Half Day Party Boat Fishing

What Is Not Included?

Meeting Location

What have you been catching recently?

Now that the weather has finally warmed up and stabilized a bit the fishing has gotten back on track for us. as we head into spring and summer, the patch reefs are very productive for yellowtails, mutton snappers, mangrove snappers and porgies. You will also find cero mackerels, groupers, mutton snappers and other popularly targeted species in the patches this time of year. Getting out off the edge of the reef, the kingfish are still pretty consistent. Every day is a bit different, but most days you can count on catching a few if you hit the right areas.

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Advance purchase is strongly recommended, as trips often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please buy your tickets well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express. However, feel free to "walk up" at anytime as we accept cash at the counter if there is still space available on the trip you're interested in.

What happens if it rains?

We still go out. We are primarily concerned with wind and sea conditions and they are not necessarily bad during the rain. If it is raining, please dress appropriately and consider bringing a poncho if you can. In the case of severe weather, we may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in which case you will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.

Are children allowed?

We love children! Children 12 years of age and under have a reduced price ticket and children 5 and under are free. If you are concerned about the seas or rocking of the boat for children ages 2 and under, please click on the "Contact Robbies" link to check boat availability and weather forecast.

Is the trip suitable for pregnant women?

Pregnant women shouldn't have a problem, as we are lucky enough to have calm waters most of the time here in the Florida Keys. Please note that it is up to the individual and their symptoms at the time whether they will be comfortable on the boat and at sea for the activity, and you should consult your doctor if you have any questions.

Do I need to have fishing experience?

No! A lot of people who join us have never fished before. Our expert crew loves to teach you the skills you will need.

What is the difference between the night and day trips?

Day and night fishing generally follow the same route - we'll go out to the reef and anchor. Sometimes at night the fish may be bigger, but we often catch more fish during the day than we do at night! However, the best fishing of the whole year on the reef is in June, July, and August at night.

Can I still go on the trip if I don't want to fish?

Sure! If you want to come on the trip but don't want to fish, you may purchase a Rider extra at a reduced price. Please keep in mind that if you do choose to purchase a Rider extra, you will not be allowed to fish for the duration of the trip! However, there is great scenery to see along the way and the upper deck has no fishermen so you will be welcome to lounge about and enjoy the views.

What happens if I don't catch any fish?

We can only guarantee great fishing, not catching. Our crew will do everything we can to put you where the fish are, but we can not control what does or does not bite the hook. If you don't catch anything, please come back for another trip to try again!

What are the limits on the fish that I catch?

There are legal limits on both fish size and quantity in the state of Florida depending upon the species. Your crew will keep you informed during the trip of any regulations - however, legal quantity limits are high enough that you will most likely be able to keep everything you catch that's of legal size!

Can I eat the fish I catch?

Of course! Our crew is always happy to clean and fillet your fish for you. Our on-site restaurant The Hungry Tarpon will be happy to cook your catch for you. Of course our mates work for tips, so please keep that in mind!

Can I sell the fish I catch?

Unfortunately, selling fish that you catch on the trip is illegal in the state of Florida. If there are any fish that you don't want, feel free to release them or give them to other customers. Otherwise, use your catches for a celebratory feast at our on-site restaurant The Hungry Tarpon afterwards! Our crew will help you clean and fillet your fish.

How far will the boat go out?

The boat will usually go 3-6 miles from the shore. Land will always be in sight.

How long will it be until we start fishing?

It will usually be about a 35 minute boat ride before we begin fishing.

At what depth will we be fishing?

We will anchor the boat anywhere from 15 feet to 250 feet deep.

What side of the Keys do we fish on, the ocean or the gulf?

The ocean.

What type of gear should I bring if I want to use my own?

If you would like to bring your own gear, a 12-20 lb rod and reel combo is recommended for Snappers (if you have a spot on the stern and will be fishing for yellowtail, make sure you bring a light spinning rod). A 40 - 80 pound rod and reel combo is best for Grouper. Note that groupers are rare nowadays.

What type of bait should I bring if I want to bring my own?

All bait is included in your ticket price, but feel free to bring your own if you want to! Live shrimp are great day or night, as well as Pinfish, fresh Ballyhoo, and Silverslides. You are welcome to use our boat's live well!

Do I need a fishing license?

No, you will not need a fishing license in order to attend our drift fishing trips.

What types of food and beverages are available?

We have soda, water, and chips for $ 1.00 ~ Beer is only $ 3.00! We are the cheapest bar in town!

What do I need to bring?

We provide all of the fishing licenses, tackle, bait, coolers and ice that you may need as part of your ticket price. You may bring your own rod and reel or rent one of ours at the shop prior to departure. All you need to bring is your own food and drinks, and for the daytime trips, sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a hat to protect you from the sun! Keep in mind that hard liquor and glass containers are not allowed on board.

What is not allowed on the boat?

Please do not bring any glass bottles or containers on board the boat. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and illegal substances are also not allowed.

May I bring alcohol on board?

Sure, you may bring beer or wine coolers, but liquor is not allowed on board. No glass bottles or containers are allowed either. If you do not want to lug around a cooler, the Captain has beer, water, and soda available for purchase.

Should I tip the crew?

Your mates work very hard to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Tips are highly appreciated! Most people tip 20% of their trip's ticket cost.

Can I bring an ice chest or cooler?

You may bring your own personal ice chest or cooler., but we do keep all of the fish in our own cooler until we return to the dock. Plus, we have drinks on board for purchase so that you can just jump on board and let us do all the leg work!

Are there life jackets on board? Do I have to wear one?

Our boat is US Coast Guard certified and has life jackets on board for every passenger. However, you are not required to wear a life jacket during the trip.

Is smoking allowed on the boat?

Smoking is not allowed inside the cabin, but it is allowed on the outside deck areas.

Are the boats wheelchair accessible?

We are able to accommodate wheelchairs, but need advance notice to set up a special ramp that will enable a wheelchair to board the boat easily. Please click on the "Contact Robbies" link to inquire about arranging wheelchair accommodations. Keep in mind that the bathroom on board is not wheelchair accessible and a handicapped passenger will most likely need assistance to use the bathroom.

What should I do if I'd like a specific spot on the boat?

For the most part spots are first come, first served. If you are interested in spots on the stern, you can check availability when you book your tickets (but there are only 7 spots on the stern, so book early!). There are 5 spots on the stern and 2 just to the side of the stern - in all 7 spots, you will use a light spinning rod to fish for yellowtail snapper. The 2 spots just to the side of the stern can fish for yellowtail OR bottom fish with a conventional rod for other fish such as mutton snapper. All other spots on board must use conventional rods to bottom fish for all species besides yellowtail. If there are no stern spots left, join us for bottom fishing and come early to get the next best spot on board!

Is there parking close to the meeting location?

Yes! We have free parking at our marina - you should have no problem finding a space when you arrive.

Are there any special group discounts?

Yes, if you have a group of 10 or more you will get your rod and reel rentals free when you check in!

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes! Please click on the "Contact Robbies" link to ask for more information on gift certificates.

Can I book a private fishing trip?

Of course! All our boats are available for private fishing charters. Please click on the "Contact Robbies" link for more information.

Refund/Rescheduling Policy

Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.

Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.

Weather Policy

Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather.

The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.

Other Policies

Participants must have a rod to fish on the trip.

Participants fishing on the trip must have a rod suitable for the day's fishing, which is not included in the regular price of the trip. If you do not have your own, you can rent a rod for $3 at our shop prior to departure (any coupons for free rods must be redeemed at the shop before the trip).

Robbie's of Islamorada