We had a great time going out with Captain Brian of Smokin’ Hooks fishing charters.
We chose the Happy Hour with fishing package. It was perfect for us because it is a shorter 3 hour trip that stays closer to shore. The fishing was for my son and the Happy Hour was for me,  I am a little nervous on boats but Captain Brian clearly has much experience and made me feel at ease. I planned this for my son but ended up having a great time myself!
My son had an absolute blast, Captain Brian put so much effort into teaching him how to fish in those waters and celebrated every catch with him, especially the shark! Exciting day, one my son will never forget, it gave us memories that will last a lifetime.
We can’t wait to go again next year!

For the time of the year, with the water temperatures still needing to rise, we still caught a TON of fish.  Mostly a variety of Snapper and Groupers, perhaps not as big as they will be during the Summer, but with lite tackle, a lot of fun.  Conditions early were good for KINGS and Capt. Brian set out a live fish suspended under a balloon, which took two massive hits but unfortunately did not hook-up.  Had black fin tuna in area briefly as well.  Capt. Brian is a GREAT fishing guide, very low key, always watching out for us and accommodating, his boat is setup perfect, as advertised it has shade over the front two seats, a wider beam which allowed plenty of room as there was three of us fishing and we had no tangle-ups, no bumping into one another, very stable platform.  We would charter SMOKIN’ HOOKS again and plan to do so!

We boarded Smokin Hooks on a beautiful sunny day in February.  Capt Brian was welcoming, funny and extremely knowledgeable.  The boat was perfect for a three guests plus the captain.  He was quick to get us on the fish, knowing where we were most likely to have success.  We pulled in many snapper to keep for dinner.  In a time of the year, were the big kings are not typically bitting, Capt Brian went above and beyond to make us happy.  Heading back to shore close to our six hour mark, we saw action in the water and birds overhead.  He looked to us and said “Do you guys have anywhere to be?  Fishing always gets the best of me and I gotta hit that spot!”  We proceeded to cast out into a big school of Mackrell for the next hour.  We had an action pack end of the day!  A true fisherman can’t pass up on fish thrashing and birds swooping down no matter what time the trip ends.  We will 100% be taking another fishing trip with Captain Brian and recommend you choose him also!

The Gulf was rough and the fish weren’t biting. We tried a few different spots and changed some things up, but it didn’t go our way. Regardless, Capt. Brian and Greg were very friendly and helpful. It was still a great experience and would book with Smokin’ Hooks again. As Brian said “A bad day on the water always beats a good day in the office.”

Captain Brian and first mate Greg are great people and have a reel passion for what they do!
They will put you on good fish and make the best of what the day can bring you!
I highly recommend this trip on the Smokin hooks!