Fishing Charters & Boat Excursions

Being born into a fishing family, I have been in the water and around boats for my entire life. As soon as I was able to walk, my father taught me how to cast and I would spend hours casting behind my house in Point Pleasant, NJ.
  My family moved to South Florida when I was still young, which opened up a whole new world to me, where I was able to spend every second I could either on or near the water. As a teenager, I started working at a marina on the fuel dock which eventually branched into working as a mate for private boats and on charters.
 After that, I spent several years as the captain running a corporate sportfishing program competing in Marlin tournaments up and down the east coast of the US. After operating a successful sportfishing charter in New Jersey for several years, I came to realize Islamorada is truly where I call home. I have always been passionate about being a fisherman and have known from a very young age that this is what I was meant to do.

Captain Chris Watkowski has over 25 years of experience fishing the east coast of the U.S. Most of his attention has been fishing out of the White Marlin Capital of the World Ocean City, Maryland - as well as the Sportfishing Capital of the World, Islamorada, Florida. 

When you book with us, you're guaranteed an unforgettable and enjoyable fishing trip. Our skilled Captain has had a love for fishing since childhood, starting at just 6 years old. With expertise in catching a variety of fish, including Tarpon, Snook, Red Drum, Barracuda, Mackerel, Snappers, Cobia, Groupers, Bonefish, Sharks, and more, we can accommodate any fishing preference. We offer Half-Day, 3/4, and Full-Day Charters, with Full Day Charters being the ideal choice for certain types of fishing.

Captain Riley Holden has been captivated by fishing and the great outdoors since he was old enough to hold a rod. Raised with the opportunity to fish alongside various guides on western rivers from the tender age of nine, Captain Holden embraced these experiences wholeheartedly. By the age of 21, Holden had become a guide themselves, instantly recognizing this path as their destined career. Teaching, particularly imparting the joys of fishing to children, quickly became their passion.

 The allure of the Florida Keys, with its reputation for offering the biggest, fastest, and most challenging game fish in the U.S., drew Holden to its shores. Islamorada, known for its storied angling history, now serves as Holden’s daily backdrop, offering a magical fishing experience. As a fly fishing guide, Holden delights in teaching anglers of all ages and skill levels the intricacies of fly fishing. Despite their specialty, Holden is adaptable, and proficient with spinning tackle when conditions demand a different approach.

At Pelagic Raptors Charters, we strive to provide our clients with the best fishing experience possible. We are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that every client has a safe and enjoyable trip. Our mission is to create memories that will last a lifetime.

More about the Captain coming soon.

More about the Captain coming soon.

More about the Captain coming soon.

A well-respected South Florida native, Captain Richard Burson has been fishing the local waters from Biscayne Bay to Islamorada for over 35 years. He specializes in backcountry fishing, targeting Snook, Redfish, Grouper, Snapper and Sea Trout. He also has experience fishing Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit along the ocean side flats surrounding Key Largo and Islamorada, either on fly or live bait.

Captain Burson welcomes both novice and experienced anglers to enjoy a successful day on the water with RU Fishing Yet Charters.

Captain Mark Gilman brings over 20 years of experience to On Your Mark Fishing Charters, operating a 2020 18-foot Hell’s Bay Marquesa. Whether you are looking for trophy Tarpon, the elusive Bonefish, or snappers to take home for dinner, Captain Gilman will show anglers a great time fishing the beautiful backcountry and shallow waters of the Florida Everglades and Florida Bay. He is an experienced guide with the ability to work with all anglers from novice spin fishermen to expert fly fishermen. His great personality ensures clients always feel comfortable and have an enjoyable day.

Captain Josh Checkeroski has been guiding for 15 years, having spent his life fishing all over North America. He is a passionate instructor whose goal is to create memorable trips and better anglers. Captain Checkeroski believes there is more to fishing trips than just catching a fish—it is about the journey to the hook up, the fight, and the photo.

Specialized in both fly and light tackle fishing, Captain Checkeroski takes the time to teach anglers how to cast and present flies as well as baits. He finds it extremely rewarding to watch clients progress in their skill sets and ultimately become better anglers.

A degree in marine biology and 30 years guiding anglers make Captain Rich Mitchell a unique Keys captain. With Captain Mitchell, a trip through the shallow Everglades becomes an educational experience as well as a fishing adventure. Battle some of the most sought-after game fish in the world while encountering the diverse ecosystem. Join a guide with a true passion for natural history and the fishing areas, and become immersed in the Florida Keys backcountry.

Captain Scott Bannerot has fished professionally since 1976 and has called Islamorada home since 1978. His versatile fishing experience encompasses waters from South Florida to Central America, New Zealand, and beyond. Captain Bannerot is equally comfortable fishing in blue water offshore, deep wrecks and seamounts, the reef edge, shallow patch reefs, channels and flats, and Everglades National Park. He welcomes anglers aboard the completely refitted classic 20-foot Seacraft Ultimate Dream, which first operated out of Postcard Inn in 1980. Captain Bannerot’s passion for fishing, diving, marine biology, and adventure is infectious—just one of the reasons clients have been fishing with him for as long as 35 years.

In need of travel like all Kiwis do, Captain Joseph Hughes left New Zealand in 1986 at the age of 22, hitchhiking and working his way through Europe. Captain Hughes arrived in the U.S. in 1988 where he found paradise in the Florida Keys. Since then, he has been fishing the waters for more than 30 years and hopes to be fishing them for 30 more.

Captain Steve Murray has been fishing and guiding the Florida Keys backcountry since 1997. He grew up in the Chicago area, fishing throughout the western suburbs. In the summers, he spent time fishing the Northwoods while visiting his grandparents in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin.

A United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain and approved guide at Everglades National Park, Captain Murray founded “Florida Fishing Headquarters” in Islamorada in 1998.

From novice to expert, all ages are welcome. Captain Murray takes great pride in the ability to adapt to each customers’ skill level in order to make everyone’s fishing experience a memory of a lifetime. Join Captain Murray on Florida Fishing Headquarters and leave with greater skills, knowledge, and a new appreciation for the beautiful Florida Keys.

More about the Captain coming soon.

More about the Captain coming soon.

More about the Captain coming soon.

More about the Captain coming soon.

More about the Captain coming soon.

Captain Jeremy Fisher is specialized in fly fishing and light tackle fishing. Spend a day sight fishing for Tarpon, Permit, Snook, Bonefish, and Redfish on the flats of Islamorada or the backcountry of Florida Bay.

More about the Captain coming soon.

Captain Arek Wojcik has professionally fished the waters of South Florida and the Bahamas for over 20 years. From winning multiple fishing tournaments both as a captain and crew member to taking first timers and kids on their first offshore fishing trip, Captain Wojcik has the know-how and attitude to make every trip as successful as possible! His 32' Carolina made express sportfisher is fast, comfortable and equipped with all the tackle to catch anything from grunts to granders.