I have done a decent amount of charter fishing with my father, and I think we agreed that Neil is the best captain we have gone out with; hands down. We have been coming to the Keys for close to ten years now, and gone out with a lot of people, but I think we will definitely spend our time and money in the Conch Republic with Captain Neil going forward.
There a few things that really made hime stand out:
Personality: Captain Neil has a great sense of humor and he can read the “room” to keep everyone on board comfortable and entertained. He has the patience to help anglers of all skills, and he is willing to let you do as much or as little as you want. He was fine with my friend and I tying our own hooks on and baiting and throwing them, and he was also fine baiting and throwing for our fiancees.
Flexibility: on our first day, we went out towards the Marquesas to find some wrecks and whatever the Backcountry had to offer up. We found a wreck, and started throwing baits at the abundant snook, but couldn’t elicit a bite. We noticed there were also grouper on the wreck, so the captain switched up to target them. While we were waiting for a take, the captain also had snorkel gear, so my friend and I were able to get in the water with the nurse sharks and the reef fish ahead of the boat. It was better than the snorkel charter we went on a few days later!
Effort: on our second day, we told the captain we wanted tarpon. To say he moved heaven and earth to make it happen was an understatement. We went to a dozen different spots, tried a half dozen techniques and finally managed to get some fish to rise. At the end of the day, everyone in our party had a shot at a fish, and we had about a dozen takes, half a dozen fish on the line and lots of leaps. We managed to boat two fish with lots of coaching from the captain, and it was a perfect day.
I will be coming back, and I can’t recommend him enough. First time charter or seasoned angler, capt. Neil is the guide for you.
10/10
I have done a decent amount of charter fishing with my father, and I think we agreed that Neil is the best captain we have...