Captain
Anthony Polizze

Member since April 2025 Big Pine Key, United States
Background
Hi, I’m Captain Tony Polizze. Originally from the Jersey Shore, I grew up in Wildwood Crest and Cape May, New Jersey—where my love for fishing began the day I landed a 38” striped bass right off the beach. From that moment on, I was hooked. Growing up, I spent my summers fishing up north and my winters down in South Florida, where I explored the waters of the southeast and southwest coasts—and eventually, the Florida Keys. The contrast between northern and southern fisheries shaped me as an angler, giving me a deep respect for the challenge and strategy each species brings. Even now, I’m always thinking through how to land the next trophy fish these beautiful waters have to offer. Today, I’m proud to call the Florida Keys home and run my fishing charter out of Big Pine Key—right in the heart of some of the best fishing in the world. From backcountry, bridge, and patch reef fishing to thrilling offshore trips, there's always something exciting to chase in any season or condition. But fishing isn't the only thing that drives me—family is everything to me. My wife and I share a deep love for the ocean and the lifestyle that comes with living in the Keys. We’ve spent countless days together exploring these waters, and it never gets old. We're raising our two beautiful daughters, Olivia and Claudia, to appreciate the same sense of adventure, nature, and connection that fishing brings. One of my greatest joys is sharing this experience with other families—especially kids. I love teaching children how to fish and seeing their excitement when they reel in something colorful and wild. For me, fishing is about more than just the catch. It’s about the experience, the patience, and the lasting memories created on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time fisherman, I invite you to join me for an unforgettable day on the water. Let’s create memories that will last a lifetime. Tight lines, Captain Tony Your Fishing Guide to the Florida Keys
Techniques
Captain Tony uses a variety of effective fishing techniques tailored to the conditions and target species of the day. Whether you're casting light tackle near the bridges, bottom fishing over the reefs, or drifting along the backcountry channels, there's always action to be had. He incorporates methods like spinning, jigging, and cast-and-retrieve to keep anglers engaged, while trolling is occasionally used when conditions are right. From light tackle for snapper to heavy tackle for battling big sharks or grouper, Captain Tony ensures every trip is hands-on, educational, and fun for all skill levels.

Hey, I'm Captain Anthony Polizze

Big Pine Key, United States
Background
Hi, I’m Captain Tony Polizze. Originally from the Jersey Shore, I grew up in Wildwood Crest and Cape May, New Jersey—where my love for fishing began the day I landed a 38” striped bass right off the beach. From that moment on, I was hooked. Growing up, I spent my summers fishing up north and my winters down in South Florida, where I explored the waters of the southeast and southwest coasts—and eventually, the Florida Keys. The contrast between northern and southern fisheries shaped me as an angler, giving me a deep respect for the challenge and strategy each species brings. Even now, I’m always thinking through how to land the next trophy fish these beautiful waters have to offer. Today, I’m proud to call the Florida Keys home and run my fishing charter out of Big Pine Key—right in the heart of some of the best fishing in the world. From backcountry, bridge, and patch reef fishing to thrilling offshore trips, there's always something exciting to chase in any season or condition. But fishing isn't the only thing that drives me—family is everything to me. My wife and I share a deep love for the ocean and the lifestyle that comes with living in the Keys. We’ve spent countless days together exploring these waters, and it never gets old. We're raising our two beautiful daughters, Olivia and Claudia, to appreciate the same sense of adventure, nature, and connection that fishing brings. One of my greatest joys is sharing this experience with other families—especially kids. I love teaching children how to fish and seeing their excitement when they reel in something colorful and wild. For me, fishing is about more than just the catch. It’s about the experience, the patience, and the lasting memories created on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time fisherman, I invite you to join me for an unforgettable day on the water. Let’s create memories that will last a lifetime. Tight lines, Captain Tony Your Fishing Guide to the Florida Keys
Techniques
Captain Tony uses a variety of effective fishing techniques tailored to the conditions and target species of the day. Whether you're casting light tackle near the bridges, bottom fishing over the reefs, or drifting along the backcountry channels, there's always action to be had. He incorporates methods like spinning, jigging, and cast-and-retrieve to keep anglers engaged, while trolling is occasionally used when conditions are right. From light tackle for snapper to heavy tackle for battling big sharks or grouper, Captain Tony ensures every trip is hands-on, educational, and fun for all skill levels.

