RATES (1-2 anglers):

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

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

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

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.

For credit card or paypal options, please click here.

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.

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!

TEN HELPFUL TIPS:

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. Most sporting goods stores and even some gas stations will carry some kind 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.

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.