Keys Disease Charters 

5.0
(53 reviews)
 
Federally permitted
 Overseas Highway 33000, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, United States–

Keys Disease Charters 

Big Pine Key, FL, United States
–
27 ft
4
5.0
(53 reviews)

Winter fishing in the florida keys offers some of the best fishing there is to offer. Sailfish, wahoo, tuna, cobia, mackerel, snapper, grouper and mahi will push through the keys waters as the water temperature drops. We offer high-speed trolling trips, live bait bump trolling, reef fishing, deep drop, wreck fishing, bridge fishing and bay fishing. The choice is yours and captain will let you know what has been the successful bite prior to the trip.

Families who love fishing together will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! Child life jackets are available. Customers are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks and drinks. An iced down, large yeti cooler will be provided along with waters for anything you would like to keep cool.

Your vessel for the day is a 27' Century center console powered by a 350 mercury verado with room for 4 passengers. It is loaded with all of the appropriate gear to put some large fish in the boat. Also lined with new seadek for extra cinfortable fishing. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, along with lures. Live bait will be in the live well at pick up if available but some live bait will caught during the trip.

There's no need to buy a fishing license, just show up ready for a good time! Keep in mind that some fish may have harvest limits or closed seasons. If you don't know what to expect, ask the captain.

Go ahead and treat yourself to a day on the water with Keys Disease Charters.

Winter fishing in the florida keys offers some of the best fishing there is to offer. Sailfish, wahoo, tuna, cobia, mackerel, snapper, grouper and mahi will push through the keys waters as the water temperature drops. We offer high-speed trolling trips, live bait bump trolling, reef fishing, deep drop, wreck fishing, bridge fishing and bay fishing. The choice is yours and captain will let you know what has been the successful bite prior to the trip.

Families who love fishing together will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! Child life jackets are available. Customers are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks and drinks. An iced down, large yeti cooler will be provided along with waters for anything you would like to keep cool.

Your vessel for the day is a 27' Century center console powered by a 350 mercury verado with room for 4 passengers. It is loaded with all of the appropriate gear to put some large fish in the boat. Also lined with new seadek for extra cinfortable fishing. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, along with lures. Live bait will be in the live well at pick up if available but some live bait will caught during the trip.

There's no need to buy a fishing license, just show up ready for a good time! Keep in mind that some fish may have harvest limits or closed seasons. If you don't know what to expect, ask the captain.

Go ahead and treat yourself to a day on the water with Keys Disease Charters.

Christopher Harpster
Captain
Christopher Harpster
18 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
4 hr (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
Barracuda (Great)
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Goliath)
+8
US $800
Entire boat: up to 4 people
4 Hour (AM) inshore/reef
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Grouper (Goliath)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Sailfish
+8
US $850
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 hr (am)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Sep 15
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Goliath)
Permit
+8
US $900
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 hr bridge/inshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Grouper (Goliath)
Permit
Tarpon
Grouper (Black)
+3
US $900
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 Hour reef/wreck
In high demand Last booked: 6 days ago
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Goliath)
Permit
+8
US $1,000
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 hr mahi-mahi
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Marlin (Blue)
Sailfish
Wahoo
+1
US $1,100
Entire boat: up to 4 people
8 Hour reef/wreck
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:30 AM
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Goliath)
Sailfish
Wahoo
+3
US $1,200
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 hr cubera snapper/night fish
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Aug 1 - Nov 1
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Goliath)
Permit
+8
US $1,300
Entire boat: up to 4 people
8 hour deep sea (mahi-mahi)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Marlin (Blue)
Sailfish
Wahoo
+2
US $1,500
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 3 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
53 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (174)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
97%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
100%
Caught fish

Reviews (53)

  • Jonathan Winn
    Jonathan Winn
    us
    Paragould, AR, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Trip!!! Couldn’t ask for any better !!!

    6 Hour reef/wreck on May 16, 2026 • 2 adults

    What a fishing trip!!! Just like we had dreamed about. My son wanted to catch a huge Mahi Mahi (Dolphin) and that’s exactly what happened. Captain Chris explained how the fishing trip would go and what signs on the water we would be looking for. Within the first hour of searching for signs of Mahi Mahi we landed a huge 54 inch Bull. It took 17 minutes to reel in and Captain Chris guided my son the whole way. It was the experience of a lifetime and it didn’t end there!!! We ended up catching a huge nurse shark, many yellowtail snapper, a couple remora and another I can’t remember the name of.

