First Choice Charters 

4.8/5 (63 reviews)
 
Federally permitted
 83413 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, United States

First Choice Charters 

Federally permitted
Islamorada, FL, United States
37 ft
6
4.8/5 (63 reviews)

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Islamorada has a fish with your name on it, so let First Choice Charters help you catch it! Having logged many hours on these tides, Captain Larry knows them forwards and back.

These waters are known for Great Barracuda, Amberjack, Cobia, Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), King Mackerel (Kingfish), Sailfish, Swordfish, Wahoo, and more – with any luck, it won't take long to hook into some.

Depending on the species you’re after, you may find yourself spinning, trolling, bottom fishing, or maybe something more specialized in this area. Capt. Larry can also show you kite fishing.

Any fish within the legal limit are yours to keep. Plus, you can have your catch cleaned. Talk about bang for your buck!

Families who love fishing together will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! If you don't have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there's one on board. Snacks are permitted onboard — bring your favorites to maintain your energy throughout the trip!

You'll step aboard a 37' Sportfishing with room for 6 passengers. It has outriggers, a fighting chair, everything you need for a productive day on the water. There's a toilet on board for your convenience.

You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, along with lures. Live bait is on offer, but you should ask the captain whether you'll be catching it yourself.

You'll have the help of a First Mate to put you on fish. A 10–20% tip is customary to show your appreciation for their hard work.

Your fishing license for the day is covered by the charter boat, just show up ready for some fishing! Be mindful that some species may have special rules or limited seasons. Your captain will help you follow regulations while you fish.

Don't leave home without bottled water, sunscreen (non-spray), and sunglasses. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just be sure to avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

If you have any questions about fishing with First Choice Charters, feel free to send Capt. Larry a message down below.

Islamorada has a fish with your name on it, so let First Choice Charters help you catch it! Having logged many hours on these tides, Captain Larry knows them forwards and back.

These waters are known for Great Barracuda, Amberjack, Cobia, Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), King Mackerel (Kingfish), Sailfish, Swordfish, Wahoo, and more – with any luck, it won't take long to hook into some.

Depending on the species you’re after, you may find yourself spinning, trolling, bottom fishing, or maybe something more specialized in this area. Capt. Larry can also show you kite fishing.

Any fish within the legal limit are yours to keep. Plus, you can have your catch cleaned. Talk about bang for your buck!

Families who love fishing together will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! If you don't have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there's one on board. Snacks are permitted onboard — bring your favorites to maintain your energy throughout the trip!

You'll step aboard a 37' Sportfishing with room for 6 passengers. It has outriggers, a fighting chair, everything you need for a productive day on the water. There's a toilet on board for your convenience.

You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, along with lures. Live bait is on offer, but you should ask the captain whether you'll be catching it yourself.

You'll have the help of a First Mate to put you on fish. A 10–20% tip is customary to show your appreciation for their hard work.

Your fishing license for the day is covered by the charter boat, just show up ready for some fishing! Be mindful that some species may have special rules or limited seasons. Your captain will help you follow regulations while you fish.

Don't leave home without bottled water, sunscreen (non-spray), and sunglasses. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just be sure to avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

If you have any questions about fishing with First Choice Charters, feel free to send Capt. Larry a message down below.

Larry Wren
Captain
Larry Wren
22 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
August 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Half Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
US $1,130
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip multiple starting times (7:00 AM, 8:00 AM)
US $1,480
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
US $1,680
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
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Sailfish
Wahoo
+3
US $1,995
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day – Offshore Deep Droping!
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Sep 1
Tilefish
Grouper (Scamp)
Grouper (Snowy)
US $1,995
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Extended Swordfishing Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
12 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $2,200
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 9 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.8
63 reviews
4.7
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (110)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
84%
Family friendly
95%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
95%
Caught fish

All reviews (63)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 63 reviews
Melanie  Fey
Melanie Fey
us
Kentucky, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Great Day on the Water
3/4 Day Trip on August 4, 20265 adults

Had a great day with Captain Larry and First Mate Alicia. Every fisherman knows you can have one of those days but the crew were not going to have us coming back in empty handed. They kept us out longer than paid to make sure of that. We fished the Islamorada hump and got to try an electric reel to bottom fish. Ended up catching mahi mahi and Almaco Jack. Great experience for our first time fishing in the Keys. I would charter with this crew again!

Larry Wren
Response from Captain

thank you for a good day. I hope you enjoyed the fresh fish that evening.

