Chef Charles The Fishing Chef
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Chef Charles The Fishing Chef

Federally permitted
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(104 reviews)
Map of Key Largo, FL, United States
102601 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL, United States
Trips & prices
Targeted species
What's included
Boat info
Reviews
Contact captain

Chef Charles The Fishing Chef invites you for an exciting fishing trip in Key Largo, Florida! Together with Captain Charles Maloney, you’ll explore inshore and offshore waters, reefs, as well as flats and have lots of fun fishing for many different prized species. Captain Charles isn’t only a lifelong angler but also a skilled cook with professional experience who can cook the fish you catch after the trip and send it to wherever you’re staying. Pay him a visit and have a terrific time on the water in Key Largo!

Your adventure starts on a restored 26’ World Cat catamaran that can sit up to 4 guests. The boat runs on twin 200 HP Suzuki engines, uses full-featured navigation technology, and has got a portable toilet. There’s also an ice-box to store your fish and drinks and a livewell to supply you with live bait. The captain’s son Jay is a first mate and he’ll be joining your trip as well.

The species you’ll target include Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, Mangrove and Yellowtail Snapper, Bluefin Tuna, Great Barracuda, as well as Jack Crevalle. You can attract them by light and heavy tackle bottom fishing, deep sea fishing, trolling, and drift fishing, and you’ll keep the fish you catch. Kids are more than welcome to join in.

Captain Charles will provide all the rods, reels, tackle, lures, as well as fishing licenses, and he’ll even clean and fillet your catch for free. Before you leave, just make sure you have your snacks and drinks.

Come to Key Largo and have a memorable time fishing with Chef Charles The Fishing Chef!

