Advice on charter boats

Hello all.

My first post but I%26#39;ve been reading a lot of your comments and such and you have already given me ideas on where to go to eat and such. So I thought I%26#39;d ask away and get some advice. First trip to the Keys. Staying at Continental Inn (also largely in part to TA posts). Just myself and girlfriend coming down June 19-28th and can%26#39;t wait. Two things that we want to do but haven%26#39;t seen much discussion.

Snorkeling. Looking to do a day trip and want a fun time. Go in the morning or afternoon? Best boats? Would it be worth it to bring/buy some gear to use on Cont Inn%26#39;s beach?

Fishing. Best captains? Best prices? I know ';best'; is tricky when fishing is involved. Don%26#39;t care what I catch so species isn%26#39;t a limitation and I%26#39;ll be happy to hear everybody%26#39;s version of best.

Thank you in advance for your replies.

Dan

Advice on charter boats

The two charters I like in the Marathon area are - in no particular order:

Reel Time with Captain Nick. www.reeltimefishingcharters.com (305) 942-2171

or

Main Attraction out of Key Colony Beach. (305) 289-0071 Captain Marty.

I%26#39;ve caught fish on both boats.

I was just on another boat this weekend, but it is out of Geiger Key Marina I caught a 20 pound Mahi as the biggest, and we had another 11 smaller dolphin as well. I fished with Captain Greg and Captain Craig. Call Greg at (305) 296-9641.

Tell him I told you to watch your fingers when fishing with them.

You%26#39;ll like staying at the Continental. Nice area. have a dinner at Sparky%26#39;s - you wont%26#39; be sorry. Tell Barb the bartender hi, and watch out for Ally. She tried to kill me with Coronas one night.

Advice on charter boats

The Buffetguy has recommended two great Charter Captains. If you go with Main Attraction, fish with Capt Marty and his mate Jamie! They have a couple of boats, but I think he is the best!

For snorkeling, I would recommend The Spirit http://www.spiritsnorkeling.net/

or Tilden%26#39;s http://www.tildensscubacenter.com/

I don%26#39;t think you will need any gear for in front of the Contental Inn, it is a nice beach, but not really for snorkeling.

Come on down, you are going to have a great time!

AND - another vote for Main Attraction and Capt Marty - he%26#39;s on Main Attraction 1. There are several Main Attractions, that%26#39;s the boat the other two are talking about.

Also right there in KCB is Deep Blue Dive, snorkeling and diving. You can rent gear from them if you feel you need it for the beach in front of Cont inn, but like the above poster said - there isn%26#39;t much to see there. Morning or afternoon? Depends on the weather that day - talk with whoever you choose to go out with for advise on the day.

Come on down!!

Thanks for the advice. Only two more weeks.

Main Attraction is an excellent choice - either Capt. Marty or Capt. Shelby. Also recommend SeaSquared Charters (www.seasquaredcharters.com) in the same marina. Be sure to stop in to Sparky%26#39;s Landing for fish %26#39;n cocktails - also in the Key Colony Beach Marina. A Deep Blue Dive (again, same marina) is top choice for snorkeling. Have a blast!

I highly recommend Captain Buddy LaPointe for inshore fishing. He%26#39;s patient and he%26#39;ll put you on fish. He works with beginners and experienced fishermen. I’d call him ASAP as he is usually booked well in advance. His website is www.fishin-buddy.com. I’ve fished with him for over 10 years and he’s always been terrific.

did anyone who fished those two charter companies go for swordfish. want to do a day trip later this month.

thanks

did anyone who fished those two charter companies go for swordfish. want to do a day trip later this month.

thanks

Both Main Attraction and SeaSquared go for swordfish with success.

http://www.mainattraction.org/

http://seasquaredcharters.com/

Both are good. Swordfishing can be very boring. Deep, deep drop and wait. And wait. And wait. Both of those Charter Captains can put you on all different types of fish!