  • Brian Mcquay
    Brian Mcquay
    Repeat angler
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Legendary captain

    4 Hour (AM) inshore/reef on June 29, 2026 • 4 adults • 1 child

    Captain Christopher is an absolute legend. If you're looking to land big fish in the keys this is the boat you want to take. We wanted to do some bottom fishing and were not disappointed. At one point we nearly lost a large black grouper. The captain was starting to gear up to jump in after him! He wasn't about to let us lose that catch. Highly recommend this boat if you want to catch some monster fish with perhaps the most legendary boat captain in the keys.

  • Matt Thede
    Matt Thede
    Member since 2026
    5.0

    Awesome Trip with Captain Chris!

    4 hr (PM) on January 10, 2026

    From the very start of the trip, Chris was great with communication and setting up our group to be successful. I had six high school students who wanted to fish with two adults, so he was absolutely fantastic and making sure we had a great experience. He spent his morning catching us bait so that when we arrived for our 1 o'clock arrival time, we were already set up for success. When on the boat, he was friendly, personal, and related with all of us. He made sure that we had everything we needed when we needed it. At the first location, we ended up catching some mackerel and snapper for supper, and then headed out to deeper Waters to try for some tuna and sailfish. He put us in the right spot and it wasn't long before the tuna were boiling at the surface and we had multiple fish on at one time. He did not get frustrated at us when our fishing skills were lacking. Instead, he instructed us and helped us with the next hook set, helping us be successful....which translated into a bunch of happy customers! I cannot recommend him enough if you are in the Marathon area or Big Pine Key area. Will definitely be looking him up again when we come back!

  • William Vernier
    William Vernier
    Repeat angler
    us
    Michigan, US
    •
    Member since 2019
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Charter!

    6 hr bridge/inshore on May 14, 2026 • 2 adults

    Captain Chris was great. He asked us what we wanted to fish for right off the batt and then he took us to rhe fish. The boat was nice and spacious and handles the inland and off shore waves well. I wanted big fish and that is what I cought. Got two goliath grouper and two sharks! Chris was very easy to talk with and answered all the questions we had. Was a very fun day on the water. Highly recommend the 6hr trip.

  • Kris Kunka
    Kris Kunka
    Repeat angler
    us
    New Jersey, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    So Many Fish Caught!

    8 hour deep sea (mahi-mahi) on September 10, 2026 • 1 adult

    Best fishing charter I’ve ever been on hands down, captain Chris is an expert fisherman, lots of knowledge, great stories, and always gives advice or tips if you need it

  • Simon Hoang
    Simon Hoang
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Very good experience

    6 Hour reef/wreck on May 13, 2026 • 4 adults

    The trip was great, Captain Chris knew what he was doing the whole time and does a great job handling everything himself. Got on a good mahi bite trolling offshore then switched to bottom/reef fishing and got on to a good amount of yellowtail and a nice black grouper. Summer shouldve been a tough bite but chris managed.

  • Amanda Kelly
    Amanda Kelly
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Beyond our expectations!

    4 Hour (AM) inshore/reef on January 29, 2026 • 3 adults

    Chris was very easygoing that it didnt even feel like we were out with a unknown guide, but just out having fun with a friend. He was very attentive and educational. This was our first time doing a fishing trip and we are now hooked. Our 13yr old made lifetime memories fighting in a 34inch Goliath grouper and a bull shark! Chris prepared our keeps so we got to leave with a great dinner for the evening! Beyond 5 stars and highly reccomend!! You won't regret it!!

  • Melissa Thompson
    Melissa Thompson
    Repeat angler
    us
    Michigan, US
    •
    Member since 2022
    •
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Hardworking Captain and great day on the water

    8 hour deep sea (mahi-mahi) on June 26, 2026 • 4 adults

    We booked an 8 hour mahi trip, family of 4 with 2 teens. My son and husband were looking for bigger fish. We came home with lots of Mahi, a wahoo and lots of good memories . Chris even gave us some tips on how to make dinner. If we get back to the Keys will definitely do this again.

  • Tyler Williams
    Tyler Williams
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Full cooler and a lot of fun

    4 Hour (AM) inshore/reef on April 4, 2026 • 4 adults

    Captian Chris had us on fish for our entire trip. We had four fishermen and all hit our limits on some massive mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, and yellow tail jack. Highly recommend this charter if you are looking to land a ton of fish and have a great time!

  • Stuart  Trueax
    Stuart Trueax
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing on the Gulf.

    4 Hour (AM) inshore/reef on March 6, 2026 • 3 adults

    Chris took me and my two grandsons out for 4 hour fishing on the Gulf. We immediately started catching fish within two minutes of casting our lines. We even caught an 8' Lemon Shark, quite an experience reeling it in as it would weigh around 250 lbs. We caught a Sea Trout which we grilled for dinner that evening. 😋 Chris did a great job, we all had fun and would love to do it again.