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

Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Backcountry
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $600
    When it's too windy offshore, the crew can still take you out in the backcountry to fish for Snapper, Snook, Tarpon,
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Kids Teach 'n' Catch
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $650
    The crew teaches kids and frist-timers how to catch fish.
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Rock Pile (PM)
    In demand! Last booked: 1 day ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    US $650
    Fish a secret rock pile the captain found for Yellowtail and Mutton Snapper and catch and release Hog Snapper, Grouper, large Parrotfish, and many more.
  • Private trip
    Shark / Barracuda
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $650
    Have fun catching and releasing Some big ones.
  • Private trip
    Shark/ barracuda afternoon
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    US $650
    Bring in shark or barracuda fun to catch and release
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Rock Pile (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $700
    Fish on a secret rock pile that the captain found, it's on fire. You can chase Yellowtail, Mutton Snapper, and catch and release large Parrotfish, Hogfish, Grouper, and many more.
  • Private trip
    Half day afternoon reef
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    US $700
    Bottom fishing at its best Live ballyhoo and cut bait on the bottom for snapper, hog fish,grouper and much more
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Reef Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $700
    Experience bottom fishing at its best and have lots of fun chasing various species for 4 hours. The trip starts at 8:00 a.m. and the captain will provide you with all the fishing gear, licenses. as well as catch cleaning and filleting.
  • Private trip
    Afternoon bite
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:30 PM
    US $750
    Troll for two hours and reef fish for Two hours target Wahoo,mahi,tuna on the troll On the reef: Yellowtail Mangroves Muttun snapper Grouper Hog fish Porgy
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Early wahoo/tuna
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    US $850
    You're catching Tuna in the early morning right at daylight. Come join the crew and get hooked up. It will be epic!
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip – Catch 'n' Cook Dinner
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    US $850
    You catch your dinner, the captain will cook it on the boat.
    Targeted fish
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Little Tunny (False Albacore)
    Little Tunny (False Albacore)
    Grouper (Black)
    Black Grouper
    Snapper (Yellowtail)
    Yellowtail Snapper
    Tuna (Blackfin)
    Blackfin Tuna
    Cero Mackerel
    Cero Mackerel
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip – Catch 'n' Cook Lunch
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $850
    You catch your lunch and the captain will cook it and bring to your camp site or hotel. Your catch will be cooked Blackened Key line, Fried Choose two and i'll cook with sides and a homemade keylime pie for dessert.
    Targeted fish
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Little Tunny (False Albacore)
    Little Tunny (False Albacore)
    Grouper (Black)
    Black Grouper
    Snapper (Yellowtail)
    Yellowtail Snapper
    Tuna (Blackfin)
    Blackfin Tuna
    Cero Mackerel
    Cero Mackerel
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip – Reef Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $900
    This trip will see you visit the reefs and have 6 fun hours of bottom fishing. You and the captain will leave the dock at 8:00 a.m. and you'll have all the fishing gear and licenses provided by the captain. Also, he can clean and fillet your catch totally free of charge. I
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip – Mahi Gone Crazy
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $900
    We troll and spot fish near weed lines to get Mahi Mahi on your lines. This is a seasonal charter running May-August. A ton of excellent, fun-to-catch table fare blackened is my favorite.
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip – Morning Reef / Wreck
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    US $900
    Come watch the beautiful sunrise and get on the early bite.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – Fish & Snorkel Combo
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $900
    Fish for 3 hours and go snorkeling for 3 hours – fun, fun, fun!
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip – Slamming Bite
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $950
    You will troll at sunrise for Wahoo and after that fish a wreck on the bottom for Mutton Snapper, Grouper, Yellowtail, and Hogfish. A bite that's unbelievable.
  • Private trip
    Key largo grand slam
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $950
    Trolling for 2.5 hours And reef fishing for 2.5 hours
  • Private trip
    5 hour wahoo/ mahi /tuna trolling
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,100
    You and Captain Charles will start the trip at 8:00 a.m. and have fun trolling for 4 hours. The captain will provide you with all the fishing gear, licenses, and he'll also clean and fillet your catch. You just remember to bring some snacks and drinks before you leave.
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day mahi/wahoo/tuna
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,350
    Come aboard and have a great time trolling the waters of Key Largo together with Captain Charles. You'll leave the dock at 8:00 a.m. and will chase various species for 6 hours. The trip comes with all the fishing gear, licenses, and catch cleaning.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip – Reef Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,500
    8 hours on the water give you plenty of time to enjoy nature and fill your coolers. Starting at 8:00 a.m., you and Captain Charles will head out to reefs and have lots of fun bottom fishing. He covers you for all the gear, licenses, as well as catch cleaning, so just bring your snacks and drinks.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – Key Largo Best
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,600
    Reef fish for snapper, troll for mahi, tuna, and wahoo, and deep drop with electric reels for big grouper, tilefish, and amberjack – all in one trip.
  • Private trip
    Deep drop trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    US $1,650
    This is a deep drop trip. You'll be using electric reels, pulling them up from more than 750 and deeper.
    Targeted fish
    Swordfish
    Swordfish
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – Big Pelagics
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,800
    We're trolling and deep dropping for big pelagics, the fish that you can hardly reel in. Big stuff with big teeth.
    Targeted fish
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Sailfish
    Sailfish
    Wahoo
    Wahoo
    Grouper (Black)
    Black Grouper
    Snapper (Mutton)
    Mutton Snapper
    Tuna (Blackfin)
    Blackfin Tuna
  • Private trip
    Full Day Mahi/wahoo/tuna trolling
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,800
    With 8 hours on the water, you can enjoy fishing to the fullest. With lots of time both for chasing fish and watching beautiful nature, you're bound to create lovely memories and you'll have the biggest chance of reeling in a big catch. As always, Captain Charles covers you for the fishing gear, catch cleaning, and licenses.
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Trip – Swordfishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    US $2,000
    We will take to out to more than 1500 feet to attempt to put you on a catch of a lifetime.
    Targeted fish
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Swordfish
    Swordfish
    Tuna (Blackfin)
    Blackfin Tuna
    Tilefish
    Tilefish
There are 13 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Chef Charles The Fishing Chef

