Fishing Info
Clothing
Here in Key
West, we experience relatively mild weather patterns. Clothing in the spring and summer months usually consists of shorts,
light shirt, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. In the fall and winter months, long-sleeved shirt, pants, a light jacket and hat,
sunglasses and sunscreen. Our Florida Keys weather is usually sunny and warm, but because of our tropical location, it is
possible to experience a brief rain shower from time to time. It is advised that you check the local weather before your trip
and plan accordingly. It is recommended that you bring a light rain jacket in the spring and summer months if rain is in the
forecast.
Fishing Trip
Times and Lengths
All trips leave the dock at 8:00am, unless an earlier or later take off is arranged ahead
of time. The ½ day trips are 4 hours, the 5/8 trips are 5 hours, the ¾ day trips are 6 hours, the full day trips
are 8 hours and the extended day trips are 10 hours, dock to dock.
Reconfirming your trip and arriving at the dock
Please call captain john at
305-923-3721 after 5:00pm the evening before your trip. You should arrive at the dock about 10 minutes before your scheduled
take off time. This gives us a chance to ice down your drinks and gather any last minute items.
Fishing Instruction/Necessary experience
You do not need to be a pro to hook and land nice quality fish. Many of our anglers have never fished in saltwater
before and many have never even fished before. Our guides will teach you how to operate the rods and reels and show you how
and what to feel for when the fish takes your bait. Whether you prefer fly, spinning or conventional gear, our guides are
experts in instructional teaching, very patient and will have you catching fish in no time.
Mounting your Trophy
we use some of
the best replica mounting agent in the world, Grays Taxidermy. Take the memory home with you with a stunning replica mount
and brag to all of your friends and family for years on end. Please let us know if you would like to mount a fish and we'll
take care of everything. Remember, all billfish are release mounts only.
Captain Gratuities
It is often asked how much of a gratuity is considered customary
to tip your captain for great service. The answer is similar to a restaurant gratuity, 15-20% of the trip.
Keeping your catch
we practice
catch and release on many of our species. For the fish that are considered good eating, you are certainly more than welcome
to take your legal limit of fish home with you.
Payment for your trip
To settle the balance of your trip after a great day on the water,
we accept; CASH, personal & travelers checks and last but not least, Visa or MasterCard. If using a credit card, you must
present the card in person after the trip for settlement. We cannot use the credit card information used to reserve your charter
for final payment.
A 20% deposit is required for all fishing
trips. We accept both checks and credit cards. If sending a check, please make it payable to: Reel easy charters and mail
to 26 azalea drive key west fl 33040
If you wish to pay your deposit with a credit card, we accept Visa or MasterCard. A deposit of 20% will be applied
at the time of your booking reservation. This deposit reserves your guide for a specified trip length on a particular day.
A confirmation will then be faxed, emailed or mailed to you confirming your trip with reel easy charters.The remaining balance
will be due in full at the end of your trip.
Cancellation/Refund of Deposit policy
There is no refund if you cancel your
trip less than 15 days before the scheduled trip date or in the case of a 'no-show'. If you must cancel within 15 days prior
to your trip and we can book another trip for that day, we will refund your deposit to you.
Cancelation within 48 hours or in case of a no show customer is responsible for the full balance of scheduled charter.
Seasickness Policy
If
your charter wants to return early because of seasickness, you will be responsible for full payment of your charter, regardless
of length of time spent on the water or remaining on the charter. There will be no refund of the charter deposit due to a
trip being terminated early due to seasickness.
We do not want this to happen to you, so take precautions! If you are planning an inshore trip, seasickness
is very unlikely to be a problem. However, if you are going offshore, you should definitely consider some form of medication
and/or wrist band to help prevent seasickness. This is your day, the evening before, take it easy! Key West is known for being
a party town. Save the celebration for the night after your charter. Avoid excessive drinking and staying up to late, we see
this as the #1 cause of seasickness.
Inclement Weather Policy
Your captain reserves the right to cancel or delay the start of your trip
if there is inclement weather that may be considered dangerous or unsafe. If the winds at Sand Key, sanf1, are more than 20knots
sustained on the day of your charter or there are numerous showers, you may cancel your trip and receive a full refund.
Personal Items liability
Baggage, personal items and personal equipment are the sole responsibility of their owners at all times. Boats are inherently
wet; items that you wish to keep from getting wet should be placed in a dry storage bag or container. We highly recommend
not bringing any unnecessary items.
Additional Trip Information:
- All rates quoted are for your group and your captain.
- All trips are private charter. Sorry, we do not offer split or shared trips.
- Light Tackle boats may take up to four guests. Additional charge for the
5th or 6th guest.
- Flats and Backcountry boat capacities
vary by captain.
- Alcohol is allowed on your charter,
please limit it to beer or wine.
- No hard liquor please.
- All trips include bait, tackle, rods, licenses and a cooler with ice.
- Please, no coolers. Our boats have coolers built in for your refreshments.
- Fish cleaning is available, as is short-term freezer storage.
Departing Marina Services
If your trip departs from either Hurricane Hole, there is a ships store on premises that offer everything from drinks, snacks,
sandwiches, sunscreen, hats and lots more for your convenience.
Hurricane Hole Marina also has an outstanding restaurant and bar to cook up your catch when you get
back to the dock. The food is excellent and the beer ice cold. There is no better way to eat fish than fresh from the boat.
Items you should bring:
- Drinks, plenty of liquids (Gatorade,
Powerade, sodas, etc.)
- Lunch or snacks if you're on
a ¾ or full day charter.
- Sunscreen (please, no
aerosols), sunglasses and a hat.
Last but not least, don't forget the CAMERA!