Fishing charters

Saltwater Experience

Fishing in the Florida Keys is the ultimate angler experience. Nothing compares to checking off a bucket list fish or taking the kids out and keeping the rod bent, sharing tips and techniques on becoming a better angler. It’s a moment you will never forget, and something every fisherman needs to experience in his or her lifetime.

Captain Garrett Stephens

As a Florida Keys fishing guide with Saltwater Experience, Captain Garrett Stephens cherishes each day he gets to spend on the water with his customers. Whether you’re an avid angler wanting to catch a fish of a life time or a family who wants to spend the day on the water seeing what the Florida keys has to offer, Captain Garrett Stephens will ensure he does everything thing he can to provide you with the best experience you can have. You can even journey up to the Florida Everglades in search of tarpon, snook, redfish, and speckled seatrout or run out in the gulf in search of tripletail and cobia. We can also test your strength out in a battle with some big goliath grouper out on the gulf wrecks.

Saltwater Experience Captain Garrett Stephens knows that fishing in the Florida Keys isn’t something you get to do every day. That’s why he will give you his best each trip to put you on your fish of a lifetime. Just stop by the boats, located at Hawks Cay Marina on the beautiful island of Duck Key.

About the Boat

Saltwater Experience is the ideal Florida Keys fishing boat. The versatile 24’ Yellowfin hull, combined with a lightning-fast 300 HP Mercury Verado engine, allows you to fish just about anywhere—and it gets you there fast!

Saltwater Experience drafts only 14'' of water fully loaded down, which allows you to get up on the deeper parts of the flats to chase Bonefish and Permit. At the same time, the hull design offers great stability and a comfortable ride on a long run to the Everglades or a deep Gulf wreck.

Because of the size, the boat is not poled on the flats, but is instead powered by a trolling motor to silently sneak up on spooky fish in the shallows.  The large casting deck makes it possible to fish up to four anglers, and offers plenty of room for the saltwater fly angler to cast to our trophy game fish.

Saltwater Experience is outfitted with top-of-the line electronics and both fly and spin fishing gear.  The boat is also equipped with dual Power Poles and two tournament live wells to keep the bait healthy for long days on the water.  There is plenty of dry storage to keep all of your belongings safe and dry even in the wettest conditions.

"Let us help you plan your trip! Enjoy a stay at Hawks Cay Resort and your fishing adventure will be just steps from your door."

(877) 423-6403 BOOK INSHORE


 

OUR SPECIALTIES

Bonefish

fishing

back country/flats fishing

Common from three to five pounds, the current Florida record bonefish was 16.19 lbs caught locally in Islamorada. Bonefish season is March through October, best August through October.

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Snook

fishing

back country/flats fishing

Snook fishing is a Florida Keys specialty. Most catches are 3 to 15 lbs, 16 to 30-pounders are also common. The current Florida record is 45.75 pounds. Snook fishing is best in spring and summer.

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Tarpon

fishing

back country/flats fishing

Common from 40 to 50 pounds, big fish of 100 to 150 pounds aren't uncommon in our waters. Recent Florida record 243 pounds. Best February through June. Renowned for their challenging fight and jump.

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CHARTER RATES

Saltwater Experience—Half Day Inshore

Availability: Call for Availability

Rates: $800

Requirements & Restrictions: 4 Hours, Maximum 4 People

Saltwater Experience—Three Quarter Day Inshore

Availability: Call for Availability

Rates: $1100

Requirements & Restrictions: 4 Hours, Maximum 4 People

Saltwater Experience—Full Day Inshore

Availability: Call for Availability

Rates: $1400

Requirements & Restrictions: 8 Hours, Maximum 4 People

Saltwater Experience—Evening Tarpon

Availability: Call for Availability; Only Available in Tarpon Season, March 1 - July 31

Rates: $700

Requirements & Restrictions: 4 Hours, Maximum 4 People