Plan Your Key Largo Fishing Trip
Know when to arrive, what to bring and how to prepare for your private fishing charter with Miss Chief. A little planning helps everyone enjoy their time on the water, from a first reef trip with the kids to a full day offshore.
What time do fishing charters leave?
Our fishing day starts with 7 a.m. departures from Key Largo. The crew is preparing the boat, bait and gear from 6 a.m. Available departure times depend on the fishing trip and duration you choose. Follow the exact time in your booking confirmation; 6 a.m. is crew preparation time, not guest check-in.
We aim to finish the day's trips and return by around 6 or 7 p.m., depending on the time of year. That is our general operating-day target, not the return time for every charter. Your trip is scheduled around the departure and duration you book. Times are local to Key Largo.
Arrive 15–20 minutes before your confirmed departure. For a 7 a.m. trip, plan to arrive around 6:40–6:45 a.m. Check your confirmation for the latest meeting instructions.
Choose the right amount of time
Family and beginner reef trips offer 2, 3 or 4 hours. Deep-sea fishing and deep wreck and reef trips offer 4, 6 or 8 hours, subject to the trip's availability. Swordfish charters offer 8 or 10 hours. Trip duration includes travel as well as fishing. Compare the options before booking; later departures are not available for every trip length.
What to bring on your fishing charter
Bring food or snacks, any preferred drinks, sunscreen, a hat and polarized sunglasses. Wear light sun-protective clothing and comfortable closed-toe shoes with grip; nonmarking soles are a good choice. Flip-flops are discouraged. Bring a layer for wind or spray, particularly for a longer offshore trip.
Bottled water is included. Pack extra drinks to suit your group, and enough food for the full time you have booked. Keep your booking confirmation and the captain's number handy.
What Miss Chief supplies
Your charter includes fishing-license coverage, tackle, bait, fuel, ice, bottled water and cleaning your legal catch. You do not need to bring rods and reels. Trips are private for up to six guests. Check charter prices and terms for your chosen experience.
Preparing for seasickness
If you are prone to motion sickness or unsure how you will feel at sea, speak with a pharmacist or healthcare professional before your trip about suitable prevention and when to use it. Some medicines cause drowsiness and may not suit everyone, especially children. Looking toward the horizon and avoiding reading or prolonged screen use may help.
Tell Capt. Dan about your concerns before choosing a trip. A shorter reef outing means less time at sea, but no trip promises motion-free conditions. Let the crew know promptly if you feel unwell. See CDC motion-sickness guidance and review our early-return and cancellation terms before booking.
Boarding, mobility and other access needs
Contact Capt. Dan before booking if you have questions about boarding, mobility, balance or other practical needs. We make every effort to accommodate special requests, but the boat, dock and trip need to fit your group. Talk through any assistance you may need rather than assuming a particular boarding arrangement is available. You can also include practical requests in your booking notes.
Call Capt. Dan: (305) 393-2430 or send a question before booking.
Tipping the fishing crew
Gratuity is not included in the charter price. A 20% tip is customary for good service. Cash tips are encouraged, and tips can also be added to a credit card after the charter. The listed 6% booking fee is separate from crew gratuity. See prices, fees and charter policies for the full details.
Where to meet in Key Largo
Meet us at 400 Ocean Drive, Key Largo, Florida 33037. Follow the meeting instructions in your confirmation and allow time to arrive before departure.
View on Google Maps · Contact and directions · Meet Capt. Dan and Miss Chief