Question 1

What time do your trips usually depart?

Accepted Answer

These are typical seasonal departure times. Your actual trip will be determined based on weather conditions and livebait availability, all charters should check-in within 24 hours prior to the trip to confirm departure time. To check-in please call us at (305)-890-6870 the evening before your charter.

Question 2

Can we catch a Mahi, a Grouper, a Swordfish, a Yellowtail, and a Unicorn in a half day?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is no! First off, a swordfish is 30+ miles offshore and each drift can last up to forty-five minutes. Second, Mahi can be anywhere from 10-30+ miles offshore. Yellowtail and grouper are typically found on the reef. So to answer the question, in a ½ day, no that is impossible.  It is always best to book the trip length you are comfortable with and let the Captain read the conditions and see what you have the best chance of catching but you certainly should let him now what your goals are.

Question 3

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

You can pay in-full with a credit card directly from our booking link or you can pay 50% credit card deposit and the remaining 50% in credit card or cash at the time of embarkation. Note: If you don't show up for your trip (and/or otherwise make an acceptable change of arrangements) we will charge the remining 50% balance to your card.

Note: Cash is preferable as a tip for our Captains, but we can also charge that as well.

Question 4

Are tips customary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Though that comes as a surprise to many, both blue water and backcountry guides traditionally receive tips after a day of fishing – especially if you’re leaving with lots of stories to tell. While the amount – and decision to tip or not – is completely up to the client, amounts can range from $25 for a half-day to $100 for an outstanding full day.

Question 5

Why don’t you take more than 6 Passengers on one boat?

Accepted Answer

Due to U S Coast Guard Law, almost all Florida Keys charter boats carry a Max of 6 passengers. Passengers include any person going on the charter, even if they do not fish. A baby, or child is considered a passenger.

Our fleet is comprised of multiple vessels that can accommodate large group outings. Contact us if your party is more than 6 guests so we can make accomodations for you.

Question 6

What if I get Seasick?

Accepted Answer

If you are unsure about seasickness, we recommend taking a seasick pill the night before and the morning of your charter. Be sure to read the labels, and always check with your Doctor first! These pills do usually work, however, in case of seasickness, the customer always has the option to end the trip early.

Question 7

Do you have life jackets aboard your vessels?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We keep all of our vessels compliant with Coast Guard rules and life jackets are one of the requirements. All boats have them, and our Captains will let you know where they are during safety orientation when you first board the vessel.

We do encourage those with little ones to bring a smaller life jacket along with them, the commercial life jackets we have are large and bulky.

Question 8

What footwear should I wear for my trip?

Accepted Answer

Please make sure you wear non-skid footwear designed for wet conditions, such as boating shoes. Never go bare footed.   Flipflops are not consider boating shoes and are unsafe to wear on a boat or dock area. Boat and dock floors are often wet, and we want you to have a fun and safe experience.

Question 9

What do I bring with me?

Accepted Answer

Sunscreen! Thin, breathable long-sleeved shirts and pants and comfortable sandals or boat shoes are ideal to wear, along with your hat and polarized sunglasses. Bring rain gear if the weather calls for it. And don’t forget your camera! It can be stowed in a water-tight compartment on the boat.

Your Captain will provide all the necessary tackle, bait, water and ice. You are responsible for other beverages and your meal. Most importantly, bring a curiosity for nature and enthusiasm for the hunt!

Question 10

What are the 10 most helpful tips?

Accepted Answer

1. Dress warm. Yes, it does get cold in Florida! Maybe not Canada cold, but when you start out in the chilly, wet morning and add some wind, all of a sudden it feels like the thermostat is broken and the cold air blows right through your core for 45 minutes. Layering is the answer. Bring raingear, a light jacket or sweatshirt and long pants. You can even get the long pants with the zip off shorts if the weather gets too hot to wear the full length pant.

2. Bring polarized sunglasses. Can’t catch what you can’t see. This isn’t so important if you’re going to be “blind casting” most of the day, but still, c’mon, get some polarized sunglasses. You don’t have to spend a fortune. In our Pro Bait 'N' Tackle Shop we carry many brands of polarized sunglass.

3. Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be standing for most of the day and you’ll want to protect your feet from the sun and from the hard deck of the boat. It’ll also help your back. Leave your wading boots behind unless you plan to get out of the boat.

4. Wear a hat. Don’t bring your favorite “lucky” hat. Bring it of you don’t mind it getting wet, lost, or fishy smelling. Hats reduce glare, protect your noggin from the sun and keep you cool.

5. A good attitude. Even if the weather gets you down, don’t frown. The bite may be on or it may take some time, but you’ve got to be ready when it happens. If you’re bummed because the fishing is slow and decide to make a few calls or write some text messages, that’s when the fish decide it’s time to strike.

6. Bring a camera. No, it’s not bad luck. A camera captures the memory and keeps the fish alive. Video is cool, too. Some folks have underwater housing and take some exotic photos, while others just keep the camera dry and whip it out for the release shot of a lifetime. Make sure the batteries are charged before you leave for the dock. Camera phones work too.

7. Food and drink. I usually have an assortment of refreshments on ice, but bringing along your favorite drink like a frapaccino-latte-mocha-whatever, Gatorade or a Redbull might be the ticket to keep you going. Think easy packaging too. While a green salad sounds like a great idea, it might blow away if you try to eat while the boat is moving. Stick to heartier and easier to handle foods like tuna salad, ceviche, egg salad, or deli sandwiches, fried chicken, beef jerky, trail-mix, power bars or anything you like to munch on.

8. Make a plan. Decide what you want to fish for before leaving the dock. It’s always good to have a plan. And while things change, at least it gives you a strategy for the day. If you’re not familiar with the area or kind of fish you might encounter, you can let the guide decide what might be best for the day. It always makes good sense to call your guide the night before so he can be ready with the tackle and the strategy. A day of bending a rod and a day of catching bonefish are very different things but can be equally as fun and exciting. Your guide might have you in a good area for redfish, but far away from an area that’s productive for tarpon. Keep your options open but be aware that not all kinds of fish are in the same areas that you might be fishing in for the day.

9. Practice casting. The better you’ve prepared your ability to cast, the luckier you’ll be. Go to the park, backyard, parking lot or any open space where you can practice. Be sure to practice with the wind in various angles because the fish seem to know when you have trouble casting in a cross-wind.

10. Listen to your captain. Your guide is out there everyday and sees all situations. The more you act like a team instead of competitors, the more fun you’ll have and the more fish you’ll catch.

These tips and a conversation or two with your guide will ensure a great time on your next fishing charter. After all, it’s all about getting out on the water and enjoying the day. When you’re more prepared for what might happen, the luckier the fisherman you’ll be.

Question 11

What happens to the fish I catch?

Accepted Answer

Fish caught on the vessel that you intend to keep must meet the current regulations and laws in regard to season, size and catch limit. Once back at the dock we will display your fish for photos and fillet and bag them. Most customers come for the fun, but also to get fresh seafood! Let the crew know if you prefer to catch, photo, and release.

Note: We will filet and bag up to one 5 Gallon bucket of pure meat fillets (Approx. 50lbs of meat). You are welcome to keep any additional fish you caught on your trip. Cleaning tables at our dock are only for use by authorized Captains and crew members.

Question 12

How do we get our fish home?

Accepted Answer

Off The Hook does not pack and ship fish, however, it is processed by our food catering and food truck business and will incur an additional charge. We can also can pack your fish to ship or fly with. If you plan to carry-on or check-in your catch please contact your particular Airline first to find out if they will allow it as the rules do vary.

Frequently asked questions