đŁ What to Bring
To make the most of your day on the water, we recommend packing:
Waterproof Bag – We do recommend bringing a waterproof bag to keep your valuables in. All of our boats do have storage for you to store things but they are often not completely dry.
Hat â for shade and sun protection
Shoes – You are welcome to wear whatever kind of shoes you like. Just make sure the soles of the shoes do not mark or scuff the deck. Black soles often leave marks.
Polarized sunglasses â to cut glare and help you spot fish
Layered clothing â mornings can be cool, afternoons warm
Sunscreen â SPF is your best friend out here. Please DO NOT bring spray sunscreen. The chemicals often turn the boat cushions orange and if sprayed on the boat the over-spray can be very slippery.
Rain gear â just in case the weather turns
Your own food & drinks â Water to keep you hydrated. Food suggestions on where to buy can be found below. Alcohol is allowed but please drink responsibly.
If you bring a cooler, please make it a small soft-sided cooler so it can be stored in a hatch. Donât worryâweâll have a large Yeti cooler packed with ice ready for your use.
Sea Sickness Guidance
Whether or not to take motion sickness medication is entirely up to you, but please know that seasickness is common when reef fishing or heading offshore. Itâs very rare during our calm, inshore flats trips.
– Medication Options: Dramamine is the most commonly used medication, but it can cause drowsiness. Many guests find it helpful to take one dose the night before and another the morning of the trip so itâs already in their system.
– Natural Remedies: Ginger is a popular natural option. Ginger candies, lozenges, or chews can often be found at most drugstores and may help settle your stomach.
Policy on Seasickness
If you start feeling sick, please lean over the side of the boat rather than using the deck or cooler. Trips are not automatically ended because someone gets sickâmost guests push through it so the rest of the group can keep fishing.
However, if seasickness becomes severe (frequent vomiting or risk of dehydration), the captain may decide to end the trip early for safety reasons. Please note:
– We cannot return to the dock to drop off one guest and then head back out.
– Fuel and engine hours are major costs, so once we leave the dock, the trip runs as planned unless safety requires otherwise.
GPS Tracking Policy
Over the past 20+ years in the charter business, weâve worked incredibly hardâthrough countless hours, long days, and plenty of trial and errorâto learn and perfect our fishery. Out of respect for that effort, we ask that you please do not use phones, GPS devices, or apps to record or steal our fishing locations.
Youâre welcome to use your phone to take photos, videos, or stay in touch with family, but recording exact fishing spots crosses a line. Our fishing numbers are the result of decades of experience, not something to be copied in a single trip. We appreciate your respect and understandingâit allows us to continue sharing the best of the Florida Keys with all of our guests.
Tipping Guidelines –
Tipping on fishing charters can vary, but a good rule of thumb is to use 20% of the trip cost as a standard recommendation.
– Larger Boats: Most of our larger boats have a mate on board. Mates typically work entirely for tips, so your gratuity directly supports their hard work in rigging tackle, gaffing fish, and keeping the trip running smoothly.
– Smaller Bay & Flats Boats: On these trips, youâll only have your Captain on board. In this case, gratuities go directly to the Captain for providing you with a safe, enjoyable, and productive day on the water.
What We Provide
When you fish with us, we make sure youâre fully equipped and ready for a great day on the water.
Included Gear & Supplies
– All fishing rods, reels, and tackle
– Live or artificial bait (when applicable)
– Fly fishing flies (when applicable)
– All necessary fishing licenses & permits
– YETI cooler with ice for your drinks and catch
– Coast Guardârequired safety equipment (including childrenâs life vestsâplease remind us in advance if youâll need one)
Bathroom Policy
– Some of our larger boats are equipped with small onboard restrooms (heads).
– On smaller boats, itâs common for men to simply use the back of the boat.
Keeping Your Catch
– If youâd like to keep fish for dinner, please let us know before your trip so we can plan accordingly.
– At the end of your charter, weâll clean and bag your fish free of charge right at the dock. Fillets are packaged in heavy-duty Ziplock-style bags.
– We do not vacuum-seal fish, but weâre happy to recommend local places that provide this service.
đŁ Bringing Your Own Gear
Got a lucky rod or favorite reel? Youâre welcome to bring it! Just let us know ahead of time so we can make space for it on board.
đȘ¶ For Fly Fishermen
If you plan on bringing your own fly fishing setup, weâre happy to help ensure itâs suited for the local conditions. Most of the time, we fish floating lines, and we recommend Royal Wulff Bermuda Triangle Taper fly lines for best results.
đ Where Weâll Meet
Weâll start our adventure at my slip, located at:
Island Fish Company Restaurant
12648 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
When you arrive, pull into the restaurantâs lot and immediately turn left into the overflow parking area. From there, youâll find a path that leads straight to the docksâno need to walk through the restaurant. My slips are the first two youâll see as you reach the water.
Where to Grab Food for Your Fishing Charter in Marathon, Florida
A day on the water calls for plenty of energyâand that means bringing along the right food and drinks. Here in Marathon, Florida, we have a few favorite local spots that are perfect for stocking up before your fishing charter with Captain Rich Smith.
1. Publix Supermarket â Prepared Meals & Snacks
Publix is our top recommendation for fishing trip provisions. Theyâre famous for their crispy fried chicken, fresh handmade subs, and a wide selection of grab-and-go snacks. You can also find drinks, fruit, chips, and just about anything else youâll need for your day on the water.
Pro Tip: Order ahead through the Publix app to save time. Mornings can be very slow at this location, so we strongly recommend getting your food and drinks the day before to ensure we leave the dock on time.
đ Address: 5407 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
đ Phone: (305) 289-2920
2. Marathon Bagel Co. â Fresh Breakfast & Sandwiches
If youâre looking for fresh bagels, breakfast sandwiches, or lunch wraps, Marathon Bagel Co. is a fantastic choice. Everything is made fresh, and theyâre known for their great coffee too.
Pro Tip: Order aheadâthis place is popular, especially in the mornings.
đ Address: 11090 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
đ Phone: (305) 517-6393
đ Menu: marathonbagelco.com
3. Kingâs Seafood â The Famous Cuban Sandwich
If youâre in the mood for something flavorful, Kingâs Seafood makes an incredible Cuban sandwichâperfect for taking on the boat. They also have other delicious seafood options and sides to round out your cooler.
đ Address: 10925 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
đ Phone: (305) 735-4132
Our Advice for a Smooth Start
-Order ahead whenever possible.
-Pick up your food the day before your charter to avoid morning delays.
-Pack drinks and snacks to keep your energy up throughout the trip.
-Please arrive at the dock 5-10 minutes before our start time so we can leave on time.
By planning ahead, youâll be able to relax and enjoy your day fishing without any last-minute rush.