RATES (1-2 anglers):

½ day (4 hours)........................................................ $400

Whole day (8 hours).................................................. $550

Additional Angler....................................................... $75

PAYMENT OPTIONS - CLICK HERE -

I do offer additional options during tarpon season and for early morning or evening fishing. Please contact me in advance for open dates and pricing information for these trips.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Guide fees include fuel, ice, tackle and expertise. Other beverages, lunches and tips are not included.

To confirm your booking, I require a 50% deposit when the reservation is made, and the balance is due on the day of the trip. I'm sorry, but I cannot accept credit cards. Cash, check or money order only please.

If you cancel fishing more than 30 days in advance of the fishing dates, you will be entitled to a 90% refund. If you cancel 15 to 30 days in advance, you will forfeit half of the amount of the charter. If you cancel 14 days or less in advance, you are responsible for full payment, unless the dates can be rebooked. Every effort will be made to reschedule your trip. In the event that I cancel your trip due to weather, you will receive a full refund of the day. The refund will be given in the same method as it was paid.

To book your guided fishing tour, please call (305) 393-3474 or email me today.

305-393-FISH (3474)
steve@afishingguide.com

FAQ's:

Where do we leave from?

• I typically launch from the Papa Joe's Marina, a historic marina and local watering hole located at MM 80 bayside. We can make arrangements to meet elsewhere if necessary. Just call me a day or two before the trip, and we’ll work it out.

What time do we leave?

• Fishing trips are subject to many variables including the desired length of your trip, the target species, the time of year and the day’s tide. We will schedule a launch time once we talk on the phone.

How do I pay?

• To avoid the surcharges imposed by credit card companies, I accept cash, checks and travelers cheques only.

I want to learn to fly fish. Can you help me?

• Yes! A preliminary fly casting lesson can be scheduled on land before we ever hit the water. Once you’re on the boat, the instruction continues and before you know it, you’ve caught your first fish on fly.

Are tips customary?

• 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.

WHAT TO BRING:

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.

Capt. Steve 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!

MY BOAT AND EQUIPMENT

"DREAM CATCHER"

www.hellsbayboatworks.com

Hells Bay Guide 18

• Your fishing adventure is driven by this custom 1999 Hell’s Bay Boatworks “Guide 18” flats skiff, powered by a 90-hp Mercury motor. This stealthy, sturdy craft features a comfortable padded bench seat and backrest, stabilization grips, cooler, live wells, GPS and all the required safety equipment including life preservers and flares.

• The skiff’s specialized, professional engineering lets anglers safely skim over just 6-inches of water. “Because of the design, my anglers catch fish most boats can’t even approach – without disturbing the sensitive seagrass or marine life below,” said Capt. Steve. For specifics on this or other Hell’s Bay boats, check out www.hellsbayboatworks.com.

• Steve provides his clients with only the finest rods, reels and tackle available including Hatch reels, G Loomis, Sage, Scott, Tibor, Abel, Nautilus, Schimano and Diawa. If you like, you can bring your favorite or lucky rod along, as well.

Pathfinder 2200 Bay Boat

The newest addition to the AFG fleet is the 2200 Pathfinder from Maverick. I am very excited about this new vessel. Now not only can you get out on the water in comfort and style, but we now have the ability to fish offshore, gulf wrecks and deep into the shallow waters of the Everglades National Park. The Pathfinder is powered the reliable 250 Suzuki four-stroke engine that is so quite, you’ll hardly know it’s on. This bay boat is fully loaded with a large livewell, lots of dry storage, a t-top for shade and plenty of seating for the whole family. We can also use the 109 pound thrust electric motor to sneak up on tailing redfish, permit and tarpon with the added ability to stop silently with the shallow water anchor, the Power Pole XL. The possibilities abound with this new ride. The best part is the rates stay the same. So if you’re interested in getting out on a charter on either the Pathfinder or site fishing the flats on my Hells Bay Guide 18, give me a call at 305-393-3474 or email me at steve@afishingguide.com.

FOOD & LODGING

Below is a list of my favorite local spots, where I send family and friends.
A more complete list of options can be found at the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s website: http://www.islamoradachamber.com

LODGING
The Islander Resort Mile Marker 82.1, Oceanside. (800) 753-6002. Twenty acre property with sandy beach, poolside bar and restaurant, pier, water sports. All newly renovated ground floor units. http://www.islanderfloridakeys.com

Casa Morada 136 Madeira Road, Oceanside, near Mile Marker 82. (888) 881-3030. An intimate, all-suites hotel. Peaceful and secluded. Kayaks, BBQ, in-room phones, safes, cable TV. http://www.casamorada.com/

Kon Tiki Resort Mile Marker 81.2, Bayside. (305) 664-4702. Boat basin, pool. Efficiencies available. www.kontiki-resort.com

Cheeca Lodge and Spa Mile Marker 81.8, Oceanside. (305) 664-4651. Luxurious resort with spa, pool, golf, tennis, water sports and in-house babysitting. http://cheeca.com

GOOD EATS
Mangrove Mike’s Café Mile Marker 82.2, Bayside. (305) 664-8022. Specializing in generous portions of breakfast and lunch family dining. Bakery. Open daily 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call ahead for subs and box lunches to go.

The Hungry Tarpon Mile Marker 77.5, Bayside. (305) 664-0535. Open daily 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dine by the water overlooking Robbie's Marina, or soak up the A/C in a traditional conch house-turned diner. Stay to feed the wild tarpon at Robbie’s.

Midway Cafe & Coffee Bar Mile Marker 80.5, Oceanside. (305) 664-2622. Wraps, sandwiches, pastries, and vegan menu items for breakfast and lunch. Coffee beans roasted on premises.

Morada Bay Mile Marker 81.6, Oceanside. (305) 664-0604. An outdoor Mediteranean bistro in the sand open for lunch and dinner. Live unique entertainment, spectacular sunsets, and a large child-friendly beach with giant Adirondack chairs.

Lazy Days Restaurant Mile Marker 79.8, Oceanside. (305) 664-5256. Bird’s eye oceanfront dining indoors or out, lunch and dinner. All seafood is local and fresh. Menu also includes steak, chicken and pasta. Reservations recommended.

Ziggie’s & Mad Dog's Mile Marker 83, Bayside. (305) 664-3391. Steaks, chops, and fresh local seafood served in sleek, sophisticated surroundings. Orchid-garnished cocktails and international wine list. Open for dinner only. Reservations recommended.

Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar Mile Marker 82, Bayside. (305) 664-4656
Outdoor dining on the bay for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Home of the famous sunset celebration. Boaters welcome. Live music.