Captain Mike Venezia

CAPTAIN MIKE VENEZIA

You may have spotted Captain Mike Venezia on his signature Pink Boat in the waters around the Keys. Operating out of the renowned Bud n’ Mary’s Marina for over 10 years, Mike’s career has followed that of a true Florida Keys fishing guide.

Born and raised in Florida, Mike has been fishing since he was walking. Coming to the Keys since he was three, and being a full-time resident for over 14 years, he has always loved and enjoyed backcountry fishing.

Mike has spent over 20,000 hours on the water and has the skills and personality to show anyone a great time while fishing. Clients can expect a dry and fast ride on his 18.8’ Action Craft Flats Master, complete with a live well and a bench rear seat with back rest – or his 17.8’ Hells Bay Professional. Those fishing with Captain Mike should bring what they would like to eat and drink, and a cooler with ice will be provided, along with all tackle and equipment, though bring your favorite rod if you have one. You can find Mike and his Pink Boat in slip #21 at Bud n’ Mary’s Marina.

As he says to his clients, "The One and Only thing we can control in this business is our attitudes towards fishing and enjoying the day. The rest will all work out." So book today for a great time fishing the beautiful Florida Keys with Captain Mike Venezia.

ABOUT OUR FLORIDA KEYS FISHING CHARTERS

Islamorada’s back country has some of the best Tarpon, Bonefish, Snook, Red fish, Permit, and Trout fishing in the world. We’re also just a short boat ride from the Everglades National Park for Spanish mackerel, black drum, sharks and sea trout.

Meet us at the dock at World Famous Bud n Mary’s Marina or depending on where you’re staying, we can easily arrange pickup by water (weather & location permitting). Learn more about the Action Craft here.

We love our repeat guests and we love to give the seasoned angler an exciting new experience every trip. But we also welcome the first timers with patience and encouragement. Bringing the kids? We’re happy to customize the day to keep everyone happy.

If you’re looking for an unbelievable day on the water Flats or Fly Fishing in the Backcountry of Florida Bay or if you’re interested in the wilderness of Everglades National Park, give Captain Mike Venezia a call and we’ll plan your perfect adventure.

Flats Fishing Islamorada Backcountry

We call the beautiful, shallow waters that surround us, the “flats.” Our amazing clear waters are ideal for sight fishing. Sight fishing is almost more like hunting than fishing. We stalk the prey; usually red fish, bonefish, permit or tarpon. We pick out the fish for you to target, so casting accuracy undoubtedly helps. We can customize your trip to include some casting instructions for out of practice fly anglers or spin rod rookies. Sight fishing can be a bit frustrating at times, but is definitely the most rewarding.

Backcountry Fishing in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys Backcountry refers to the Gulf waters of the Florida Bay and within the limits of Everglades National Park (less than 2 miles away). Fishing Everglades National Park, 1.5 million acres of incredible wilderness, and home to bonefish, permit, tarpon, redfish, snook, sea trout, black drum, jack crevalle, ladyfish, gag grouper, jewfish and Spanish mackerel to name a few. There’s nothing like a day in the undisturbed peace and quiet of the backcountry – experiencing the birds, the variety of marine life – and of course the fishing!

Fly Fishing in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys is the ideal place for fly fisherman to land game fish like bonefish, permit and tarpon. It’s an amazing challenge, but it depends on good casting. Fortunately, barracuda, jacks, sea trout, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel and shark all provide great alternatives and are usually a little easier to spot and cast to. We can easily schedule a casting practice day – on or off the water – if you’re a little rusty or if you are just learning to fly fish.

Fun Fishing in the Florida Keys

Just looking for a great, stress-free day on the water? Let’s take the pressure off and go “fun fishing.” There’s a number of fish species that will keep everyone happy and reeling them in; from barracuda to Spanish mackerel this is a great way to introduce a non-angler to the sport. We can also get into some mangrove snapper that you will be able to take to one of our local restaurants to have cooked for your dinner. And – if we aren’t having fun fishing, there’s plenty to see and experience in the beautiful backcountry, from Everglades wilderness to deserted sand bars.

WHAT TO BRING

I supply all tackle, licenses, bait and ice. You should bring polarized sunglasses (an absolute must for sight fishing), sunscreen, lip balm, camera, and appropriate clothing, including deck shoes or white soled sneakers. For the summer months long sleeved fishing shirts and pants will keep the sun off and provide some protection from biting insects. For the winter months a light jacket is recommended.

Food and Beverage

Food and drinks are not included. Please bring what you’d like to eat and drink for the day. Also we recommend cans instead of bottles.

Bringing Your Own Gear

I supply rods and reels from IM Fishing, G. Loomis, Tibor, Hank Brown Hookup jigs, Star Rods, Shimano and Penn Reels. Please let me know if you are thinking about bringing your own gear. Ask before you pack – some tackle may not work well in salt water or may not be environmentally friendly.

Prices & Availability

1/2 Day Charter

$500
  • Departs @ 7am
  • Bud’n Marys Marina
  • Tackle INCLUDED
  • 1-2 Anglers
  • +$100 Third Per.

3/4 Day Charter

Most Popular
$700
  • Departs @ 7am
  • Bud’n Marys Marina
  • Tackle INCLUDED
  • 1-2 Anglers
  • +$100 Third Per.

Full-Day Charter

$800
  • Departs @ 7am
  • Bud’n Marys Marina
  • Tackle INCLUDED
  • 1-2 Anglers
  • +$150 Third Per.

Evening Tarpon Charter

$500
  • Departs @ 4pm
  • Bud’n Marys Marina
  • Tackle INCLUDED
  • 1-2 Anglers
  • +$100 Third Per.