Key Largo Archives - Captain Dave Perkins Fishing Charters

Just Plane Crazy

It’s my opinion that the people who get the most out of fishing are the ones who love being outside in nature and on the water so much, that pursuing and catching fish is just a bonus. It’s also my assertion that for some reason, they usually catch the most fish. It’s as if the … Continue reading “Just Plane Crazy”

A Wall of Shark

Fishing has been my number one passion for as long as I’ve been forming memories. It was my father’s and his father’s before him. Aside from fishing, I’ve had a love for all water sports and boating since we got our first family boat when I was 8. Skiing, knee boarding, skin diving, and eventually spearfishing, … Continue reading “A Wall of Shark”

Picture a Fish

Let’s face it, fishing and photography are a sport and hobby that go hand in hand like NASACAR and beer drinking. Anyone can tell a fish story, but being able to show a photo of your catch to friends and family is a big part of the fun. It’s also a great way to prove … Continue reading “Picture a Fish”

Chasing Wahoo with Ahab

Having a home on the water in the Florida Keys for the last fifteen years has had a lot of advantages and I feel truly blessed. One of the many benefits has been the friends I’ve made in my neighborhood. A close one lives at the end of my canal on the open bay. His … Continue reading “Chasing Wahoo with Ahab”

Surreal Salmon

For many years I’ve found ways to get away from late summer in South Florida for at least a month. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend the last three in Chicago. That is the perfect time to be there. It is still warm enough to get outside and be active, but cool … Continue reading “Surreal Salmon”

From Swordfish to Snook

I feel like fishing is as much a social outlet as a recreational one. Since I was a kid fishing the local canal with the neighbor kids, most of my closest friends have been fisherman. As I go through life, I meet people with different degrees of knowledge about all types of fishing; from ice … Continue reading “From Swordfish to Snook”

Lola the Fish Whisperer

In 2004, a Miami friend of mine’s family were out on their porch giving out Halloween candy when a little black dachshund mix walked up and sat down with them. It was dirty, covered with fleas and had no collar. It didn’t seem like it wanted to leave so they fed it, washed it and let it … Continue reading “Lola the Fish Whisperer”

The Art of the Rod Storage

This article was contributed by Chris Ritter. He is a Miami born and raised, Harvard educated, architect and illustrator. He has a knack for designing highly functional, aesthetically pleasing, home improvement projects. He is also one of my best friends of almost 30 years and a great guy, with one of the sharpest minds and best wit of anyone I know. … Continue reading “The Art of the Rod Storage”

Exchanging Fishing Tips for Writing Tips with a Best Selling Author in Flamingo

I was recently lucky enough to take JT Kalnay and Dr. Al Brady into the Everglades National Park in pursuit of fish. It was one of the prettiest days of the year with perfect fishing conditions. They were thrilled to be back in the Everglades National Park. It’s always a special treat to fish with … Continue reading “Exchanging Fishing Tips for Writing Tips with a Best Selling Author in Flamingo”

The Florida Keys Sawfish AKA Mud Marlin

I met one of my best friends while attending the University of West Florida in Pensacola over 20 years ago. Parker and I were in a class together and had a mutual friend. When we figured out that we were both South Floridians with the same passion for fishing, the transition from classmates to best … Continue reading “The Florida Keys Sawfish AKA Mud Marlin”

Angler vs. Sailfish vs. Shark

The guys I grew up and am still friends with are all avid anglers. As far back as junior high school, we used to skip class and go fishing. We’d load our gear on the back of our bikes and spend the day at our favorite spots around South Miami. We’d be sure to cover up with … Continue reading “Angler vs. Sailfish vs. Shark”

Grouper Wrassling in Flamingo

A big grouper, an airplane, and a tale about one that did not get away.

Captain Dave Perkins Fishing Charters

4.9

Based on 31 reviews

review us on

Ed Finney

20:19 05 Aug 21

We went fishing last year with Captain Dave. He put us on the fish we all are limited out on sea trout and most importantly we had a great time. I can’t wait to go back next winter

Lori Wilson

17:15 26 Jun 21

Thank you Captain Dave Perkins for making this the most memorable Father’s Day yet! 🎣 🦈 🐬 My husband and 12-yr old son caught red snapper, snook, sea trout, a black tip reef shark and a barracuda!! Oh, and a dolphin and sea turtle both came by to say hello just for the cherry on top! Captain Dave was friendly and informative and they had an amazing time. If you’re ever in the Florida Keys, you need to call Captain Dave Perkins!!

Rocky Musico

12:51 26 Jun 21

Awesome captain! Truly was a great experience for my son and I. Captain Dave is the one you want!

