Fishing conditions and holiday charter outlook as of November 8, 2023.
Thanksgiving is approaching, and the holiday calendar is starting to fill. If Christmas week in the Keys is on your schedule, this is a good time to plan your day on the water. When winter gets serious up north, things tend to get busier down here.
You can reserve through my Reservations page. Read the trip information first, then use your booking notes to tell me about your group and what you would enjoy.
I do not answer calls while running a trip. If you have questions or need to discuss particular arrangements, my contact form is a useful way to reach me while I am out.
For a look at the trips themselves, browse #captfkra on Instagram or my Florida Keys Reel Adventures Facebook page. I share different outings and updates so you can get a feel for what we do.
Please Do Not Come Aboard Sick
One firm holiday-season request: anyone who is actively sick cannot come aboard. If someone in your group becomes ill, contact me before heading to the marina.
We share a small space on the boat. If I get sick and cannot work, it affects other guests who have been looking forward to their trips, too. Letting me know beforehand is better for everyone than trying to address it at the dock.
November Reef Fishing Has Been Very Good
Fishing has been very good through early November. It is still unusually warm, while passing fronts have brought several windy days at a time. The fish and conditions are moving around enough that there is no single routine to follow every morning.
My approach has been to sample the deeper reef, the top of the reef, and shallower areas to find what is working that day. If a spot is productive, we spend time there. If it is quiet, we keep looking.
That flexibility is fairly normal for November. I also adjust the techniques and locations to your group’s experience, so everyone has a manageable starting point and room to learn.
Confirm Your Departure Time
As demand increases, departure times may change to make better use of daylight. A trip advertised for 8 a.m. may leave at 7 a.m. when I am running two outings that day. We will confirm the actual time together.
Mornings remain my preference for half-day fishing, though afternoons can be a solid option during this season. An early departure gives us a chance to reach spots before they receive more fishing pressure.
For afternoon trips, I generally choose different locations from those I fished that morning. Other boats may have visited them, so we work with what we find.
Please include useful details in your booking notes and keep an eye out for my reply. During the busier weeks, evenings around 6–7 p.m. are likely to be my main window for returning calls after a day on the water.
My Lobster Trips Are Winding Down
I have had plenty of lobster inquiries, but I am treating my trips as largely finished for 2023. Bayside water is around 75°F and dropping, with visibility becoming less reliable.
There may be an exception for an experienced group if suitable conditions line up, but I would not build your holiday plans around it. Repeatedly getting in and out of cooler water is a different experience from our warm-season trips, and I want you to understand that before booking.
Winter Snorkeling Needs a Flexible Plan
Recent snorkeling visibility has reached around 40–50 feet on good days. Tide, wind direction, and wave action can change that quickly as we enter the windier season.
For trips through January 1, 2024, we can plan to snorkel, but we need an agreed alternative if the water does not cooperate. Wetsuits will be part of the preparation, and I can help arrange rentals through Captain Hook’s.
During this holiday period, I am booking those outings with the understanding that unsuitable snorkeling conditions may mean switching to fishing or another appropriate activity. Discuss that flexibility with your whole group before reserving.
If I cancel because the weather is unsuitable for the trip, I will refund the deposit. That is different from changing the activity because visibility is poor. We will talk through the options so everyone understands the plan.
Boat Updates and a Thank-You
The quieter fall schedule has given me time to keep up with maintenance and improvements. The boat is ready, and I am looking forward to spending more days out with guests.
Managing costs has been a challenge this year, particularly insurance, fuel, and maintenance. I am working to keep trips good value while continuing to look after the boat and equipment properly.
If you enjoyed your charter, an honest review on Google, TripAdvisor, or Yelp is appreciated. It helps future guests understand the experience and makes a difference to an independent business like mine. Thank you for taking the time to share your day.
Putting together a holiday outing with fishing, snorkeling, or a sunset in mind? Send me your dates and the activities your crew would enjoy. We can discuss a flexible plan for the season and make sure everyone knows what to expect before the holiday rush reaches the dock.
