First Choice Charters 

4.9/5 (46 reviews)
 
Federally permitted
 83413 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, United States
 
Federally permitted
4.9/5 (46 reviews)
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83413 Overseas Hwy
Islamorada, FL, United States

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

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 46 reviews
Boat
4.7/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
5.0/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (83)

Beautiful day on the water and a great crew!
Beautiful day on the water and a great crew!
Beautiful day on the water and a great crew!
+80

Angler rating

44
2
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

100%

Appropriate for children

86%

Friendly captain

97%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

100%

Caught fish

97%

Showing 1 - 5 of 46 reviews
Showing: 5 of 46 reviews
John D.
John D.
5.0/5

Mar 19, 2025

Half Day Trip

Great family trip

VERIFIED

We had a wonderful morning with Capt Larry and Tommy. They worked hard to ensure our two boys (7 and 5) had a great time pulling in snapper despite the fish being a little temperamental. They were good about explaining what they were doing, looking for, types of fish, etc. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back out with First Choice and Capt Larry again.

We had a wonderful morning with Capt Larry and Tommy. They worked hard to ensure our two boys (7 and 5) had a great time pulling...  

Captain replied
 John D. recommends First Choice Charters
 John D. recommends First Choice Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on March 19, 2025
Thank you for a great day
Review media 0

Bryan A.
Bryan A.
5.0/5

Jan 14, 2025

Half Day Trip

King!

VERIFIED

Great morning on the boat with Captain Larry and First Mate Frank. Both guys are very nice and know their fishing. I took the 4 hour offshore excursion and the time flew by. We caught some King Mackerel and a shark. I had a Wahoo on my line but it bit through the leader and got away. I would definitely use First Choice again. When it was over Captain Larry filleted my fish and I took it to Wahoos for lunch and they fried it up for my lunch! Delicious! Thanks guys.

Great morning on the boat with Captain Larry and First Mate Frank. Both guys are very nice and know their fishing. I took the...  

Review media 0
Review media 0
Captain replied
 Bryan A. recommends First Choice Charters
 Bryan A. recommends First Choice Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on January 14, 2025
Thank you for a great day on the water!

R. C. M.
R. C. M.
5.0/5

Jul 13, 2025

3/4 Day Trip

Beautiful day on the water and a great crew!

VERIFIED

We picked a challenging day because the fish were feeding overnight from a full moon but Capt Larry knows how to find em and what to present for lunch! Calm seas and sunshine only made the trip more memorable but the coolest catch of the day was a message in the bottle sent out by some kids from Georgia.

We picked a challenging day because the fish were feeding overnight from a full moon but Capt Larry knows how to find em and what...  

Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 0
Captain replied
 R. C. M. recommends First Choice Charters
 R. C. M. recommends First Choice Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 15, 2025
Tank you! Look forward to doing it again

Felix H.
Felix H.
5.0/5

Aug 2, 2025

3/4 Day Trip

Real professionals

VERIFIED
NEW

It could not have been nicer

It could not have been nicer  

Captain replied
 Felix H. recommends First Choice Charters
 Felix H. recommends First Choice Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on August 3, 2025
Thank you

G D. B.
G D. B.
4.7/5

Apr 14, 2025

3/4 Day Trip

Good production on a scratchy day

VERIFIED

Larry and crew you had a fine fish and deal with them. As an experienced Angler I could see their experience in these waters, which was why I booked them in the first place. I was happy with my choice, first choice

Larry and crew you had a fine fish and deal with them. As an experienced Angler I could see their experience in these waters,...  

