Fishing with Miss Chief Charters in Key Largo
Updated: Oct 19
Miss Chief is a 34-foot Crusader sportfishing boat with room for your private group of up to six. We run four kinds of fishing trips from Key Largo: a short introduction on the patch reefs, offshore trolling and live bait, deeper reef and wreck fishing, and a full day focused on swordfish.
Start with the people coming. A first trip with the kids calls for a different plan than a day spent working heavy tackle offshore. Tell Capt. Dan Matthews what you want to try and how much time you have. We’ll help you choose.
Choose your Miss Chief fishing trip
Family and beginner reef fishing
Our Intro to Fishing Reef Charter heads to nearby patch reefs, generally two to three miles from shore. The crew helps with bait and tackle and talks you through what to do when a fish bites. It’s a good starting point for children and adults learning to fish.
Choose two, three or four hours. Two hours keeps the outing short; three or four gives your group more time to settle in and fish. Tell Dan the children’s ages before choosing your length.
Offshore trolling and live bait
Choose this trip for open-water fishing for seasonal sailfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo and blackfin tuna. We troll to cover water or fish live bait when the conditions call for it. The captain chooses the approach around the day’s fishing.
Trips run four, six or eight hours. The run is part of your booked time, and the fish can be well offshore. Ask Dan before choosing four hours if a particular offshore species is your main goal.
Deep wreck and reef fishing
This is the choice for medium and heavy tackle around deeper structure. The grounds are generally six to ten miles out, in roughly 50–300 feet of water. Possible targets include grouper, amberjack, cobia and kingfish.
Choose four, six or eight hours. This is a longer ocean outing than the introductory patch-reef trip, so think about everyone’s comfort aboard when choosing.
Swordfish
Gladiator of the Deep puts swordfish at the center of the day. It involves a long offshore run, specialized tackle and patience between opportunities.
The calendar offers eight- and ten-hour options. Talk with Dan about the plan for your dates and which length fits your group.
Aboard Miss Chief
Your charter is private for your group of up to six. Miss Chief has shade and an onboard restroom. You’ll fish with the rods, reels and tackle suited to the trip you choose.
We supply bait, onboard fishing-license coverage, fuel, ice, a cooler and bottled water. The crew cleans and bags fish you can legally keep. Sailfish and marlin are released on our trips.
Bring food and any extra drinks you’d like for the time you’ve booked. A reef introduction and a full day offshore need different amounts of packing.
Prices and booking
The currently listed base rates start at $450 for a two-hour reef trip and go up to $2,000 for ten hours of swordfishing. Each rate covers the whole private boat for up to six guests. A 6% booking fee is added at checkout, and crew gratuity is separate.
The charter pricing page lists every duration and the cancellation terms. Check your selected trip and date for the final booking total.
Reserve through the official Miss Chief calendar. If you’re deciding between trips, call Capt. Dan at (305) 393-2430 before booking.
Getting ready for your trip
We depart from Key Largo Harbor Marina & Boatyard at 400 Ocean Drive, Key Largo, Florida. Follow the time in your confirmation and arrive 15–20 minutes before departure.
Pack sun protection, food, extra drinks and shoes with grip and non-marking soles. Bring a layer for wind and spray. If anyone has questions about seasickness, boarding or balance, talk them through before choosing a trip.
Our trip preparation guide covers the practical details.
Questions before you book
Do you guarantee fish?
Yes. Fish are guaranteed on our reef, wreck and offshore fishing charters. The species, size and number depend on the day. Swordfish trips are a dedicated hunt; we work hard for every bite and take pride in putting one on deck.
Can we choose a species?
Tell Dan what you hope to catch before booking. He can explain which trip and length fit that goal for your dates. A specific species is never promised.
Can beginners join?
Yes. The crew helps you learn as you fish. For a short first outing, start with the family and beginner reef trip. Choose a longer offshore day when everyone is comfortable with the time and conditions at sea.
Pick your day aboard Miss Chief
Choose the trip that fits your group, check the available dates and book directly with Miss Chief. Bring your questions. We’ll take care of the fishing gear.
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