Jeremy diefenthaler

16:09 31 Mar 21

Captain Dave Perkins knows his fishery! He is a great captain. He is also super friendly. I called him last minute for a charter, and luckily he had a cancellation. We caught a bunch of speckled sea trout, lady fish, and a dozen snook. I also hooked a huge shark, but it got off. We also saw a bunch of Dolphins. I am an avid angler but my friend had never fished before. Captain Dave was able to put us both on fish. Regardless of your skill level, Captain Dave Perkins should be your go-to backwater fishing guide. Fishing aside, it was breath-taking to be out on the water where we went.

Kim Snodgrass

15:03 20 Mar 21

Captain Dave is a great fishing guide! We had so much fun. He taught us all to salt water fish! My grandson (9) was successful! Caught a bonnet shark by himself. Captson Dave worked to help us all be successful! We also caught a 5 ft black tip shark! I highly recommend this guide service!

Amber Cicotello

18:45 03 Mar 21

Although Captain Dave obviously doesn’t need another amazing review, here is mine: My husband charters Dave yearly for his guy trips, and he always returns with great stories of catching gigantic fish and having an amazing time. When his guy friends bailed on him this year, and he told me he wanted to take me this time, I obviously jumped at the chance! Of course, as a romantic getaway, I was thinking a relaxing spa trip, laying in the sand and dabbling in some snorkeling might be nice instead, but my husband was insistent on having Dave take us out, promising a good time. It being February in freezing and rainy Virginia, during Covid with three young children, I didn’t argue! Even though it was only for a couple days, I jumped at the chance to soak up the beautiful Florida sunshine.We stayed in Key Largo and rented a car, so we were able to drive ten minutes down to Travertine to meet him at his house where his boats are docked. Immediately upon meeting him, his balance of professionalism and friendliness blew me away. He was diligently already prepared with everything we needed, including all necessary equipment, a large live well already stocked with bait fish and a big cooler full of ice for our beverages and sandwiches.One of the first things we were able to see is a small pod of dolphins, eating and playing near us in the water. It was as if they recognized Dave’s boat (which they probably did) and wanted to come play right next to us! Next, we pulled up to an area near a mangrove and saw a rare American Crocodile! Of course Dave gave us a quick lesson about them before it swam away. We encountered several very large sharks and Dave even took us to a camping area in the national park where people can stay in the middle of the water- I made my husband promise to take me back so we can go camping there!I’m normally a pretty outdoorsy person, and was excited to fish, but being in a beautiful place in the middle of winter, I just wanted to chill and drink it all in. Dave didn’t make me feel bad for my non-participation. I spent most of the time lying out on the bow of his boat, melting like butter with the cooling breeze softly caressing my skin, smelling the salty sea air and listening to the gentle waves lapping against the side of the boat. I was constantly being entertained with the dramatic reeling in and capturing (and releasing) of huge, beautiful fish. The last time my husband was with Dave, they caught a ton of tuna, which he expertly filleted and gave back to them, telling them about a restaurant which prepared them into a huge poke bowl for all to share. This time, we stayed closer, and although the water was crazy rough, we were able to catch bonefish, snapper, and even a few sharks! It was all very exciting and I will absolutely never forget it.Dave is everything you could ask for, not only as a guide but as a person as well. He obviously knows the keys like nobody else. His tenure on the water, incredible kindness and generosity, and passion for fishing radiates from his entire being. Thanks to Captain Dave Perkins for a great experience all around. I will recommend him to all who wish for a magical day on the water, whether you’re into catching limitless fish or just into soaking up the sun. Three thousand thumbs up!

STEVE WILSON

13:11 17 Feb 21

Great day on the water with captain Dave. He really works to make sure you have great fishing experience and awesome day on the water.

Heather Strefezza

01:55 15 Nov 20

Absolutely perfect day of fishing with Captain Dave! My 14yr old son and I truly enjoyed every minute of our day, SO much fun!!! Captain Dave was knowledgeable about the area and where to go and not go especially after the storm a few days before. I highly recommend Captain Dave Perkins Fishing Charters and we will definitely book with him again the next time we are visiting.

Christa Sedney

19:30 18 Mar 20

My 13 yr old son and I spent two days in the backcountry with Captain Dave Perkins (March 15th and 17th, 2020). I can tell you, we will definitely plan a trip with him again! We had an amazing time! He was a very skilled guide, and pulled several tricks out of his bag to get us on the fish! In addition to landing several sea trout, snook and redfish, were fortunate enough to catch and release a lemon shark, spinner shark and sawfish!! They were beasts!!! This was an incredibly exhilarating experience and I couldn’t recommend Captain Dave more! So make the right choice and book yourself an excursion with him today!!! You won’t regret it!!

