Guide suggestions for Key West in March - The Hull Truth

skibum · 12-03-2003, 07:55 PM

My brother in law is getting married in Key West (Yes, to a girl!) in March. I have had two guided experiences there - one great(fly fishing), one awful ("Almost There" charters - wasn't quite there...can you say hung over guide?)

Looking for a quality fishing experience for tarpon - father in law has never targeted this species. Would likely be three of us. I am a fly fisherman but others are not - will probably need to defer...

Any suggestions for a good guide?

Thanks for any guidance. Date would be Friday, March 12th.

Marlintini · 12-03-2003, 10:58 PM

Went out with Capt Lenny last March.
Caught lots of fish, good conversation, hard working guy. I wll definately use him next time I'm in Key West (Hopefully sooner than later)

Capt Lenny

Reel Pursuit · 12-04-2003, 07:55 AM

We've had good luck with Capt. Tony Murphy of Keylimey Charters. He'll do flats fishing or offshore, depending what you want to go for. He's at Murrays Marina on Stock Island.

www.keylimey.com

acendhole · 12-04-2003, 10:08 AM

My wife and I fished with Captain Bill Welder last July. We both landed our first Tarpon and had a great time to boot.
www.captainbill.net

skibum · 12-04-2003, 04:20 PM

Thanks for the replies, folks!

I'll get started contacting and checking for availibility!

Kent

gjliii · 12-05-2003, 08:09 AM

We used to fish with Capt Jay Weed of Lucky Strike charters. We always had good fishing. They are located across from Pepe's restaurant, or adjacent to "Eat it Raw Bar". Have fun

pinfisher · 12-18-2003, 12:14 PM

quote:Originally posted by gjliii:
We used to fish with Capt Jay Weed of Lucky Strike charters. We always had good fishing. They are located across from Pepe's restaurant, or adjacent to "Eat it Raw Bar". Have fun

pinfisher · 12-18-2003, 12:16 PM

Bill welder at island charters is hard to beat for tarpon fishing.

bigrockhunter · 12-18-2003, 01:51 PM

I also recommend Capt Bill Welder. Me and my wife fished with him back in November and had a great time. Very convienant to Key West.

dpdash · 12-18-2003, 08:18 PM

I have not fished with Bill Welder but he is a frequent poster to Florida Sportsman Forum in the Keys section and his reputation on that board is top notch. I think you would have an excellent time, catch some fish and end up recommending him. Other Top name captains, Ken Harris, Rob or Ralph Delph or Robert Trossett all out of Key West. I heard not so great things about Jose Wejebe, aka Spanish Fly, attitude wise. Can't confirm that.

skibum · 12-19-2003, 05:09 PM

Thanks for the additional suggestions. Now it looks like I may be alone - as the f-i-l may not be getting in in time to fish...

I have contacted a couple of the recs - and was very pleased with the quick responce - a good sign!

thresher · 01-01-2004, 01:10 PM

Capt Jay Weed of Lucky Strike charters was a great guide for my wife and I as well. He put me on my first sail, too! (He didn't hand me the rod, he actually let me do all the work, so it was really my sail - coolest captain ever). He is in Land's End marina and I can't speak highly enough. Oh. And bring your mastercard...

I'd rather be flats than heavy

Timber · 01-02-2004, 03:54 PM

I third the recommendation for Bill Welder. Fished with him last Feb 1st & he impressed me with his knowledge & skill. Call him, you won't be disappointed. He goes out on a Parker 21SE with a T-top. He lives just north of Key West. Very convenient. Check out his website. . . at http://seapro50.tripod.com or call him at 305-744-4474

CCA
IGFA
MSSA