SUBJECT: # 36725: need recomendation for FL Keys captains (for TARPON, bonefish, etc.)

Submitted by Chris from NORTH CAROLINA on 1/16/02 3:07:00 PM

I need the name(s) of GOOD captains/guides in the Florida Keys area. I have tried doing Internet searchs, but get too much information--it is also hard to determine personalities, etc. on the Web.

I will be staying in Tavernier in May. I would like to fish for Tarpon, Bonefish, etc. I have done a lot of fishing, but mainly fresh water. I have some experience with Salt Fishing (off-shore, pier, surf), but have a lot to learn AND I like to learn...can anyone recomend GOOD (professional behavior, knowledgable, patient, personable, etc.) captains/guides that don't mind "teaching" a little?

1. 1/16/02 3:33:00 PM Submitted by Ed J from NEW JERSEY says Call... Jeff
   

   Chris,

   Call Capt. Jeff Knapp @ (305) 289-7732. He fishes out of Marathon that time of the year (May) He docks right at the base of the 7-mile bridge and he mostly fishes right under the bridge. If you have never done this before, man o man a chives, what a time you’ll have :-O. I’ll be down in May also, hopefully 2 times this year.

   Jeff’s good people, known him since we were kids, He’s a good guy, good captain good fisherman, & a good teacher.

   He can take anyone from true anglers to complete novice, and have them land a tarpon. Just do what he says and hang on.

   Don’t know if he does much with the bones, but give him a call and ask.

   Tell’um Ed sent ya.

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2. 1/16/02 4:22:00 PM Submitted by Ed J from NEW JERSEY says I just got off the phone with him...
   Chris,

   Your post got me thinkin that I haven't spoke with Jeff in a while. So I called him. The boat will be in the water Feb 1. He also said that things are booking fast, so if I were you i'd call him soon.

   Here's a link http://www.captainjeffknapp.iwarp.com/photo.html

   Ed J

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3. 1/16/02 7:53:00 PM Submitted by bonefish from TENNESSEE says Tavernier
   Tavernier is about 12 miles to Islamorada, 45 miles to Marathon, 75 miles to Sugarloaf and 92 miles to Key West.

   I can help with GREAT guides who fish out of Sugarloaf and Key West, but think Islamorada and Marathon are a zoo of phony guides and tourists.

   If you insist on fishing out of Islamorada and can get George Hommel to take you fishing, you'll have a wonderful time and learn much. He still has an office in the World Wide Sportsman, as he sold the business to Johnny Morris several years ago. George is the personal permit guide for George Bush, Sr.

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4. 1/16/02 9:20:00 PM Submitted by Chris (152.163.204.197) from NORTH CAROLINA says Thanks for the names...any others??
   Thanks Ed for the name and the contact information--I will likely give him a call.

   Bonefish, Thanks for the information and yes there appears to be a number of "people with boats and rods" claiming to be professionals. I noticed this on many of the web pages that I have visited--don't want to end up with one of those types.

   Anybody have any other names???? I like to have several names and then contact them to find these best fit with my goals and personality.

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5. 1/17/02 7:05:00 AM Submitted by bonefish from TENNESSEE says Others...
   Mike Conner is the Managing Editor of "Florida Sportsman" and writes a fly-fishing article each month. He's an active fishing guide on Florida Bay and the upper Keys. Mike's number is (305) 552-8457.

   Ken Collette is one of the old guard fishing guides in the upper Keys. He's not for everybody, but you may like his style (954) 463-0512.

   Tim Carlile is in Sugarloaf (mm 17) and worth the drive to fish with him if he's available. Timmy's all business and will put you on fish when the others are scratching their heads. (305) 745-1503.

   Greg Poland is another great guide in the upper Keys (305) 885-6646.

   Andy Thompson is another of the finest kind (305) 246-4669.

   If you are able to book a charter with any of the above, I will personally guarantee your satisfaction.

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6. 1/17/02 1:16:00 PM Submitted by Scurvy Dawg (65.71.14.69) from TEXAS says Capt Ken Harris - Key West
   Hey Chris

   May is peak tarpon season in Key West as they congregate and feed voraciously on the worm hatch. Before my wife and I honeymooned in Key West in May 2001, I queried this board for a good tarpon guide. Several people suggested the same guide, and he was in the Key West chamber website, so I booked with him.

   We had an awesome time, and now a replica of my 77 inch, 160 LB est tarpon graces my living room wall. My wife landed a 48 incher as well, and we had several go airborn and spit the hook. "Bow to the King." We landed mutton snapper, nurse sharks, and cero mackerel as well. Permit are a definite possibility as well, but we didn't hook any. You can split your day between harbor and offshore if you like as the reef is only 6 miles out.

   Our 8 hour trip cost $650, and amounted to more like 9 hours. Ken's 27 foot Conch is quite sporty, roomy, and plush. It is equipped with twin 250's. Ken may be short and squat in stature, but he is a giant in humor and fishing prowess.

   Good luck.

   Scurvy Dawg

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7. 1/17/02 8:36:00 PM Submitted by hd (4.43.214.21) from NEW JERSEY says k w guides
   the more reliable guides in key west,

   capt gary maconi capt bob trosset capt wally albrecht capt ken harris won't go wrong with any of these, have been fishing kw for 17 years if you need any further info, i would be happy to help you.

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8. 1/19/02 4:01:00 PM Submitted by cliffy1 (63.107.90.82) from VIRGINIA says Another name
   Larry Sydnor at www.captlarrysydnor.com. I must say that I have not yet fished with him, but I spent a lot of time on the phone over the past two weeks with a bunch of different guides in the South Florida area and he impressed me more than any of them. For me to enjoy a trip, I must have confidence in the guide. This guy obviously knows his stuff. He was one of the few that actually encouraged me to bring my own reels and that is important to me as I am MUCH more comfortable with my own equipment. It seems most guides just assume that the client is an idiot and wont bring the right stuff.

   Capt Larry didn't mind spending time on the phone to set up a trip that met my wishes. He asked a lot of quesitons and offered a variety of options. I was very impressed and I think I will enjoy his company on the boat.

   I'll post here with details of the trip in February. My hunch is that he will not disappoint.

   One final thing. I did a google search for his name and found a large number of articles mentioning him including several tourney wins.

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