Chef Charles The Fishing Chef offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $600 per group - Half Day Trip – Backcountry (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Kids Teach 'n' Catch (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Rock Pile (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group - Shark / Barracuda (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group - Shark/ barracuda afternoon (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Rock Pile (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - Half day afternoon reef (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - Half Day Trip – Reef Fishing (4 hours)
  • US $750 per group - Afternoon bite (4 hours)
  • US $850 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Early wahoo/tuna (4 hours)
  • US $850 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Catch 'n' Cook Dinner (5 hours)
  • US $850 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Catch 'n' Cook Lunch (5 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 3/4 Day Trip – Reef Fishing (6 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Mahi Gone Crazy (5 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Morning Reef / Wreck (5 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Fish & Snorkel Combo (6 hours)
  • US $950 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Slamming Bite (5 hours)
  • US $950 per group - Key largo grand slam (5 hours)
  • US $1,100 per group - 5 hour wahoo/ mahi /tuna trolling (5 hours)
  • US $1,350 per group - 3/4 Day mahi/wahoo/tuna (6 hours)
  • US $1,500 per group - Full Day Trip – Reef Fishing (8 hours)
  • US $1,600 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Key Largo Best (6 hours)
  • US $1,650 per group - Deep drop trip (8 hours)
  • US $1,800 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Big Pelagics (6 hours)
  • US $1,800 per group - Full Day Mahi/wahoo/tuna trolling (8 hours)
  • US $2,000 per group - 8 Hour Trip – Swordfishing (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Chef Charles The Fishing Chef, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well Live ballyhoo / pilchard fish
  • Ice Box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Chef Charles The Fishing Chef include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • First Mate
  • Fishing License
Chef Charles The Fishing Chef offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
Chef Charles The Fishing Chef offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Drift Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing
Top targeted fish species with Chef Charles The Fishing Chef include:
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Cero Mackerel
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Black)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Little Tunny (False Albacore)
  • Snapper (Mutton)
  • Snapper (Yellowtail)
  • Swordfish
  • Tuna (Blackfin)
  • Yellowtail Amberjack

Meet the Captain

Charles Maloney
Key Largo, Florida, United States
43 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
114 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since June 2021
After fishing in the Keys for 22 years, Captain Charles decided to make it his home fishing out in the ocean. You don't know what you might catch but it's always fun and putting people on the fish is exciting. The captain is also a chef who has worked professionally and he started a food truck barbecue business. He loves to cook and he offers his guests a catch-and-cook option. While his son and first mate Jay is cleaning the boat, Captain Charles will clean your catch and cook it for you. Whether you like it grilled, blackened, or fried, you'll have freshly cooked fish delivered to your hotel, campground, or wherever you're staying! The captain would be grateful if you tipped the first mate because the young man works hard to keep the boat pristine for you. See you soon and tight lines!

About this listing

Targeted species

Barracuda (Great) Great Barracuda
Cero Mackerel Cero Mackerel
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Black) Black Grouper

Boat specs

World Cat (Catamaran) originally built in 1999, and restored in 2020. Powered by 2 200HP Suzuki engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 32 knots.

Length
26 ft
Capacity
4 persons

Types of fishing

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Jigging
Drift Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Live ballyhoo / pilchard fish
Ice Box
Radar

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
First Mate
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 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
You Keep Catch
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 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
Bank Transfer
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

Key Largo Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 104 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (110)
We caught fish, we ate fish and the kids had a great time!
We caught fish, we ate fish and the kids had a great time!
Catch of the day
+107
Angler rating
94
9
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
99%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Caught fish
95%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 104 reviews
An N.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Good trip with Captain Charles...

VERIFIED   NEW  5 Hour Trip – Catch 'n' Cook Lunch on April 20, 2024
“Chef Charles The Fishing Chef” offers a unique and delightful fishing experience that combines the thrill of catching...
An N. recommends Chef Charles The Fishing Chef
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An N. recommends Chef Charles The Fishing Chef
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Katie M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Wow!!! An amazing experience!

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip – Rock Pile (PM) on March 30, 2024
It was an incredible experience on Captain Charles’s boat!  Our young family enjoyed an exciting fishing trip!  We caught...
Katie M. recommends Chef Charles The Fishing Chef
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Katie M. recommends Chef Charles The Fishing Chef
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Tracy T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip

VERIFIED   NEW  Shark / Barracuda on March 30, 2024
Booked this trip for my son and his friend during spring break. Chef Charles was great with the boys! They caught some fish...
Tracy T. recommends Chef Charles The Fishing Chef
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Tracy T. recommends Chef Charles The Fishing Chef
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Jim M.
Tampa, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

4 hour Reef trip

NEW  4 Hour Trip – Rock Pile (PM) on March 30, 2024
Capt Charles took our family on a 4 hour reef trip.  We were on the fish from the first line in the water.  Capt Charles...
Jim M. recommends Chef Charles The Fishing Chef
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Jim M. recommends Chef Charles The Fishing Chef
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M B.
Americus, Georgia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Strike GOLD With Chef Charles!!!

4 Hour Trip – Rock Pile (PM) on February 27, 2024
Chef Charles and his mate Jalen are the “Reel Deal”! If you are looking for a crew that knows how to get on the fish, this...
M B. recommends Chef Charles The Fishing Chef
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M B. recommends Chef Charles The Fishing Chef
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