My Charter Listing

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(10 reviews)
Big Pine Key
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $575

Fishing Reports

Florida Keys summer Time!
Florida Keys summer Time!
Jul 20, 2025 Big Pine Key
Over the next two weeks, weโ€™re moving into a diminishing moon phase, which often brings better action during the morning and late afternoon bite windows. Keep an eye on the major Solunar feeding periods and moving tides โ€” timing is everything! Backcountry: The channels have been productive, especially on a strong moving tide. Mangrove snapper are still biting well, and thereโ€™s no shortage of action with aggressive barracuda cruising through. Target the deeper cuts and edges of the channels for best results. Reef Edge: Thereโ€™s plenty of surface activity happening on the reef! Watch for bait getting pushed to the top โ€” when you see boiling water, thereโ€™s a good chance youโ€™ll find Cero and Spanish mackerel feeding underneath. You might even spot the occasional rainbow runner or mahi sneaking in closer than usual. Offshore: Mahi are scattered offshore, primarily around weed lines in 600+ feet of water. Most fish are in the 20โ€โ€“26โ€ range. Drag weedless squid rigs or chuggers and cover plenty of ground โ€” persistence pays off! Reef Bite: The current has been a bit slow on the reef, which can make yellowtail fishing more challenging. Theyโ€™re still around โ€” just find the current and youโ€™ll find the fish. Summer conditions have brought calm seas, but be aware that fish tend to move deeper during the heat of the day. Pro Tip: Get out early, check the tide charts, and align your trip with the major feeding periods for the best shot at success. Hope to see you out there soon โ€” letโ€™s get hooked up!
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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 10 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (52)
We loved it!
We loved it!
We loved it!
+49
Angler rating
10
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
5 of 10 reviews
Eva P.
Big Pine Key, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Captain Tony Taught Me How To Fish!

4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bridge Fishing (AM) on June 1, 2025
Iโ€™ve been fishing with Captain Tony for the past 22 years, and I can truly say heโ€™s one of the best out there. He taught...
Eva P. recommends Florida Keys Island Fishing Charters
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Eva P. recommends Florida Keys Island Fishing Charters
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Alicja T.
Lodz, Poland
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip with Captain Tony

4 Hour Trip โ€“ Reef Fishing (AM) on May 27, 2025
Florida Keys Island Fishing is hands down the best fishing charter in the Keys! Captain Tony creates an experience thatโ€™s...
Alicja T. recommends Florida Keys Island Fishing Charters
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Alicja T. recommends Florida Keys Island Fishing Charters
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The Florida Keys Travel
Big Pine Key, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Multiple Fishing and Sightseeing Trips with Captain Tony

4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bridge Fishing (AM) on April 16, 2025
Captain Tony has taken us out on the water multiple times, and every trip is a fantastic experience! Whether weโ€™re catching...
The Florida Keys Travel recommends Florida Keys Island Fishing Charters
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The Florida Keys Travel recommends Florida Keys Island Fishing Charters
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Aneta Z.
Lodz, Poland
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Captain Tony discovering a new passion!

4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bridge Fishing (AM) on March 24, 2025
When we visited the Florida Keys this spring, I never imagined our family would discover a brand new passionโ€”fishing! But...
Aneta Z. recommends Florida Keys Island Fishing Charters
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Aneta Z. recommends Florida Keys Island Fishing Charters
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Jaroslaw Z.
Warsaw, Poland
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Captain Tony - Amazing adventure!

4-Hour Afternoon Fishing Trip (PM) on March 24, 2025
During our vacation in the Florida Keys, we booked a bridge fishing trip with Captain Tony of Florida Keys Island Fishing Chartersโ€”and...
Jaroslaw Z. recommends Florida Keys Island Fishing Charters
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Jaroslaw Z. recommends Florida Keys Island Fishing Charters
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