Sean Hollender
Sean Hollender
us
Arkansas, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
**A Top-Tier Florida Keys Fishing Adventure — Captain Larry Wren Is the Real Deal!**
Half Day Trip on June 22, 20263 adults1 child

**A Top-Tier Florida Keys Fishing Adventure — Captain Larry Wren Is the Real Deal!** If you want a fishing charter that turns first-timers into lifelong anglers, book Captain Larry Wren with First Choice Charters — you will not be disappointed! We took our kids out for a half-day trip out of Islamorada and it was an absolute blast from start to finish. The conditions were challenging — heavy sargassum (seaweed) and blazing Keys heat — but Captain Larry knew exactly how to turn it into a winning day. He set us up trolling for Mahi Mahi and tuna to keep a cool breeze flowing, and the strategy paid off big time: we reeled in tuna AND a huge Mahi Mahi despite everything the day threw at us. Captain Larry and his first mate Stephen were incredible — knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely fun to be around. They went above and beyond from the planning stages all the way through to the final catch, making sure the kids were involved, safe, and having the time of their lives. My kids walked off that boat with a brand-new love for fishing, which is something I'll be grateful for forever. Captain Larry knows these waters like the back of his hand, and the local knowledge doesn't stop at the dock — he even told us exactly which restaurants would cook up our fresh catch for us afterward. That's the kind of above-and-beyond service that makes a trip unforgettable. If you're looking for an expert captain, a great crew, and a true Florida Keys fishing experience the whole family will remember, look no further than Captain Larry Wren and First Choice Charters. Well done, and thank you for an amazing day on the water! 🎣🐟☀️

Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Larry Wren
Response from Captain

Thank you I'm glad you had a good time

Kristy Van Hoose
Kristy Van Hoose
us
Texas, US
Member since 2026
4.7
Verified
Fun time with First Choice Charters!
3/4 Day Trip on April 19, 20262 adults

Capt Larry and first mate Tom were wonderful to work with! Capt Larry let us know the weather wouldn’t be good for the initial day we had booked while staying in Islamorada. He was flexible for a later departure on a different day so we could drive in and go when the weather was better. FM Tom was patient and helpful teaching us how to use the equipment and the best method for the different fish. They had a method for attracting and catching the fish, which was interesting to learn. We had a great time and caught some beautiful fish! Some we kept and some were catch and release. (Yellowtail Snapper, Amberjack, Gag Grouper and Goliath Grouper) Thank you Capt Larry and First Mate Tom for a great experience and some yummy dinners!

Reported catch:
Amberjack
Larry Wren
Response from Captain

thank you

Kelly Mallinger
Kelly Mallinger
Repeat angler
us
Wisconsin, US
Member since 2023
3 trips
5.0
Verified
New
What a Dolphin Dance!!!
3/4 Day Trip on July 30, 20264 adults

Had a great time on the water today! Captain Larry put us in the middle of a Mahi school that was hitting like crazy! And then gave a great recommendation for a restaurant that would cook our catch for us. Such a cool experience for me and my boys. Thanks First Choice!!!

Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Larry Wren
Response from Captain

thank you for a wonderful day

Orlando Jones
Orlando Jones
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Great Trip!!!
3/4 Day Trip on September 5, 20252 adults

Our trip was wonderful we had an awesome time. The Captain and his mate were great! His mate was extremely knowledgeable and helpful, the Captain was extremely knowledgeable also, definitely felt safe with this crew. And we caught a ton of fish! 5 stars for sure!!

Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Larry Wren
Response from Captain

thank you and im glad the day was great

FAQs about First Choice Charters

First Choice Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $1,130 per group - Half Day Trip (4 hours)
  • US $1,480 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $1,480 per group - 3/4 Day Trip - 8:00 AM (6 hours)
  • US $1,680 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
  • US $1,995 per group - Full Day – Offshore Deep Droping! (8 hours)
  • US $1,995 per group - Full Day Fish – Kite Fishing (8 hours)
  • US $2,200 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 (We will fly in bag, all edible species for you that are within legal limits caught on the charter)
  • First mate (20%)
  • Fishing license (The boat carries a Florida fishing license for any passengers on board)
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

Your captain

Larry Wren
Larry Wren
Larry Wren

Islamorada, Florida, United States

11 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
63 Customer reviews
Typical response 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

11 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
63 Customer reviews
Typical response 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

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Sailfish
Sailfish
Swordfish
Swordfish
Wahoo
Wahoo
Amberjack
Amberjack
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)

Real catches by this captain

  • Great Day on the Water
    Melanie F.
    Melanie F.
  • What a Dolphin Dance!!!
    Kelly M.
    Kelly M.
  • super trip
    Alex K.
    Alex K.
  • May fishing trip
    Kelly L.
    Kelly L.
  • Fishing with Larry
    Robert  .
    Robert .
  • First Choice Charters with Capt. Larry
    Dan B.
    Dan B.
  • Great day on the water !!
    Kelly B.
    Kelly B.
  • Weather and Sharks
    Clark L.
    Clark L.
  • Great Trip!!!
    Orlando J.
    Orlando J.
  • Capt larry very nice guy fare and wood go again def
    Robert M.
    Robert M.

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

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

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

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Full-head and sink
Fighting chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Flybridge
With tuna tower
Live bait well
Outriggers
Radio
Sonar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Troolling, sprnnong, kites, electric deep drop
Live bait
Prepared before except during winter – its caught
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
We will fly in bag, all edible species for you that are within legal limits caught on the charter
First mate
20%
Fishing license
The boat carries a Florida fishing license for any passengers on board

How cancellations work

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.

More details

What the listing policies are

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

How you can pay

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

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

What’s biting in Islamorada right now

AmberjackAmberjack
Barracuda (Great)Barracuda (Great)
CobiaCobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
SailfishSailfish
SwordfishSwordfish
WahooWahoo

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+6
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US $1,130