Booked a half day backcountry outing with Capt Eric for my wife and I as part of our 25th anniversary celebratory trip to the Keys (yes Iโm a fortunate man!) Promised my wife a fun day on the water with some fishing thrown in. :) Had hoped to perhaps try my hand at some Tarpon on the fly but a cold front and steady north winds diverted us to a trout hunt instead. Eric delivered putting us on a mess of trout, lady fish and assorted others.ย Ended up with just two legal for the creel but had a great time and learned a ton about the area and the local fishing scene. Also enjoyed the ride out to the marine sanctuary. Was made all the better by the Captainโs friendly nature and good conversation. So much so that I look forward to my next outing with him and can recommend to others without hesitation. Next time hereโs hoping I can start my schooling in the saltwater side of fly fishing as well. Tight lines all!
Booked a half day backcountry outing with Capt Eric for my wife and I as part of our 25th anniversary celebratory trip to the Keys (yes Iโm a fortunate man!) Promised my wife a fun day on the water with some fishing thrown in. :) Had hoped to perhaps try my hand at some Tarpon on the fly but a cold front and steady north winds diverted us to a trout hunt instead. Eric delivered putting us on a mess of trout, lady fish and assorted others.ย Ended up with just two legal for the creel but had... More
What an awesome day with captain Eric. First and foremost my wife, who is new to fishing, felt comfortable and included the whole time. Captain Eric taught both of us a lot and had her catching fish after fish on soft plastics. We missed a tarpon early at the bridges and headed to the backcountry shortly after. We caught dozens of large trout and had a ton of fun bringing in ladyfish and jacks. We hooked up to numerous large sharks and ended the trip catching a large bull shark that gave us an incredible fight. Canโt wait to fish with captain Eric again next time we are in Islamorada.
What an awesome day with captain Eric. First and foremost my wife, who is new to fishing, felt comfortable and included the whole time. Captain Eric taught both of us a lot and had her catching fish after fish on soft plastics. We missed a tarpon early at the bridges and headed to the backcountry shortly after. We caught dozens of large trout and had a ton of fun bringing in ladyfish and jacks. We hooked up to numerous large sharks and ended the trip catching a large bull shark that gave us an... More
To start, my plan was to surprise my husband and his brother with a Tarpon and Shark fishing trip.ย Easy enough. I contacted Blackwater Charters and talked this through.ย They seemed like a good fit so when I offiicially booked, I even added that info to the booking.ย Fast forward to fishing day.ย We arrived right on time and the captain wasnโt ready for us.ย We waited a bit (not terribly long) but it felt clear he wasnโt prepared for us.ย Just as weโre getting on the boat, I mentioned something about Tarpon and took him by surprised.ย He was prepared for a leisurely day of fishing.ย So, we started the day by catching bait.ย He should have been ready for us.ย Then, we went to his first spot (saw several tarpon on the way) and he realized he needed more rods.ย So we waited for his dad to bring him two more.ย We didnโt catch any but thatโs to be expected.ย We know fishing is unpredictable.ย So, about halfway through the day with no action, he asked if we wanted to abort and go look for small snapper.ย We said no, we wanted big fish. He knew just the spot for big snapper. (that confused us but we went along).ย Again, no biting.ย We ended up having to outrun a storm which was a highlight.ย I want to make it very clear, he was nice but wasnโt very organized or prepared. After outrunning a storm, we anchored under a bridge, about 200 yards from where we started.ย We caught two jack fish - one right after another.ย Coincidence? Iโm not sure.ย We then moved another 100 yards away and immediately caught two nurse sharks, one right after another. That would have been ok but he burst the bubble of the guys by telling them that he baited that spot.ย They didnโt get their hunt.ย I should add that I told him several times they were avid fisherman and wanted to do everything yet he didnโt let them cast at all. And when a fish bit, he did the initial work. That would be great for a beginner but not for us.ย Definitely not worth the price.ย Again, to be clear, we understand fishing is unpredictable. We paid for the experience. Which we didnโt get.ย I wouldnโt recommend this charter.ย Talk to your charter before you go.ย If you have specifics you want, get it in writing.ย And definitely make it clear how you want your day to progress.ย Bottom line, nice guy, the charter wasnโt worth the money.
To start, my plan was to surprise my husband and his brother with a Tarpon and Shark fishing trip.ย Easy enough. I contacted Blackwater Charters and talked this through.ย They seemed like a good fit so when I offiicially booked, I even added that info to the booking.ย Fast forward to fishing day.ย We arrived right on time and the captain wasnโt ready for us.ย We waited a bit (not terribly long) but it felt clear he wasnโt prepared for us.ย Just as weโre getting on the boat, I mentioned... More
First of all we catch bait on every trip with our customers so it is fresh and alive,,, it will die if it sits in the live well in the boat basin. Plus our Trip starts at 7am,, I guess you would like me to throw the cast net in the dark before you arrive,, Second of all I didnโt take you Tarpon fishing because the Tarpon have not bit all week long.ย I did 5 Trips before yours nobody was catching them.. I am at the boat at 5am getting the boat ready for the day so I donโt know why you say Iโm not prepared??ย I fish 300 days a year!ย I gave you the option to come in early because weather was terrible You said No!!!ย ย ย ย ย When you have a west wind we say down here.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย โwhen the wind is out of the west stay at home and restโ
First of all we catch bait on every trip with our customers so it is fresh and alive,,, it will die if it sits in the live well in the boat basin. Plus our Trip starts at 7am,, I guess you would like me to throw the cast net in the dark before you arrive,, Second of all I didnโt take you Tarpon fishing because the Tarpon have not bit all week long.ย I did 5 Trips before yours nobody was catching them.. I am at the boat at 5am getting the boat ready for the day so I donโt know why you say... More