This trip far exeeded my expectations. Captain Dylan took us out about 5 minutes from the dock. Chummed the water and had us on a 100 pound tarpon in 5 minutes. Unfortunately it spit the hook. Then 10 minutes later we hooked a 125 pound 6 foot monster that my dad fought for 1.5 hours. Captain Dylan did some amazing boat maneuvers to keep the giant tarpon off the shoreline and from running to the boat docks. We ended up hooking three sharks after the giant tarpon which unfortunately chewed threw the line. This was a fishing trip of a lifetime. Highly recommend Blackwater Charters!

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 I’m 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.  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 Captain’s 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 here’s hoping I can start my schooling in the saltwater side of fly fishing as well. Tight lines all!

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. Can’t wait to fish with captain Eric again next time we are in Islamorada.

We had a blast with Captain Eric for a 4-hour morning trip. He showed up on-time and was accommodating to my pregnant wife. He is clearly very knowledgeable and is an expert at his craft. He came prepared with some bad dad jokes, which are always appreciated. He is easy to get along with and makes for a fun fishing partner. He is a great teacher. Can’t wait to see him again on the next trip.

Captain Eric made this a charter to remember. He did not just put on the fish,he also shared is wealth of knowledge about the Florida keys and it’s fishery.