
  • US $1,900 per group - Full Day – Offshore Deep Droping! (8 hours)
  • US $1,900 per group - Full Day Fish – Kite Fishing (8 hours)
  • US $2,000 per group - Extended Swordfishing Trip (12 hours)

When you book a trip with First Choice Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Full-head and sink
  • Fighting Chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Flybridge With tuna tower
  • Live Bait Well
  • Outriggers
  • Radio
  • Sonar

Trips booked with First Choice Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Troolling, sprnnong, kites, electric deep drop )
  • Live Bait (Prepared before except during winter – its caught)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • First Mate (20%)
  • Fishing License

First Choice Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing

First Choice Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Fly Fishing
  • Kite Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with First Choice Charters include:
  • Amberjack
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Sailfish
  • Swordfish
  • Wahoo

Meet the Captain

Larry Wren
Islamorada, Florida, United States
9 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
34 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since October 2014
My name is Captain Larry Wren and I would like to invite you to fish on the First Choice! My philosophy is simple, to supply the best boat, tackle, and not to sweat the extra expenses in doing this (after all you are worth it!). As a young child I fished Islamorada with Captain Hugh Brown and I was hooked for life. In an eighth grade report I wrote of becoming a charter captain in Islamorada. I have fished the world extensively both fresh and saltwater and have to say the fly rod should get more usage

About this listing

Targeted species

Amberjack Amberjack
Barracuda (Great) Great Barracuda
Cobia Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)

Boat specs

Merritt (Sportfishing) originally built in 1958, and restored in 2011. Powered by 2 355HP Cummins engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 28 knots.

Length
37 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Fishing techniques

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

Amenities

Toilet
Full-head and sink
Fighting Chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Flybridge
With tuna tower
Live Bait Well

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Troolling, sprnnong, kites, electric deep drop
Live Bait
Prepared before except during winter – its caught
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
First Mate
20%
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 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 not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Min. age required 6+, vests available for 6+
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

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
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 4% charge will apply.

Islamorada Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 34 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (58)
Fishing with Larry
birthday fishing trip New Year\u2019s Eve
birthday fishing trip New Year\u2019s Eve
+55
Angler rating
34
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
96%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
85%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
96%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 34 reviews
Chris C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Mayhem

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on December 29, 2023
As soon as we got to the fishing grounds it was non stop action. The mate & captain worked the entire time to make sure to...
Chris C. recommends First Choice Charters
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  Larry Wren Captain replied

Wendy S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Birthday fishing trip New Year’s Eve

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on December 31, 2023
Captain Larry was great. First fish we had on was a sailfish! He also put us on some nice black fin Tuna. Overall trip was...
Wendy S. recommends First Choice Charters
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  Larry Wren Captain replied

Jeff A.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Sailfishing off Islamorada

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on February 12, 2024
Had a great day with Captain Larry and First mate David. Got into some nice King mackerel. Both were very friendly and knowledgeable. ...
Jeff A. recommends First Choice Charters
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  Larry Wren Captain replied

Amanda M.
Grand Saline, TX
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

3/4 Day with Captain & Mate

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on July 2, 2023
We had a great day! The weather was perfect, the crew was awesome, and the water was beautiful. We brought our teenage daughters...
Amanda M. recommends First Choice Charters
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  Larry Wren Captain replied

Sheila S.
Miami, FL
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Got dolphin

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on June 19, 2023
Spent an extra long full-day searching for dolphin and got 6 to keep. Captain tried hard to find my first choice fish and went...
Sheila S. recommends First Choice Charters
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  Larry Wren Captain replied