Eddie Sorrell

15:07 14 Mar 20

2 great days of fishing with Captain Dave March 3rd &5th Dave went out of his way to put me on a back country game fish bite and it paid off 1st day we caught several reds/trout and snook second day out we got on a good snook/red fish bite and I landed 2 nice Snook.From beginner to experienced fisherman Dave is the man that gets it done we were blessed to be out there getting after it those 2 days I look forward to booking trips next year

Adam Gray

20:26 03 Mar 20

Our trip with another captain was cancelled so I reached out to Captain Dave to see if he was available. He was able to get us out and put us on the fish in less than ideal conditions! We caught A TON of snook, trout, and jack. We even caught a jewfish. We had a blast and will definitely be booking another trip with him in the future.

Danny Ritter

01:47 22 Feb 20

I have chartered Captain Dave several times and it has always been a fantastic experience! Dave goes above and beyond expectations to provide the best fishing trip in the Keys that one can have. He is extremely knowledgeable, teaches you things, and assists when needed but lets you get the fishing done yourself too. Beyond that, Captain Dave is so fun and personable, and that is what really separates him from the competition. He’ll make you laugh, tell stories, listen to you, and really roll out the red carpet for his guests. You are guaranteed to have the best fishing charter experience in all of the Keys with Captain Dave!

Robin Berman

21:46 07 Feb 20

I recently fished with Captain Dave and I must say it was an incredible experience! I do not typically fish the backwater country, but after spending the day on the water with Dave, I fell in love with it. We caught numerous Snook, Redfish, Trout, etc. He certainly put us on the fish! Thank you Dave for an awesome day!

Wally Ermi

16:37 07 Feb 20

Dave is by far the best Captain out there. His personality coupled with the knowledge he has about the water made my trip truly memorable. If your looking to see all kinda of cool landscape, fish with a great Captain and most of all catch so many fish you will loose count, book a trip with Dave!

Joe Deily

15:09 16 Nov 19

This was my first charter with Captain Dave. Unreal experience. My wife and I were lucky to have calm waters in early November. Less than 90 minutes into the trip Captain Dave helped us catch our first Permit. He shared his knowledge of sight fishing, and made the trip a unique experience we will never forget.. What a beautiful fish! Clearly, he had a great understanding of the local area and where to get fish. In the latter part of the trip we caught redfish, snapper, jacks, and snook. He is easy-going, and made the experience extremely memorable, and tailored it to the conditions and our capabilities. We are novices, and we feel like we hit a hole in one.

Jay Forstner

23:07 05 Apr 19

Captain Dave is everything you could want in a fishing guide. He works hard. He's knowledgeable. He loves what he does. I had an all-day back country trip with Dave April 2. Minutes from the dock, he had us on fish, and he kept us on fish for the next eight hours. He knew the exact spot to target specific species, and if one spot wasn't producing, we moved on to the next one. Jacks, trout, snook, redfish, even a couple of unexpected monster sharks. He respected the fish and released them as quickly and humanely as possible. Just as important, he's a cool guy to be around. People sometimes forget that when you book a guide, you're going to spend the whole day in a boat with that person, so it's important that he or she is fun to be with. Dave is laid back, funny, interesting, and a good listener who seems genuinely interested in getting to know his clients a little bit during the day. He offered tips and advice on fishing techniques, but never made me feel like I was a complete novice, even though I was. All in all, just a great day with a fun, friendly guy who really knows his stuff. I recommend him very highly.

Dave C

21:43 06 Feb 19

We had an awesome back country trip with capt Dave. I highly recommend Dave. He put us on the fish and we caught more than I could count. Trout, Redfish. snook, shark, and several other species. I will post a pic when he sends them to me.

MATTHEW DAVIES

14:29 29 Jun 17

Best fishing charter in all of Florida and I have been on 100s all over the state. All of the reviews I have read about this captain are true. One of the most enjoyable fishing trips I have been on. The Captain is the funniest and most knowledgable guides I have met.

Tracy Stoick

20:06 21 Jun 17

Very friendly, knowledgeable and likeable guide. We would definately use Capt. Dave again.

Clint Killingsworth

15:18 17 Jun 17

Great day on the water with a great captain! Captain Dave Perkins and his first mate ( his cute little dog) we're ready and waiting for our arrival just after 7:30 AM. He was patient with our kids...and us while trying to help us earn a memorable Keys experience. He succeeded and then some. Within a few short hours we landed 4 sharks and got our fill of sea trout and lady fish. He even gave a tour of some of the most beautiful scenery to boot. Top off your Keys experience with Captain Dave. You won't regret it.

Tommy McCabe

20:46 16 Apr 17

Collin Fountain

18:33 17 May 16

I had an awesome time with Captain Dave. We caught trout, redfish, sharks, barracuda, snapper, and ladyfish. Lost count of all the fish we caught. Great experience and can't wait to get back

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