Meet Capt. Dan Matthews and Miss Chief
A private fishing trip should fit the people aboard. Capt. Dan Matthews welcomes families, first-time anglers and experienced fishermen to Key Largo, helping you choose a day that matches your interests, comfort and time on the water.
Fishing with Capt. Dan
Dan's approach is personal: teach, guide and encourage guests, including children, so everyone feels involved. Whether you are hoping for your first mahi, learning a technique or planning a dedicated swordfish trip, tell him what you have in mind before you book.
Good communication matters from the first conversation to the ride back to the dock. Share your group's experience, who is coming and any concerns about time at sea. The captain and crew can explain the fishing plan and help you compare the available experiences.
Aboard the 34-foot Miss Chief
Miss Chief is a 34-foot Crusader sportfishing boat, custom-built in the Florida Keys and powered by a Cummins common-rail diesel. Your charter is private for up to six guests, with room for your own group rather than a shared-seat trip.
The boat has shade and an onboard restroom. The fishing setup includes conventional, spinning and electric reels from Shimano, Penn and Daiwa, with rods and tackle suited to the trip selected. Fishing licenses, bait, tackle, fuel, ice, bottled water and cleaning your legal catch are included.
See real catches and days on the water in our fishing photo gallery and Miss Chief YouTube channel.
Getting ready before you arrive
Our fishing day starts with 7 a.m. departures, and the crew is preparing the boat, bait and gear from 6 a.m. Your booking confirmation gives your departure time; guests do not need to arrive at 6 a.m. Plan to be at the dock 15–20 minutes before your scheduled trip.
We aim to finish the day's trips by around 6 or 7 p.m., depending on the season. Your own return is based on the departure and duration you book. Read our fishing-trip preparation guide for timing, what to bring and seasickness planning.
Is the boat right for your group?
Talk with Capt. Dan before booking about boarding, mobility, balance or other practical needs. We make every effort to accommodate special requests, but the boat, dock and fishing plan need to suit your group. Ask about assistance in advance rather than assuming a specific boarding arrangement.
Miss Chief offers shorter reef introductions and longer offshore experiences. No boat can promise flat seas or a particular catch. Choosing a suitable trip length and discussing your expectations helps the crew plan your day.
Four ways to fish from Key Largo
Family and beginner reef fishing: 2, 3 or 4 hours for an introduction to fishing the nearby reef.
Deep-sea and offshore fishing: 4, 6 or 8 hours, with trip availability and fishing plans shaped by the season and conditions.
Deep wreck and reef fishing: 4, 6 or 8 hours focused on deeper structure.
Swordfish charters: a dedicated 8- or 10-hour day for a specialized target.
Meet us in Key Largo
Miss Chief departs from 400 Ocean Drive, Key Largo, Florida 33037. Use your booking confirmation for current meeting instructions.
View on Google Maps · Contact Capt. Dan · Compare charter prices and durations