Rating

5.0
53 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (174)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
97%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
100%
Caught fish

All reviews (53)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 53 reviews
Jonathan Winn
Jonathan Winn
us
Paragould, AR, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great Trip!!! Couldn’t ask for any better !!!
6 Hour reef/wreck on May 16, 2026 • 2 adults

What a fishing trip!!! Just like we had dreamed about. My son wanted to catch a huge Mahi Mahi (Dolphin) and that’s exactly what happened. Captain Chris explained how the fishing trip would go and what signs on the water we would be looking for. Within the first hour of searching for signs of Mahi Mahi we landed a huge 54 inch Bull. It took 17 minutes to reel in and Captain Chris guided my son the whole way. It was the experience of a lifetime and it didn’t end there!!! We ended up catching a huge nurse shark, many yellowtail snapper, a couple remora and another I can’t remember the name of.

Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Yellowtail Snapper
Christopher Harpster
Response from Captain

Thank you for the review, Jon and thanks for choosing Keys Disease Charters. it was a blast fishing with you and your son. Hope to see you guys back in the future 🎣

Brian Mcquay
Brian Mcquay
Repeat angler
us
Florida, US
•
Member since 2026
•
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Legendary captain
4 Hour (AM) inshore/reef on June 29, 2026 • 3 adults • 1 child

Captain Christopher is an absolute legend. If you're looking to land big fish in the keys this is the boat you want to take. We wanted to do some bottom fishing and were not disappointed. At one point we nearly lost a large black grouper. The captain was starting to gear up to jump in after him! He wasn't about to let us lose that catch. Highly recommend this boat if you want to catch some monster fish with perhaps the most legendary boat captain in the keys.

Reported catch:
Black Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Yellowtail Snapper
Matt Thede
Matt Thede
Member since 2026
5.0
Awesome Trip with Captain Chris!
4 hr (PM) on January 10, 2026

From the very start of the trip, Chris was great with communication and setting up our group to be successful. I had six high school students who wanted to fish with two adults, so he was absolutely fantastic and making sure we had a great experience. He spent his morning catching us bait so that when we arrived for our 1 o'clock arrival time, we were already set up for success. When on the boat, he was friendly, personal, and related with all of us. He made sure that we had everything we needed when we needed it. At the first location, we ended up catching some mackerel and snapper for supper, and then headed out to deeper Waters to try for some tuna and sailfish. He put us in the right spot and it wasn't long before the tuna were boiling at the surface and we had multiple fish on at one time. He did not get frustrated at us when our fishing skills were lacking. Instead, he instructed us and helped us with the next hook set, helping us be successful....which translated into a bunch of happy customers! I cannot recommend him enough if you are in the Marathon area or Big Pine Key area. Will definitely be looking him up again when we come back!

Reported catch:
Yellowtail Snapper
Blackfin Tuna
Christopher Harpster
Response from Captain

thanks for the review, Matt and thanks for choosing keys disease charters. Had a blast fishing with you guys and hope to see you guys back soon 🎣

William Vernier
William Vernier
Repeat angler
us
Michigan, US
•
Member since 2019
•
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Great Charter!
6 hr bridge/inshore on May 14, 2026 • 2 adults

Captain Chris was great. He asked us what we wanted to fish for right off the batt and then he took us to rhe fish. The boat was nice and spacious and handles the inland and off shore waves well. I wanted big fish and that is what I cought. Got two goliath grouper and two sharks! Chris was very easy to talk with and answered all the questions we had. Was a very fun day on the water. Highly recommend the 6hr trip.

Reported catch:
Goliath Grouper
Mutton Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Christopher Harpster
Response from Captain

thanks for the review william and thanks for choosing Keys Disease Charters. had a blast fishing with you and your wife and would love to have you back in the future 🎣

Aaron Lorentz
Aaron Lorentz
Repeat angler
us
Ohio, US
•
Member since 2022
•
6 trips
5.0
Verified
Excellent Day…we’ll be back!
6 Hour reef/wreck on January 2, 2026 • 2 adults

My son (16) and I had a great day on the water with Captain Chris. My son wanted to get on tarpon. Although it wasnt the greatest time of year dor tarpon, TARPON ON! Unfortunately they threw the hook but we witnessed some amazing aerials and got some great video. After a few hours, Captain Chris took us out to a wreck and we werw constantly on fish - Blue Runners, Jack Crevalle, Baracuda, and a Goliath Grouper. It was a great adventure and we’ll definitely be back! Thank you, Captain Chris!

