Florida Keys Fishing Charters

Magazine cover of "Saltwater Sportsman" featuring a smiling angler holding a large fish, with text highlighting fishing tips for various species and a focus on inshore fishing.

Thanks for stopping by. I’m Captain Rich Smith—a South Florida native raised with saltwater in my veins and a fishing rod in my hand. Well not exactly but I have spent my entire adult life guiding anglers on the water. So I guess you can say I’ve done some fishing over the last 25 years.

A Patient Teacher, Not Just a Captain

Whether it’s your first time holding a rod or you’re a seasoned angler, I keep the day fun, relaxed, and educational. I explain the “why” behind every move so you leave a better angler than you arrived—kids and beginners especially welcome.

Over the years I’ve been featured on TV shows and in publications including Addictive Fishing TV, NBC’s TODAY Show (segment with Jeremy Wade), Bass 2 Billfish Television with host Peter Miller, and Sport Fishing TV with host Flip Pallot—plus coverage in the Miami Herald, Saltwater Sportsman Magazine, Sport Fishing Magazine, and Bass Pro Shops Catalogs. Mentions aside, what I’m most proud of is having loyal repeat customers that fish with me year after year. They are like family to me because I too get to watch their families grow and become better anglers.

More Than One Captain

A Team You Can Trust

Here’s Some Of Our Full Time Seasoned Crew

Man holding two large fish, a grouper and a snapper, on a fishing charter boat in the Florida Keys, showcasing successful catch and fishing experience.

Captain Jason

Born and raised in the Florida Keys he’s been running charters for close to 30 years. You’ll find him on some of the larger boats we have.

Man holding two large fish on a fishing boat, with a dog sitting beside him, showcasing a successful fishing trip in the Florida Keys.

Captain Joe

He’s the workhorse of the crew. If it swims he can catch it. You’ll find him running one of the Bay Boats or any of the larger boats we have.

Captain holding a large fish on a fishing charter in the Florida Keys, showcasing a successful catch with ocean backdrop.

Captain Bill

“Jersey Bill” as we call him around here is very versatile being able to fish anywhere. You’ll find him running the 30′ Center Console.

Two fishermen on a boat in the Florida Keys, one holding a fish, showcasing a successful catch during a fishing charter experience.

Captain Diego

The “Big Man” as we call him. Cuban born but very proud American that has been running charters in the keys since the 1980’s. You’ll find him running the Hybrid Bay Boat.

Florida Keys Fishing Charters isn’t a one-boat operation. Alongside me is a tight network of full-time, highly experienced Florida Keys captains each running their own boat and specializing in specific fisheries. What that means for you:

  • The right boat for the mission: We have technical poling skiffs for backcountry fishing, bay boats for more near shore excursions, and center consoles for reefs, wrecks, and offshore fishing.
  • Better dates & flexibility: more captains available means more availability during peak seasons and the ability to match your trip to the right captain, boat, and bite. Some of us are great at catching lots of meat with live bait while others of us like releasing lots of fish and throwing artificial lures.
  • Consistent standards: safety-first, courteous, family-friendly captains who share my no-pressure, no-ego approach.
  • Local expertise, squared: multiple sets of eyes on the water every day, sharing intel with each other so your trip benefits from the whole team’s knowledge.

When you book with us, you’re booking a standard of service—not just a time slot. I’ll either guide you personally or pair you with the captain and boat that fit your goals, species, and schedule best.

Fishing charter boat in the Florida Keys with three anglers enjoying a backcountry flats fishing trip on calm waters.

18′ Flats Skiff

1-2 Anglers

If it’s backcountry flats fishing your looking for this is the boat for you. We offer 4, 6, and 8 hour trips using light tackle spinning gear or fly fishing equipment. The Florida Keys has a wide range of species available. Visit our Inshore Flats Fishing page for info

Inshore Flats Fishing
23′ Bay Boat equipped for inshore fishing, featuring multiple fishing rods, anchored in clear water, ideal for 1-4 anglers seeking a spacious charter experience in the Florida Keys.

23′ Bay Boat

1-4 Anglers

If you are wanting to stay inshore but have a little more room the Bay Boats are what you need. We offer 4, 6, and 8 hour trips using light tackle spinning gear. We use live bait, cut bait, and artificial lures to catch a wide range of fish. Visit our Gulf Wreck fishing page for info

Gulf Wreck Fishing
31′ Center Console fishing boat docked in the Florida Keys, designed for 1-6 anglers, ideal for reef, wreck, or offshore fishing trips.

31′ Center Console

1-6 Anglers

If reef, wrecks, or offshore is your goal this is the boat for you. We offer 4, 6, and 8 hour trips using light tackle and conventional fishing gear. We use live bait, cut bait, and lures to catch a wide range of fish. Visit our Offshore fishing page for info

Offshore Fishing
30′ sport fishing boat cruising in the Florida Keys, designed for 1-6 anglers, featuring a spacious deck, fishing equipment, and a canopy for shade.

30′ Sport Fish

1-6 Anglers

If you want more shade and a little more room this is the boat for you. We offer 4, 6, and 8 hour trips using light tackle and conventional equipment. We use live bait, cut bait, and artificial lures to catch a wide range of species. Visit our Reef fishing page for info

Reef Fishing
24′ bay boat navigating the waters of the Florida Keys, equipped for inshore and offshore fishing, with a captain at the helm against a backdrop of clouds and water.

24′ Bay Boat

Our 24′ Skeeter bay boat is a versatile weapon for inshore, flats, and Gulf wreck fishing. Its shallow draft and stable deck let us slide quietly across the flats, while still handling open Gulf runs. With roomy casting decks, a trolling motor, and livewells, it’s built for serious, hands-on fishing.

24′ hybrid bay boat in motion on clear waters, featuring fishing gear and four anglers, designed for versatile inshore fishing in the Florida Keys.

Hybrid Bay Boat

Our hybrid bay boat is built for versatility across the inshore waters of the Florida Keys. With a shallow draft and open, stable deck, it fishes bays, channels, and edges comfortably using a trolling motor and generous livewells. It’s a confident all-around platform for anglers who want to bounce between flats, mangroves, and light structure in a single day.

30′ center console fishing boat navigating the waters of the Florida Keys, equipped with fishing rods, designed for offshore fishing and charters, highlighting versatility and performance.

30′ Center Console

Our 30′ center console with inboard power is our go-to platform for reefs, wrecks, offshore runs, and live bait tarpon trips at the bridges. It offers a smooth, confident ride with plenty of room to spread out, sturdy fish boxes, and big livewells. From anchoring on snapper spots to drifting crabs for tarpon or chasing mahi and tuna offshore, this boat is built for serious action.

36-foot center console fishing boat named "Pole Stripper," featuring vibrant graphics, anchored in calm waters surrounded by mangroves, with a captain at the helm, ideal for fishing charters in the Florida Keys.

36′ Center Console

Our 36′ center console is our offshore machine, powered by triple 300 HP outboards for speed, range, and reliability. It eats up the run to the edge, with tons of deck space, big livewells, and insulated fish boxes. From kite-fishing sailfish and chasing mahi and tuna to electric-reel deep dropping for grouper, tilefish, and barrelfish, this boat is built to hunt.