Experience Inshore Charter Fishing with Off Course Charters

To ensure the best possible fishing experience, I only take up to 2 people on the boat. Many of the really good fishing spots are in shallow waters and in order for me to get you into the really good fishing holes, it's important to have as little weight as possible on the boat. Fishing the backcountry also requires a lot of casting and having too many people on the boat can make it unsafe. Backcountry fishing is very hands-on. There is no sitting and waiting  for a fish to bite. You will be casting either live bait or lures constantly into spots where the bigger fish are. 

NO. Alcohol is NOT allowed on the boat, and alcohol cannot be consumed on the day of the trip or at least 8 hours prior to the trip for 2 main reasons: 1.  My commercial vessel insurance does not allow for ANY alcohol to be consumed before or during the trip. 2. Inshore fishing is very hands-on, and requires a lot of standing on the   

deck and keeping your balance the whole time. On an inshore trip, you will be on your feet for most of the time (there is no sitting while fishing)

It varies but typically we go out about 10-15 miles from Key Largo into the Everglades National Park and it usually takes us about 20 minutes to get there. Most of the ride will be in crystal clear shallow waters of the Florida Bay. On the 6 and 8 hour trips we can go as for as 40 miles into the Gulf of America.

Payment is done on the day of the trip before the trip starts. Cash payment is the preferred method. I also accept Venmo. I do NOT accept Zelle or Cash App. 

You can cancel the trip anytime. However, keep in mind that if you cancel within 3 days of the trip, it is usually not possible for me to rebook and I typically loose my income for that day.

Florida is the liquid sunshine state and rain can appear anytime no matter what the forecast says. Light rain and wind is generally not a reason for me to cancel but, if I see unsafe weather conditions like lightning storms or unsafe wind speeds, the trip will be cancelled. If the fishing trip is cancelled by me due to bad weather before departure, you will not be charged for the trip. If we encounter bad weather while out there, I will do everything he can to avoid the weather however by then refunds cannot be done.

Absolutely! The standard practice is to tip between 15-20% of the total charter cost. Consider the quality of the experience, cleanliness of the boat and the effort the captain put in when deciding on the tip amount. Also take into consideration if the captain cleaned and bagged your fish.

Most likely yes! It's rare that we don't catch any fish.  However, keep in mind that the weather and environmental conditions can sometimes slow the bite down and the bite can be a little less aggressive. However, I do guarantee you that I will try my absolute best to put you on fish. I typically will go to several different spots if the bite is slow and most of the times I will stay out longer also. Fishing is all about the experience of being out on the water, having a good time and enjoying nature.

On the inshore trips we will be targeting Snook, Mangrove Snapper, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Jack Crevalle, Tarpon (May-Aug), Triple Tail. On the Reef Trips we will be targeting mainly yellowtail snapper.

The Florida Bay is on average 5 feet deep (yes, very shallow) and most of the fishing spots will be about 1-3 feet deep. 

Except for Snook, you can keep your catch and I will be glad to clean it for you too! Please let us know ahead of time if you want to keep any fish. 

Fishing the backcountry requires standing and balancing yourself on the deck of the boat while casting. Everyone must be able-bodied to be on the vessel. Most people, including kids, can do it without a problem however, if anyone in your group has ANY balance or walking issues I would advise you to better sit this one out. There is also no sitting while fishing in the backcountry. Everyone on the boat must be able to stand the whole time while they are fishing.

Yes, kids over 7 years old are welcome and most kids have a lot of fun catching some of the fish species we have in the Everglades National Park. However, there are a few things to consider: When there are kids on board, the experience really becomes about the kids themselves and not the adults. The goal is for the kids to have fun with mom or dad. It's not about the kids watching the parents fish. Typically, kids under 10 years old with little inshore experience will not be allowed to fish by themselves.  Mom or Dad must be with them the whole time helping out. 

Bay boats typically do not have a bathroom or a "head" as some call it. To go #1, most guys and gals just do it over the side of the boat. Us Captains are used to "eyes forward" when someone needs to go. But, if that's too adventurous for you, there is a glorified bucket for the ladies that can be used at the back of the boat. If someone needs to go #2, we will have to run back to shore. To avoid this, make sure to use the bathroom before boarding.

All my inshore trips take place inside the Everglades National Park. From Key Largo, it's about a 20 minute boat ride to the fishing grounds. On the reef trips we venture out to the Atlantic side and we will be fishing about 5 miles from shore.

Fishing tackle, Ice, bottled water, fishing licenses and bait.

1. Everglades Entry Pass or National Park Pass. 
2. Sunglasses are mandatory for everyone in the group.
3. Hat and sun shield like a gaiter or buff.
4. Long sleeve fishing shirt and long fishing pants are highly recommended for the sun but also for bugs. 
5. Soft sole shoes like Crocs, sneakers, running shoes or similar. NO flips-flops, boots or barefoot allowed.
6. In the "winter" months it's recommended to bring a warm jacket because the ride can be very cold. In the summer months you need to pack a light rain jacket 
7. Medications you cannot be without. For example allergy medicines, asthma medicines or any other medicines you must have with you at all times.

1. No alcohol or drugs can be consumed during or less than 8 hours before the trip. Fishing on a boat requires excellent balance. Consuming alcohol or drugs before or during the trip will impede your motor and balance skills.
2. No drugs of any kind.
3. No cigarets or any other tobacco products.
4. No drones in the National Park
5. Bulky bags. Due to space, only 1 small bag per group is allowed
6. No GPS tracking devices or tracking apps
7. Coolers are not allowed on the boat. I will provide a cooler with ice.
8. Sunscreen sprays are not allowed on the boat. 

Since we will be fishing in the Everglades National Park, you will be required to buy an Everglades Park Pass or National Park Pass . All visitors to to the park are required to have one when entering the park by car or by boat. The Everglades Pass cost $35, includes everyone in your group and can be bought online at:  https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74278

If you already have a National Park Pass like America the Beautiful, Lifetime Pass or Senior Pass, that will also suffice. Active military and veterans can also apply for their free National Park Pass at https://store.usgs.gov/MilitaryPass

Everglades Park Passes should be bought on the day of the trip. National Park Passes like America the Beautiful must be bought ahead of time as they take longer to process.

While it's very common for people to get seasick on offshore or "deep sea" fishing trips, it's usually NOT the case on the Inshore charter fishing trips! On the inshore trips we will be fishing in the shallow calm waters of the Florida Bay and Everglades National Park. Though it can get choppy, it's rarely bad enough to get seasick. On the Reef Trips however we will be in deeper water and getting seasick is always a possibility. I do recommend taking something for seasickness if you are not accustomed to the bigger waves.

1. You can bring foods like fruits, jerky, or a sandwich. Please do NOT bring foods like potato chips, chocolates, or any other foods that can stain the vessel.