Captain replied
 G D. B. recommends First Choice Charters
 G D. B. recommends First Choice Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on April 14, 2025
Thank you! The wahoo was the best

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
August 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Half Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
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US $1,075 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
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US $1,400 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
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US $1,600 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day – Offshore Deep Droping!
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip May 1 - Sep 1
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US $1,900 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Fish – Kite Fishing
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip Nov 1 - Apr 1
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US $1,900 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Extended Swordfishing Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
12 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
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US $2,000 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 8 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 46 reviews
Boat
4.7/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
5.0/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (83)

Beautiful day on the water and a great crew!
Beautiful day on the water and a great crew!
Beautiful day on the water and a great crew!
+80

Angler rating

44
2
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

100%

Appropriate for children

86%

Friendly captain

97%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

100%

Caught fish

97%

Showing 1 - 5 of 46 reviews
Showing: 5 of 46 reviews
John D.
John D.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great family trip

VERIFIED

Half Day Trip on March 19, 2025

We had a wonderful morning with Capt Larry and Tommy. They worked hard to ensure our two boys (7 and 5) had a great time pulling in snapper despite the fish being a little temperamental. They were good about explaining what they were doing, looking for, types of fish, etc. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back out with First Choice and Capt Larry again.

We had a wonderful morning with Capt Larry and Tommy. They worked hard to ensure our two boys (7 and 5) had a great time pulling in snapper despite the fish being a little temperamental. They were good about explaining what they were doing, looking for, types of fish, etc. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back out with First Choice and Capt Larry again.  

 John D. recommends First Choice Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on March 19, 2025
Thank you for a great day
Review media 0

Bryan A.
Bryan A.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

King!

VERIFIED

Half Day Trip on January 14, 2025

Great morning on the boat with Captain Larry and First Mate Frank. Both guys are very nice and know their fishing. I took the 4 hour offshore excursion and the time flew by. We caught some King Mackerel and a shark. I had a Wahoo on my line but it bit through the leader and got away. I would definitely use First Choice again. When it was over Captain Larry filleted my fish and I took it to Wahoos for lunch and they fried it up for my lunch! Delicious! Thanks guys.

Great morning on the boat with Captain Larry and First Mate Frank. Both guys are very nice and know their fishing. I took the 4 hour offshore excursion and the time flew by. We caught some King Mackerel and a shark. I had a Wahoo on my line but it bit through the leader and got away. I would definitely use First Choice again. When it was over Captain Larry filleted my fish and I took it to Wahoos for lunch and they fried it up for my lunch! Delicious! Thanks guys.  

Review media 0
Review media 0
 Bryan A. recommends First Choice Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on January 14, 2025
Thank you for a great day on the water!

R. C. M.
R. C. M.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Beautiful day on the water and a great crew!

VERIFIED

3/4 Day Trip on July 13, 2025

We picked a challenging day because the fish were feeding overnight from a full moon but Capt Larry knows how to find em and what to present for lunch! Calm seas and sunshine only made the trip more memorable but the coolest catch of the day was a message in the bottle sent out by some kids from Georgia.

We picked a challenging day because the fish were feeding overnight from a full moon but Capt Larry knows how to find em and what to present for lunch! Calm seas and sunshine only made the trip more memorable but the coolest catch of the day was a message in the bottle sent out by some kids from Georgia.  

Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 0
 R. C. M. recommends First Choice Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 15, 2025
Tank you! Look forward to doing it again

Felix H.
Felix H.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Real professionals

VERIFIED
NEW

3/4 Day Trip on August 2, 2025

It could not have been nicer

It could not have been nicer  

 Felix H. recommends First Choice Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on August 3, 2025
Thank you

G D. B.
G D. B.
4.7/5

Experience:

4.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Good production on a scratchy day

VERIFIED

3/4 Day Trip on April 14, 2025

Larry and crew you had a fine fish and deal with them. As an experienced Angler I could see their experience in these waters, which was why I booked them in the first place. I was happy with my choice, first choice

Larry and crew you had a fine fish and deal with them. As an experienced Angler I could see their experience in these waters, which was why I booked them in the first place. I was happy with my choice, first choice  

 G D. B. recommends First Choice Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on April 14, 2025
Thank you! The wahoo was the best

FAQs about First Choice Charters

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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
37 ft
Year built
1958
Restored in
2011
Boat manufacturer
Merritt
Boat type
Sportfishing

Engine model
Cummins
Powered by
2 x 355HP
Max cruising speed
28 knots
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