Discover the ultimate Florida Keys fishing experience with Captain John of Key West, Florida. Growing up as the son of a commercial fisherman, Captain John has a lifetime of knowledge and passion for the waters of the Lower Keys. Raised on Sugarloaf Key, nestled between Key West and Big Pine Key, he spent countless days exploring the area's pristine waters—fishing, diving, and adventuring through the islands, creeks, channels, and backcountry waterways that define this unique ecosystem.
Alongside his younger brother James, Captain John eagerly sought out new fishing and diving spots, often returning home with fresh fish or lobster for their family. As he matured, his curiosity led him beyond the backcountry to the vibrant reefs, a completely different habitat full of fascinating marine life. In his early years, Captain John earned several commercial fishing licenses and dedicated much of his time to lobster fishing and diving.
In the late 1980s, Captain John launched his own charter business and has since been delighted to share his extensive expertise with visitors and locals alike. Proud to call the Lower Keys home, he describes the region as "a diverse ecosystem that will always hold a special, magical place in my heart." Join Captain John for an unforgettable adventure on the water!
We had an incredible time with Captain David, who skillfully guided us despite the fish being a bit elusive. His helpful attitude and a clean, well-maintained boat made for a great outing, and even the sharks gave us thrilling battles. Though the fishing was somewhat slow, Captain David’s determination to find the fish paid off with some rewarding catches toward the end, and we even had a few impressive ones break free—just part of the thrill of fishing.
Captain David was outstanding on our out-of-season Tarpon trip. After trying a few locations, he managed to get us hooked up, and we also caught a beautiful Mutton Snapper in deeper waters. We had a fantastic experience fishing with him, landing snapper and a shark, and we wouldn’t hesitate to book another trip. As a novice, I appreciated the captain’s patience and clear guidance—very professional and educational.
John’s charters never disappoint! During a 4-hour trip, Captain David Larson located various species including barracuda, a massive bull shark, triggerfish, grouper, and bluefish. By the end of the day, I was both satisfied and worn out. David’s expertise, helpful nature, and genuine character made the trip memorable and enjoyable.
Fishing with Captain Zac was fantastic—I highly recommend his services. He patiently worked with two beginners, and we caught our snapper limit and even ended the day with a 20-pound Cobia. Zac also taught us how to lobster, followed by some rod fishing action. We had an excellent day filled with catches of fish, sharks, and tarpon.
Don, Linda, Gabby, and Eric had a great outing thanks to Captain Zac’s excellent guidance. Sam was another top-notch captain who got us on Tarpon, marking a memorable first catch. David Larson put in tremendous effort to ensure we caught our limit across four different fish species—definitely a successful day on the water.
Captain JJ impresses with his hard work, knowledge, and ability to find fish all day long. We’re looking forward to booking with him again. David kept the trip lively and entertaining—definitely a captain I’ll choose for future adventures.
Though not our first fishing trip in Key West, Zack made it one of the best. While other boats struggled, Zack consistently put us on fish throughout the day. We highly recommend Captain Experiences for an unforgettable outing; five stars from our group of four from Charleston, SC.
Our family had a wonderful time on the trip arranged last minute after our original booking was canceled. The staff at Captain Experiences helped find a new excursion that everyone loved. Captain Zac’s ability to help each person land a fish made the day truly special. We wholeheartedly recommend this experience!
Though the wind forced us to take shelter in the mangroves, we still managed to catch some good fish and enjoy the time on the water. A solid outing despite the weather challenges.
You can cancel your reservation without any charge if you do so at least 7 days before your scheduled trip, and the amount will be refunded to your account. If you cancel less than 7 days before the trip, your deposit will be non-refundable as it will go to the guide. Canceling on the day of the trip or failing to show up will result in the full trip cost being charged to your payment method.
Please bring a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, along with food and beverages. All rods, reels, and tackle are provided.
Imagine a serene chain of islands nestled in the stunning Florida Keys, renowned for world-class fishing — that’s exactly what you’ll experience with Captain John. Spend your day exploring the pristine flats surrounding the Marquesas Keys, where you can target groupers, sharks, snappers, and more.
Located just a couple dozen miles west of Key West, the Marquesas Keys remain a well-kept secret in Florida fishing circles. These remote islands are framed by flats, wrecks, and reefs, offering some of the finest fishing opportunities anywhere. Your adventure begins aboard Captain John’s 24-foot Yellowfin based in Key West. While the voyage to the islands may take some time, the exceptional fishing experience that awaits is definitely worth it.
Every aspect of your trip will be handled with care to ensure it’s not only thrilling but also educational and unforgettable. Be sure to bring along any snacks or drinks you prefer, as Captain John will take care of all other essentials. Prepare for a remarkable day on the water!
