We wanted an early morning but short charter, and we wanted to get in some light snorkeling too, for my family visiting from Korea with their 5 year old.  First mate Tony was particularly adept at working with the boy, despite the language barrier (our kiddo spoke no English) and both of them were just a delight to be with for those of us with so many different interest levels.  I had done this type of thing before and I noticed right away that Capt. Renouf really wanted us to get to the big fish first, with that morning bite.  We left I think around 6:45 on time and my brother pulled in a Tuna (7:45)almost as soon as the Captain got us where he wanted us (he ‘‘flew’’ us hard out to the big waters SW for the first 45 mins then we came back to key west the rest of the way; very smart).  Then we pulled a Barracuda (which we released) and a grouper (8:45).  Later in the trip we pulled over the reefs and did some light tackle fishing and got some red snapper which we kept and a lot of fun fishing for the boy and family of fish we threw back.  Lots of small fry action which would probably bore the crew but really made it fun for all of us.  We got our fish taken in by some sharks but we just used that for additional bait to the live stuff the Captain had for us on the boat.

We were an odd group, and we couldn’t use Captain renouf’s boat, so he was working with an unfamiliar boat and tackle set up.  You wouldn’t have known it though if you weren’t aware; he can master any vessel he is on, i am sure.  We even got in some snorkeling that we had requested of them at booking.

Nobody is gonna give you a better ride and experience than Captain Renouf.  Plus i really want to thank him for being so very very kid and family friendly.  Remember to book your trip early in the morning and pay attention to the lunar calendar to get optimal success, but most of all make sure your Captain is Neil Renouf.