Fishing FAQs

Q. Will I need a license?

Commercial Captains in the Florida Keys must have a license that covers everyone in the boat. The State of Florida also allows Captains to buy an annual fishing license for anyone that goes on the boat with them. Every guide at Hawks Cay has this license, so there is no need to worry about trying to get a license the morning of the trip. Just step on the boat and go fishing!

Q. What do I need to bring?

Our Captains will have everything you need for a successful day on the water. However, there are some personal items that you may prefer to bring to make your trip more comfortable. I always suggest that guests bring a rain jacket, hat, sunscreen, a long-sleeved shirt and polarized glasses. Believe it or not, the Florida Keys can feel cool, even in the summertime, if you encounter weather. Most people prefer to wear their own raingear. A light weight jacket should be fine. I suggest a long sleeve shirt because it is often nice to cover up to protect yourself from the sun. Most guides wear long sleeves and even pants most of the year to protect themselves. I advise that you bringing your own sunscreen that you know you are comfortable with, and make sure it is SPF 30 or higher. You will also see the guides covering their faces with a Buff. These are a valuable thing on the water when you have had too much sun. They are available in the Marina Store.

Q. Do I need to bring my own rods or tackle?

You do not need to bring anything except personal items, however, if you would like to bring your own tackle, please feel free. Our guides have quality tackle and provide it as part of the charter fee.

Q. Is lunch provided?

Lunch is not provided, but the Marina Store will be open before your trip and has freshly made sandwiches and produce every morning. If you have special dietary restrictions, you can go to a local grocery store and keep your lunch in the refrigerator in your room.

Q. Are drinks provided?

Water and a cooler with ice will be provided by your guide. If you would like something else to drink, you must bring that yourself. Alcohol will not be provided by your guide.

Q. Can I bring some fish home for dinner?

If bringing dinner home is your top priority, discuss this with your Captain BEFORE the trip. Because the Florida Keys are so diverse, certain types of fishing lend themselves to bringing fish home for dinner, while others do not. There are State or Federal regulations protecting certain species or limiting the size of certain fish, and your Captain will be familiar with these regulations. Other times, guides practice catch and release to insure a healthy fishery for the future. Many trips encourage the taking of legal fish for dinner and will clean the fish for you at the end of the day. Your catch can be prepared by the chefs in one of our great restaurants at Hawks Cay Resort.

Q. How many fish will I catch?

Because of the diversity of the fishery and the opportunity to fish for so many different species, the number of fish expected can vary greatly. Some guides specialize in pursuing fish that are extremely difficult to catch and some even make it even more challenging by selecting fly or extremely light tackle to try and catch them. In these instances, catching one of fish in a day is considered excellent. Other strategies make it possible to catch large numbers of fish using bait and chum. We can accommodate anyone at Hawks Cay, but you must make sure to have good communication with the guides on the dock to make sure you find exactly the right trip for you.

Q. How much should I tip my guide?

Tipping your fishing guide and Captain is customary. Tips should not be based on what or how much you catch, rather on the quality of the experience as a whole. If your guide worked hard, was courteous, helpful and played an integral part of making this a memorable trip, a good tip is certainly in order. Tip amounts are personal, but a good reference is 15%. These guys work extremely hard and the amount of work that you saw while on your trip is just the beginning. Many hours of preparation went into making sure your trip was safe and enjoyable.

Q. Will I get seasick?

With so many different styles of boats and fishing available, there is no reason for you to be uncomfortable. If you are prone to motion sickness, you might prefer a flats or inshore trip where the seas are much calmer. Often the flats and bay boats will remain within casting distance of land. When going out to catch the fish that live in the deep water, the seas are sometimes rough and people have gotten seasick. If you are worried about it, taking Dramamine or another seasick preventative can really help. These are available in the Marina Store.

Q. Are there bathrooms?

The biggest boats have indoor bathrooms while the smaller boats do not. Sometimes a trip to land or back to the marina can be arranged, while other destinations, such as the Everglades, may not yield themselves to those opportunities. Talk to the guides and make sure that you are comfortable with the bathroom situation before the trip.