Big Dave Charters and Tours
Charter operator

Big Dave Charters and Tours

Islamorada, United States
25+ reviews
Paradise Fishing Big Dave operates out of Islamorada aboard a 42' Cabo vessel. These waters are known for Mahi-Mahi and Swordfish and they will show you how to catch them, whether you're trolling or bottom fishing!

Charter

Rating

4.9
27 reviews
4.7
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

All reviews (27)

Showing 15 of 27 reviews
  • Olaf Kontusch
    Olaf Kontusch
    Repeat angler
    de
    Germany
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great boat and fantastic crew

    Full Day Trip2 adults

    Wir haben eine Menge kleiner Thunfische, Yellow Tail Snapper und tatsächlich einen Sailfish gefangen🤩🤩 Der Kapitän und sein Helfer haben alles unternommen, um den Tagesausflug zu einem unvergesslichen Tag werden zu lassen. Das Boot ist sehr gepflegt und sauber. Tagesverpflegung muss man selber mitbringen, was wir so vorher von den Kanaren und den Malediven nicht gewohnt waren. Aber es war trotzdem ein Mega Erlebnis!!! Danke an die Crew.

    Reported catch:
    Sailfish
    Yellowtail Snapper
    Response from Charter operator

    You were incredible anglers and we hope you come see us again in the future. Thank you for choosing Big Dave Charters and for being great guests on our vessel.

  • Will Miller
    Will Miller
    Repeat angler
    us
    Louisiana, US
    Member since 2020
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    A great time was had

    Half Day Trip5 adults

    We had an amazing experience with this charter! The crew was extremely knowledgeable and loved sharing what they knew, which made the trip both fun and educational. What really stood out is that they let us actually fish instead of just reeling in – we got hands-on the entire time. The atmosphere was relaxed, professional, and a ton of fun. Highly recommend this trip for anyone who wants a real fishing experience, not just a ride on the boat.

    Reported catch:
    Mutton Snapper
    Response from Charter operator

    thank you it was our pleasure you and your group were awesome Big Dave

  • Brandon Lynn
    Brandon Lynn
    Repeat angler
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Trip

    Full Day Trip4 adults

    The water was really rough but the captain and mate kept us on fish. Two of our party got seasick, so the other two of us were having a hard time keeping up with all of the rods with fish on them. It was a great trip and we will be booking again when we come back.

    Reported catch:
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Brandon Dubois
    Brandon Dubois
    Repeat angler
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip

    6 Hour Trip3 adults1 child

    Great caught lots of fish mate and captain were amazing! even our two year old son had a blast!! cant wait to come back and book another trip!!

    Reported catch:
    Yellowtail Snapper
  • Wiley Wright
    Wiley Wright
    Repeat angler
    us
    Maryland, US
    Member since 2020
    8 trips
    4.0
    Verified

    Great Captain and Mate.

    Full Day Trip3 adults

    The Captain worked hard to find the fish and he did! we ended with our limit of Mahi. We will definetly fish with the Captain again. Also had the pleasure of fishing with Skip Bradeen. A legend in the Keys and an encyclopedia of fishing knowledge! The only negative is the owner needs to have decent fishing rods. 2 of the 4 spinning rods had broken off tip sections. next time Ill bring my own rods and reels.

    Reported catch:
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Yellowtail Snapper
    Response from Charter operator

    hello Mr Wright, thank you for enjoying my boat again I do appreciate you being a repeat customer. we are presently overhauling our inventory with skip to repair and replace any minor inadequacies that have occurred through our busy season next time you come those tips on those rods will be fixed. I told the captain and the crew to always make your trip are extra special thank you big Dave

Real catches shared by our community

  • Big Dave Paradise Fishing
    Big Dave Paradise FishingIslamorada, FL
    Great trip but cut short
    Jerome H.
    Jerome H.
  • Big Dave Paradise Fishing
    Big Dave Paradise FishingIslamorada, FL
    Great Captain and Mate.
    Wiley W.
    Wiley W.
  • Big Dave Paradise Fishing
    Big Dave Paradise FishingIslamorada, FL
    Great trip
    Brandon D.
    Brandon D.
  • Big Dave Paradise Fishing
    Big Dave Paradise FishingIslamorada, FL
    Great day with Dave and Andy!
    Wiley W.
    Wiley W.
  • Big Dave Paradise Fishing
    Big Dave Paradise FishingIslamorada, FL
    Great boat and fantastic crew
    Olaf K.
    Olaf K.
  • Big Dave Paradise Fishing
    Big Dave Paradise FishingIslamorada, FL
    They brought home dinner!
    Douglas K.
    Douglas K.
  • Big Dave Paradise Fishing
    Big Dave Paradise FishingIslamorada, FL
    Trolled,deep water bottom fishing and reef fishing in one trip.
    Craig M.
    Craig M.
  • Big Dave Paradise Fishing
    Big Dave Paradise FishingIslamorada, FL
    Fishing with Big Dave
    Mark P.
    Mark P.
  • Big Dave Paradise Fishing
    Big Dave Paradise FishingIslamorada, FL
    Tons of fish!
    Kym S.
    Kym S.
  • Big Dave Paradise Fishing
    Big Dave Paradise FishingIslamorada, FL
    Great Fishing Boat
    Jason S.
    Jason S.

What's biting with Big Dave Paradise Fishing in Islamorada

The fall is the best time of year to fish the flats in Islamorada, and you'll see this in September. With fewer crowds, lots of Bonefish and Permit on the flats, and Snook in the mangroves, you're in for a treat.

Top catches for September