Reported catch:
Goliath Grouper
Tarpon
Christopher Harpster
Response from Captain

thanks for the review aaron and thanks for choosing keys disease charters! we look forward to having you back on the water soon 🎣

FAQs about Keys Disease Charters

Keys Disease Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $800 per group - 4 hr (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $850 per group - 4 Hour (AM) inshore/reef (4 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 5 hr (am) (5 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 6 hr bridge/inshore (6 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group - 6 Hour reef/wreck (6 hours)
  • US $1,100 per group - 6 hr mahi-mahi (6 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group - 8 Hour reef/wreck (8 hours)
  • US $1,300 per group - 6 hr cubera snapper/night fish (6 hours)
  • US $1,500 per group - 8 hour deep sea (mahi-mahi) (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Keys Disease Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Live bait well
  • Multimedia system
  • Outriggers
  • Spearfishing equipment
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Keys Disease Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Yes)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Cleaning and bagging fish is included in the trip price)
  • Drinks (Water)
  • Fishing license (Fishing licenses are included in the trip cost)
Keys Disease Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing (30 miles)
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
Keys Disease Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Kite fishing
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Keys Disease Charters include:
  • Amberjack
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Black)
  • Grouper (Goliath)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • Permit
  • Sailfish
  • Snapper (Mutton)
  • Snapper (Yellowtail)
  • Tarpon
  • Tuna (Blackfin)
  • Wahoo

Your captain

Christopher Harpster
Christopher Harpster

Big Pine Key, Florida, United States

35 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
53 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since January 2025
Angler's Choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

I became an angler because of a lifelong passion for fishing that started in my childhood. Spending time outdoors, connecting with nature, and the thrill of the catch all drew me in. Over time, this hobby grew into a deeper appreciation for the craft and the ecosystem around it and i wanted to share that experience with others. What drives me to work in this business is the opportunity to share that passion with others, whether through guiding, education, or providing quality gear. I love helping people experience the joy and peace that fishing brings, and being part of a community that values sustainability and respect for nature keeps me motivated every day.

Christopher Harpster
Christopher Harpster
Fully verified
Angler's Choice
35
reports
53
reviews
2025
member since
~1h
response
I became an angler because of a lifelong passion for fishing that started in my childhood. Spending time outdoors, connecting with nature, and the thrill of the catch all drew me in. Over time, this hobby grew into a deeper appreciation for the craft and the ecosystem around it and i wanted to share that experience with others. What drives me to work in this business is the opportunity to share that passion with others, whether through guiding, education, or providing quality gear. I love helping people experience the joy and peace that fishing brings, and being part of a community that values sustainability and respect for nature keeps me motivated every day.

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Black Grouper
Black Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
Permit
Permit
Sailfish
Sailfish
Mutton Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Tarpon
Tarpon
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin Tuna
Wahoo
Wahoo
Amberjack
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Black Grouper
Black Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper

Real catches by this captain

  • So Many Fish Caught!
    Kris K.
    Kris K.
  • July fishing trip
    Bob B.
    Bob B.
  • Legendary captain
    Brian M.
    Brian M.
  • Hardworking Captain and great day on the water
    Melissa T.
    Melissa T.
  • Fishing with Christopher
    Heath C.
    Heath C.
  • Great Trip!!! Couldn’t ask for any better !!!
    Jonathan W.
    Jonathan W.
  • Great Charter!
    William V.
    William V.
  • Very good experience
    Simon H.
    Simon H.
  • Best charter!!
    Sarah W.
    Sarah W.
  • Full cooler and a lot of fun
    Tyler W.
    Tyler W.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
27 ft
Year built
1996
Restored in
2023
Boat manufacturer
Century
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Mercury
Powered by
1 x 350HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Kite Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Snorkeling equipment
Live bait well
Multimedia system
Outriggers
Spearfishing equipment
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Yes
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Cleaning and bagging fish is included in the trip price
Drinks
Water
Fishing license
Fishing licenses are included in the trip cost

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
Kids are more than welcome. 4 child life jackets on board
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 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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

 Checks

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3.5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Big Pine Key right now

AmberjackAmberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Black)Grouper (Black)
Grouper (Red)Grouper (Red)
PermitPermit
SailfishSailfish
Snapper (Mutton)Snapper (Mutton)
Snapper (Yellowtail)Snapper (Yellowtail)
TarponTarpon
Tuna (Blackfin)Tuna (Blackfin)
WahooWahoo

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Keys Disease Charters
Keys Disease Charters
Federally permitted
5.0
(53)
27 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $850