🎣 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 – 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 – to cut glare and help you spot fish

Layered clothing – mornings can be cool, afternoons warm

Sunscreen – 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 – just in case the weather turns

Your own food & drinks – 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. Don’t worry—we’ll 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. It’s 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 it’s 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 sick—most 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, we’ve worked incredibly hard—through countless hours, long days, and plenty of trial and error—to 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.

You’re 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 understanding—it 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, you’ll 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 you’re 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 Guard–required safety equipment (including children’s life vests—please remind us in advance if you’ll need one)


Bathroom Policy

– Some of our larger boats are equipped with small onboard restrooms (heads).

– On smaller boats, it’s common for men to simply use the back of the boat.


Keeping Your Catch

– If you’d like to keep fish for dinner, please let us know before your trip so we can plan accordingly.

– At the end of your charter, we’ll 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 we’re happy to recommend local places that provide this service.


🎣 Bringing Your Own Gear

Got a lucky rod or favorite reel? You’re welcome to bring it! Just let us know ahead of time so we can make space for it on board.


đŸȘ¶ For Fly Fishermen

If you plan on bringing your own fly fishing setup, we’re happy to help ensure it’s 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.

📍 Where We’ll Meet

We’ll start our adventure at my slip, located at:

Island Fish Company Restaurant

12648 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050

When you arrive, pull into the restaurant’s lot and immediately turn left into the overflow parking area. From there, you’ll find a path that leads straight to the docks—no need to walk through the restaurant. My slips are the first two you’ll 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 energy—and 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 – Prepared Meals & Snacks

Publix is our top recommendation for fishing trip provisions. They’re 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 you’ll 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.

📍 Address: 5407 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050

📞 Phone: (305) 289-2920


2. Marathon Bagel Co. – Fresh Breakfast & Sandwiches

If you’re looking for fresh bagels, breakfast sandwiches, or lunch wraps, Marathon Bagel Co. is a fantastic choice. Everything is made fresh, and they’re known for their great coffee too.

Pro Tip: Order ahead—this place is popular, especially in the mornings.

📍 Address: 11090 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050

📞 Phone: (305) 517-6393

🌐 Menu: marathonbagelco.com


3. King’s Seafood – The Famous Cuban Sandwich

If you’re in the mood for something flavorful, King’s Seafood makes an incredible Cuban sandwich—perfect for taking on the boat. They also have other delicious seafood options and sides to round out your cooler.

📍 Address: 10925 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050

📞 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, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your day fishing without any last-minute rush.